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Cavapoo Milo Carruthers at last night's ceremony in Queen's University Belfast. Queen's University Belfast

Over 20 ‘gradupets’ take part in pet graduation ceremony at Queen’s University Belfast

Cats, dogs, and even a dwarf hamster were among the furry friends celebrated for their role in supporting their human through their time at Queen’s.

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST has become the first university in the UK to recognise the role pets play in the educational attainment of their students.

Queen’s said the pet graduation isn’t some dog-matic or cat-astrophic idea, but is rather based on research that shows the important ‘degree’ of support animals can provide as study buddies.  

Jodi the Chihuahua Jodi the Chihuahua. Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast

Some 25 pets were invited to an unofficial and informal graduation ceremony at Queen’s Lanyon Building last night, following the university’s main tranche of summer graduations.

This included a number of dogs, cats, and even a dwarf hamster who were celebrated for their role in supporting their humans through their time at Queen’s.  

Dwarf Hamster Peaches Dwarf Hamster Peaches Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast

Queen’s said ‘pupparazzi’ were on hand to snap the pets being conferred with “honorary dog-torate cat-ificates in either Pawlitical Sciences, Barkitecture, Furensic Pawthology or Barketing”. 

Queen’s University pointed to research which shows that time spent with pets can improve concentration levels and lower stress, two things that are particularly important when studying.  

From Bavarian mountain hound to dwarf hamster, no matter the size we know that our furry friends play a vital role when it comes to our students achieving their degrees, and they deserve some acknowledgement too.

Sammy the Black Labrador Sammy the Black Labrador. Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast

Rico, a 13-year-old Jack Russell, was among those celebrated and his owner and Queen’s graduate Michael Murphy remarked that Rico is “full of beans despite being a mature student in dog years”.

“I am delighted to see his efforts recognised and to have another Queen’s graduate in the family,” added Murphy.

Rico and Michael Murphy 13-year-old Jack Russell Rico Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast

Elsewhere, Aaron Christie was grateful the contributions of his cat Raphael were recognised, despite Raphael’s walking all over his laptop at times during study periods.

Christie said it was great to be a part of the ceremony as “pets are such an integral part of the family, we would all be so lost without them”.

Raphael the cat with owner Aaron Christie Raphael the cat with owner Aaron Christie. Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast

Meanwhile, Louise McCarthy was pleased her Dachshund Milo was a part of her big day and described him as the “best study buddy through my Queen’s experience”.

Louise McCarthy and Daschund Milo Louise McCarthy and Daschund Milo. Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast

“This is an excellent opportunity to show him how much his support has meant to me in such a fun way,” said McCarthy.

Otto the eight month old miniature schnauzer Otto the eight month old miniature schnauzer. Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast

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    Mute honey badger
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    Jul 10th 2024, 3:00 PM

    Proper order! You can’t overstate the many good things that a pet brings to your life. I was lucky enough to have had a ‘heinz 57 variety’ terrier during some very rough times many years ago. He’d sit with me, we’d go for walks, he’d act the bollox, but he was always there with those knowing eyes. Lived till he was 19. Taking him to the vet for the last time was amongst the hardest things I’ve ever done. Celebrate your pets! Their short lives are precious.

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    Mute Vinny Hughes
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    Jul 10th 2024, 3:17 PM

    @honey badger: sorry for your loss

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    Mute Robert Halvey
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    Jul 10th 2024, 3:48 PM

    @honey badger: bro I hope you learn to love again

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    Mute ben wu
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    Jul 10th 2024, 5:25 PM

    @honey badger: Sounds like a very good boy. my cat Pixie also made it to 19, and while was never strictly a house cat, she was always just adorable.

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    Mute honey badger
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    Jul 10th 2024, 5:47 PM

    @ben wu: We’re lucky to have had them in our lives.

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    Mute Clare Power
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    Jul 10th 2024, 2:38 PM

    This is just adorable, made me smile.

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    Mute Robert Halvey
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    Jul 10th 2024, 2:55 PM

    Pet Animals have been family members for centuries, Well done to Queens for being the first to give them a proper recognition

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    Mute Phillip Smyth
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    Jul 10th 2024, 4:02 PM

    One of the most saddest acts I have ever done was to take my dog to the vet for the last time, she not only a companion but a great friend I miss her and loved her so much

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    Mute F Fitzgerald
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    Jul 10th 2024, 7:32 PM

    @Phillip Smyth: Sorry for your loss. I’ve been there.

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    Mute Joe Lynch
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    Jul 10th 2024, 3:48 PM

    Nice touch Queens. I applaud

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    Mute Toyo Ke
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    Jul 10th 2024, 3:30 PM

    Ya can’t beat a Jack Russell, he looks well smart in the photo, and 13 years young

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    Mute sean weir
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    Jul 10th 2024, 5:20 PM

    I cringe when I see dogs dressed up ,they are not happy ,let them run about and jump in the river FFS , they are not a fashion accessory

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    Mute Steve O'Hara-Smith
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    Jul 10th 2024, 3:12 PM

    The author needs to be pun ished.

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    Mute Padraig O'Brien
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    Jul 10th 2024, 4:25 PM

    FFS The world is gone to the dogs

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    Mute Clare Power
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    Jul 10th 2024, 4:49 PM

    @Padraig O’Brien: hopefully…better than humans they are!

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    Mute Brian Hunt
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    Jul 11th 2024, 12:55 AM

    Unconditional love and loyalty!

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