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[feline groovy]

Congratulations, girls!!  

Adorable service dog gets photo in yearbook, graduates from fifth grade

Rachel's service dog, Linda, became everyone's favorite classmate at Orange City Elementary School — and she couldn't graduate without some extra love.

Jun.03.2018 / 9:28 AM ET 

When it came time to take yearbook photos for the graduating fifth-graders at Orange City Elementary School in Florida, everyone agreed that Linda, one very special service dog, deserved a moment to shine, too.

Linda looked picture-perfect next to her fifth grade classmates in the Orange City Elementary School yearbook.

Linda, a 4-year-old yellow lab, attends school with Rachel Watton, an 11-year-old with spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the baby's spine. The companion dog helps Rachel navigate in her wheelchair.

Rachel's mom, Heidi Race, told TODAY that Linda "opens doors and picks things up" — but more importantly, she's Rachel's very best friend.

According to Race, the pair are “two peas in a pod,” and Rachel’s happiest fifth grade days were the ones she spent with Linda by her side.

Beyond just picking up Rachel’s pencil whenever it fell off her desk, Linda supported Rachel, as well as her classmates, every time they came to school.

Linda wears an Ohio State collar because, like her mom, she's a Buckeyes fan.

“Linda would be there to help with tests when the kids started to get anxious or nervous," said Race, who often volunteered in the classroom. "She’s very intuitive — and she’d go over and the kid would pet her, give her some love. She gave them a break to calm down."

Rachel’s fifth grade teacher, Ashley Desmond, always appreciated Linda’s love and support, too.

“It’s amazing the change that I have seen in my students and how (she's) brought us all together as a family,” Desmond told TODAY. “She’s really become the mascot of Orange City Elementary.”

Linda not only appeared in the yearbook, but she also received special recognition at the school’s graduation service. Principal Charlie Bynum awarded Linda a plaque of honor for the pup's three years of dedicated service at Orange City Elementary.

"She was ecstatic," said Rachel's mom, Heidi Race, of her daughter's reaction when Linda received the plaque. The honor for the beloved dog mirrored the school's love for Rachel.

“I thought the award might be for Rachel,” said Race of Bynum’s initial praise. “They’re so much the same, Linda and Rachel. They’re always helping others and always there for people.”

When the fifth grade class walked off toward middle school, Rachel and her mom promised that Linda would be back to Orange City Elementary for visits.

“Linda is as much of a figure in that school as any student,” said Race. “She’s therapy for everyone.”

[OKPrincess]

When I think life’s a little tough, I don’t have to look far to see my “issue” is so minimal compared to others. This story is a fine example. Thanks for posting.

[Bridgegal]

This is great.   It put a huge smile on my face.

[threecees]

Linda is a beauty. Love her.

A great smile for her photos.

Thanks @feline groovy

[Pandalady]

@feline groovyThank you for sharing such an inspiring and uplifting story!  Best wishes to Rachel and Linda in middle school!

[Karie2022]

Beautiful story, beautiful dog....

[Drythe]

We can never underestimate the intuition and empathy of animals!  💗

[Foolywooly11]

That's so cool. Thanks for sharing.

[Irish1210]

LOVE this story ~ made my heart smile : )

Thanks for sharing ~

[NickNack]

What a wonderful story!  I'm so glad you posted it @feline groovy.