Justin the Guide Dog Gets a Seton Hall Diploma Alongside His Human: NPR

Seton Hall University awarded Grace Mariani’s guide dog Justin a special diploma for dogs this week, much to the delight of Mariani and her fellow graduates.

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Seton Hall University awarded Grace Mariani’s guide dog Justin a special diploma for dogs this week, much to the delight of Mariani and her fellow graduates.

Seton Hall University/NPR screenshot

They made it through college together, and when Grace Mariani took the stage to receive her Seton Hall University diploma this week, her guide dog, Justin, was right next to her.

His fellow graduates applauded when school president Joseph Nyre presented Mariani with his diploma. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education, graduating with great praise.

Then Nyre presented Justin with a diploma, and the crowd inside the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ erupted. The scene was caught on video from the school.

Justin paused before accepting the white top hat, glancing at Mariani. Then he dominated the moment, grabbing the tube in his mouth, wagging his tail as Mariani smiled.

The pair left the stage together to a chorus of applause and more than a few barks.

As shared footage of the ceremonySeton Hall noted that the 6-year-old dog, a mix of yellow Labrador and golden retriever, had attended all of Mariani’s classes with her.

According to the university, Mariani, of Mahwah, NJ, plans to use his degree to work in elementary education and special education.