"He's part of the class:" Service dog helps girl...all the way through high school graduation

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It is graduation season -- and one high school senior is crediting her sidekick -- a golden retriever for helping her get her diploma.

FOX17 in Grand Rapids, Michigan reports as some 35 graduates filed into Freedom Christian High School in Hudsonville, Michigan -- among them was the four-legged companion of a girl named Desi.

Desi has cerebral palsy -- and got her service dog "Walton" four years ago.

FOX17 says Walton has helped Desi through high school.

“I really, really couldn’t be where I am right now in this stage of my life without him. Before him, I would come to school in a wheelchair," Desi told FOX17.

That's why it was important Walton be there at Desi's graduation ceremony.

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