A COHORT of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduates were joined by fourlegged friend Summer at their graduation ceremony last week.

The students had been joined by Summer at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus for the full six years of their studies, with the groodle attending lectures and acting as a therapy dog during exams.

However, at the end of last year, Summer was diagnosed with tetanus, and without a banding of support from her students, the Roseworthy veterinary hospital and the entire campus community, would likely not have survived.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate Jade said last week’s graduation was just as much Summer’s as it was hers.

“In October last year, Summer became very weak,” Jade said.

“We took her to the Roseworthy emergency centre and she was quickly diagnosed with tetanus.

“She rapidly declined and was paralysed by nightfall.

“She went into ICU and received 24/7 care from clinic staff and students in my year level. We moved her muscles, turned her regularly, fed her through a stomach tube and administered medication.”

After three surgeries, it was found the cause of tetanus was a grass seed in Summer’s paw. Her treatment was very expensive, costing at least $1000 a day.

Jade said the whole campus community chipped in to save her, and on day 20, Summer was able to come home.

“She had to learn to walk and eat all over again,” she said,

“She is such a loving and brave dog, and adored by everyone she meets.

“Her rehab is ongoing, with regular acupuncture and hydrotherapy.

“But you wouldn’t know the struggles she’s been through if you met her today.”