• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Living

Service dog honored alongside college graduate: 'Everybody was cheering'

1:17
Service dog honored at college graduation
Courtesy of Rollins College and Patrick Connolly
ByYi-Jin Yu
May 19, 2025, 9:20 PM

When Cecilia Hernandez graduated from Rollins College earlier this month, she and her fellow students weren't the only ones who were honored onstage.

Hernandez's service dog Canela, who has been at her side for the past three and a half years, was also recognized with a special patch at the May 11 commencement ceremony.

"My service dog received a special patch for her vest in recognition of her hard work at graduation," the 22-year-old wrote in the caption of an Instagram post on May 13, alongside a video from the ceremony. "Having a service dog in chemistry is nearly unheard of. It required many, many training sessions just to get her used to wearing PPE. As I did research for an undergraduate thesis, this required even longer days in the lab."

Cecilia Hernandez graduated from Rollins College on May 11 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry alongside her service dog Canela.
Courtesy of Rollins College and Patrick Connolly

"I am beyond grateful @rollinscollege provided such a wonderful campus and community, allowing me to thrive with my service dog by my side," she added.

Hernandez told ABC News that Rollins' recognition of Canela meant a lot to her.

"It was definitely a surprise. Everybody was cheering," the recent graduate said. "I was just so proud that I was able to make it this far with her."

Related Articles

Meet the golden retriever service dog stealing the show in marching band

Having Canela, a golden retriever, alongside her during her undergraduate career was a game-changer for Hernandez, who said she has faced health challenges including endometriosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac issues over the years.

"My freshman year, I honestly thought that I wasn't going to make it to graduation," Hernandez said. "When I got Canela and we were training her, I was thinking to myself, like, 'This is going to work.'"

When in the lab with Cecilia Hernandez, Canela wears protective equipment, including booties, goggles and a de-shedding vest.
Courtesy of Cecilia Hernandez

Related Articles

Student and emotional support dog attend graduation ceremony together

Hernandez, who majored in chemistry and minored in English, trained Canela to accompany her and alert her of flare-ups, particularly inside the laboratory.

Editor’s Picks

Veteran graduates college with help of service dog

  • May 21, 2022

Doggy diploma: Therapy dog to receive honorary degree from Virginia Tech

  • May 15, 2020

Sweet service dog receives her very own cap for owner's graduation

  • Aug 09, 2018

Canela, like Hernandez, has protective equipment specifically for the lab setting, from goggles and a de-shedding vest to close-toe booties.

"After training, we realized that she could and she did very well in the lab," said Hernandez. "So that allowed me to keep pursuing my passion in chemistry."

Hernandez said she is looking forward to continuing her studies after graduation and will pursue a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at the University of Central Florida starting this fall.

Related Topics

  • Pets

Editor’s Picks

Veteran graduates college with help of service dog

  • May 21, 2022

Doggy diploma: Therapy dog to receive honorary degree from Virginia Tech

  • May 15, 2020

Sweet service dog receives her very own cap for owner's graduation

  • Aug 09, 2018

Up Next in Living—

TikTok rolls out new self-care features to give users more control over their content

June 3, 2025

Viral Big Bear bald eagle chick leaves nest: 'Sunny is out in the world!'

June 2, 2025

Soccer star Trinity Rodman cheers on Ben Shelton at French Open

May 30, 2025

Scripps National Spelling Bee winner Faizan Zaki says he was 'hyperventilating' during win

May 30, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News