Guide dog receives honorary diploma at Polish university

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”.

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.”

Main image credit: Krzysztof Zatycki / Agencja Wyborcza