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A guide dog called Melisa stole the show at a university graduation ceremony in Poland, receiving an honorary diploma and a round of applause as she joined more than 120 students completing their degrees.
The black Labrador accompanied Anna Zielińska, who is blind, throughout her studies at SWPS University and was recognised for her role in helping the psychology student navigate campus life.
“Imagine a student who never said anything nonsensical, never got an ‘F’ and was never unprepared,” said Professor Tomasz Grzyb, dean of the university’s Wrocław faculty, introducing Melisa to the audience, reports Gazeta Wyborcza.
Wearing a navy blue bandana for the occasion, Melisa was the first in her class – and the first dog in the university’s history – to receive a diploma, which described her as an “absolutely exceptional graduate of SWPS University”.
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Melisa attended lectures, workshops, seminars and exams with Zielińska, who was herself awarded a Master’s degree in psychology.
“We come to the university together and [Melisa] was an absolutely huge support for me in everyday life,” Zielińska told Gazeta Wyborcza. “Thanks to her, it was easier for me to function at the university, I was more confident in getting to classes in the individual rooms.”
“I am pleasantly surprised that my Melisa has been appreciated,” she added. “Everyone really liked her and often told me that she was a sweet dog. I’m really very grateful that not only I, but also she received her own diploma.”
Poland's government is seeking to introduce retirement benefits for dogs and horses that have served in the police.
Currently, they receive no state support after finishing work, and are cared for by their former handler or a charity https://t.co/SsJ6UxtO8g
— Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) February 20, 2021
Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support.
Main image credit: Krzysztof Zatycki / Agencja Wyborcza
Alicja Ptak is senior editor at Notes from Poland and a multimedia journalist. She previously worked for Reuters.
