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. 🌟🐕
Art for dogs? Mexico museum welcomes pets to new exhibition
Mexico City’s Museo Tamayo has put together a modern art exhibition for the enjoyment of humans and their furry friends.
Artists have always been inspired by the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Now, one Mexican museum wants to bring the art world to dogs themselves.
Mexico City’s Museo Tamayo has put together a modern art exhibition for the enjoyment of humans and their furry friends.
Lorenza Errasti, curatorial assistant for the museum’s collection, said the exhibition is a selection of works from the museum’s collection and was intended for the enjoyment of owners and their dogs alike.
“The readings of the exhibition are based on emotions,” according to Errasti. “And the affectionate relationship that exists between an owner and their dog is always there, and even more so now that we open this space for that.”
The exhibition, #ArteyPerros (“Art and Dogs”) includes pieces by Haris Epaminonda, Max Ernst, Mathias Goeritz, Pierre Huyghe, Danh Vo and Mario Garcia Torres as well as a poem by Luis Felipe Fabre. It is the exhibition’s second instalment, with the first held in 2020.
The response to the initiative so far has been positive, as many people enjoyed the chance to appreciate the artwork along with their furry friends.
“I like to take my dog everywhere,” said Mila Cohen, a sixth-grade student, near a Max Ernst painting.
“It would be incredible if there were more spaces like this, with art, where we could spend time with our dogs,” noted Manu Echeverria, a photographer.
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