A service dog who supported nursing students and faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo became an honorary member of the Class of 2026 at the school’s Spring Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
Liam, a service dog belonging to Assistant Professor Tracy Thornett, crossed the stage wearing a custom stole after spending the past two years attending lectures, labs and clinical rotations alongside students. The senior class voted to pin Liam during the ceremony in recognition of the comfort and support he brought to the cohort.
“He’s literally the best dog I’ve ever had,” said Thornett.
From reject to service dog
Born in Pāpaʻikou, Liam was unable to be registered with the American Kennel Club because of an overbite. Thornett originally planned for him to become a therapy dog, but those plans changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and a difficult period in her personal life as she cared for her mother during cancer treatment outside Hawaiʻi.
“I just felt myself unraveling,” Thornett said. With support from her doctor, Liam became her official service dog.
A classroom companion with lasting impact
Liam helped Thornett continue teaching while also becoming a familiar presence for nursing students. She introduced him to her junior nursing class in fall 2024 and openly shared how his companionship supported her mental health and well-being.
Liam later became a staple in nursing labs and classrooms, where students said he helped demonstrate the compassion and human connection central to healthcare.
“He reminds me how to do that over and over again,” Thornett said.