Brittany Hawley’s Incredible Adventure with Her Faithful Sidekick, Griffin 🐕
Let me introduce you to Brittany Hawley, a 25-year-old from North Carolina who has faced tremendous challenges due to a chronic neurological disease that confined her to a wheelchair when she was still in her teens. However, Brittany’s life changed for the better when she applied for a service dog to help her with her daily routines. That’s when she met Griffin, a golden retriever who would become her constant companion. This remarkable duo met through a special program called ‘paws4prison.’ This program trains inmates in West Virginia prisons to train highly skilled assistance dogs. When Brittany and Griffin first met, several dogs were presented to her, but Griffin stood out. Unlike some dogs that were wary of her wheelchair, Griffin jumped straight into Brittany’s lap and showed her affection.
Recently, Brittany accomplished an important goal by completing her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Clarkson University. This was a momentous occasion not only for her but also for her loyal companion, Griffin. Throughout Brittany’s years of study, Griffin played a crucial role in her life, attending classes with her, retrieving her phone, and actively participating in her community activities, social groups, and research projects. Griffin even supported her during her internship at Fort Bragg.
When the four-year-old golden retriever received his honorary diploma, it was a recognition of his “extraordinary effort, steadfast commitment, and diligent dedication to the well-being and student success” that contributed to Brittany’s achievements. Brittany proudly said, “I advocated for Griffin’s graduation from day one. He did everything I did.”
Brittany and Griffin proved to be an invaluable team for soldiers grappling with physical limitations and psycho-social issues. Griffin’s presence was so significant during therapy sessions that patients often referred to him as a co-therapist alongside Brittany. On a daily basis, Griffin helps Brittany with various physical tasks such as opening doors, turning on lights, and retrieving objects indicated by a laser pointer. However, what Brittany values the most about Griffin is his ability to comfort her during times of anxiety and depression, which has helped her manage the constant pain that she experiences. Brittany’s story demonstrates the remarkable impact that service dogs like Griffin can have, thanks to their highly specialized training that equips them to provide assistance and emotional support to individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, and other qualifying circumstances.
Brittany’s experience with her furry friend, Griffin, is a remarkable testament to the indomitable connection that exists between people and their canine pals. This bond effortlessly overcomes obstacles and acknowledges the influence of willpower and affection. 🌟🐕
An Early Second Chance
On my way to work as a vet technician a few weeks ago, I saw what looked like a sock or shirt laying in the road. I didn’t think much of it.
About 15 minutes later a woman came in holding a box and said she found a kitten on the road, and she thinks it is still alive. My heart sank knowing I drove right past this sweet girl without thinking twice. I took her into the exam room and the doctor decided she may have a broken jaw and some head trauma. We administered a steroid injection, subcutaneous fluids, pain medication, and started her on antibiotics.
The first two days were not great for her. She was in some pain and could not hold her head upright. On day 3, she was starting to improve, she was less stuffy, her head was upright, and she was eating well from a syringe.
I decided to take her home and continue her care there, and bring her to work with me every day. Since then this little girl has blossomed into quite the firecracker! She is still syringe feeding, as she is only about 4 weeks old, maybe 5, and she loves to chase my feet when I walk!
If it weren’t for the woman finding her, this little girl wouldn’t have stood a chance out there along the road. My husband decided to name her Nook, and she is settling in quite well at home with our three other cats.
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