It’s graduation time again, and many proud students are collecting their diplomas and celebrating years of hard work. But at Seton Hall University, there was an unexpected — and adorable — face among the grads.
A service dog named Justin, who belongs to graduating student Grace Mariani, walked on stage to receive an honorary diploma after helping his owner through classes for the past four years.
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According to the university, Grace, from Mahwah, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. Justin was by his owner’s side all the way, accompanying her to all of her classes.
When Grace, who uses a wheelchair, accepted her degree on stage at the Prudential Center in Newark, Justin stole the show by accompanying her — and received his very own honorary degree!
The audience went wild as the good dog was handed the rolled-up degree by Seton Hall President Joseph E. Nyre, happily grabbing it in his mouth.
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According to Gray News/TMX, Grace plans to teach elementary school and special education — and will continue to have her loyal dog Justin by her side all the way.
Watch the heartwarming video below:
Service dogs are truly invaluable to the people who need them, and Justin did an amazing job getting his friend through school the past four years — he definitely earned his degree! We can’t wait to see what these two do next!
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