A service dog named Justin was given a diploma by the president of Seton Hall University at a graduation ceremony in New Jersey, US.
During the graduation ceremony, the dog accompanied his owner, Grace Mariani, who graduated on May 22. Apparently, the dog was given a college diploma for attending all of Mariani’s classes in the University. Mariani, who relies on a wheelchair, beamed with pride while Justin, her service dog, hopped joyfully by her side.
During Mariani’s commencement ceremony at the Prudential Center on Monday, the pup celebrated along with his owner as she earned a Bachelor’s degree and then was gifted with some paperwork of his own. Seton Hall has shared a video clip which has gone viral on Twitter.
The post captioned: ‘Seton Hall President Joseph E. Nyre, PhD presents Justin, the service dog for Grace Mariani, of Mahwah, NJ, with a diploma for attending all of Grace’s classes at Seton Hall.’
Justin, who accompanied Mariani to her classes during college, is a yellow Labrador-Golden Retriever mix.
According to report, Mariani graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. Her goal is to teach elementary and special education. Justin has been by her side ever since she received him through the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence in Long Island.
In the video, Justin grabs his diploma with his mouth while the crowd cheers on the canine and Mariani. Nyre throws up his hands to celebrate the dog, Mariani, and the pair’s achievements.