Hamilton, a service dog trained by Chattanooga Goodwill Industries, wears a cap and gown with owner Doug Williams and others at Ooltewah High School in this file photo.
Doug Williams brings Hamilton, his service dog trained by Chattanooga Goodwill Industries with funding raised by Hamilton County students, to show to students at Ooltewah High School. The dog’s graduation ceremony was held at the school because Ooltewah students raised the most money of all the participating schools.Hamilton does many of the tasks you might expect of a service dog. He helps Doug Williams get dressed. He picks up fallen items from the floor, and he opens doors.
But the golden retriever also does things no one expected.
When Doug’s wife, Shea, comes home from work each day, he retrieves her slippers without being asked. At night he turns down the covers on their bed. He even tries to tuck them in.
Williams, who has used a wheelchair since 2004, has multiple sclerosis and fatigues easily. So when Hamilton does small tasks like picking the remote off the floor, it makes a big difference.
“Just that one little thing saves me so much and gives me energy throughout the day,” he said.