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. 🌟🐕
Lost dogs finally reunite with family because they smelled sausage
Two beloved pet dogs that vanished while they were out for a walk in the hills are safe at home thanks to the smell of grilled sausages.
Miniature schnauzers Charlie and Theo were missing for four days after disappearing in thick fog on the Red Pike fell near Buttermere, Cumbria.
Distraught owners Liz and Graham Hampson launched a rescue campaign and sought help from mountain rescue teams, family and friends.
There was no sign of the dogs as more than 120 people and two drones scoured the hills, so Liz and Graham decided to try to lure them with their favourite bangers.
They set up a barbecue near the spot where Charlie and Theo, who are father and son, vanished and shouted the dogs’ names.
To their amazement, a short time later the dogs appeared through the trees, leading to an emotional reunion.
Liz, 49, from nearby Cockermouth, said: “When they first appeared it was like a mirage. I could not believe it was them.
“My husband ran up the hill to grab them as I was just shaking and crying. I could not function.
“The dogs are just gorgeous, and they are part of our family. It would be horrible not to have them around.
“They absolutely love sausages. They have them every Sunday for breakfast, so if there was one food they were going to come back for, it was sausages.”
Liz and Graham’s son John was walking Charlie, aged seven, and Theo, aged 15 months, on top Red Pike fell on June 16.
The weather turned at lunchtime and a thick mist rolled in, causing the 21-year-old to lose sight of the dogs.
He rang his mum straight away to let her know what had happened, and they immediately started to form a rescue party.
Liz said: “I was beside myself when John called. The dogs walk off lead when there is no livestock around and are used to being on the fells.
“It was a horrible phone call. We called our family and messaged friends and put out an appeal for people to look out for them on Facebook and Twitter.
“I also have a few friends who are part of mountain rescue groups so I asked if they could keep their eyes peeled if they were called out to a rescue.”
Liz and Graham spent the first night camping on the fell and calling the dogs’ names trying to get them to come back.
They then spent the next few days over Father’s Day weekend hiking all around the area in hot weather trying to find them.
On the morning of June 19, Mark Steel, a GP and member of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, said the dogs were likely on the other side of the fell, near Gillerthwaite.
Together they hatched a plan to get the dogs back, and started barbecuing sausages.
Liz said: “It was great to see them appear through the trees.”
“They were thin, and they smelled, but thankfully they’d kept themselves hydrated in the heat.
“We took them to the vets the next day and they were given a clean bill of health.”
She added: “My son is in the navy and we rang him first to tell him. A huge cheer went up on his ship.
“Charlie and Theo are actually dad and son so we’re now joking they had a Father’s Day weekend.
“And they’ve told us nothing about what happened. I guess what goes on tour, stays on tour.”
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