Emma Sciullo and Hickory, her yellow Labrador service dog, had their senior pictures taken together and graduated together. They plan to remain inseparable on their journey to Edinboro University, where Emma will study animation. Submitted Photo

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but Hickory the yellow Labrador is showing that man’s best friend can have a lasting impact on the academic world.

The 6-year-old service dog and his owner, Emma Sciullo, of Evans City, walked across the stage at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School commencement ceremony June 11.

Emma attended the school in Midland, Pa., for six years, graduating with a degree in media arts. She and Hickory attended school together beginning in her junior year, according to Wendy, Emma’s mom.

“We started breeding dogs in 2016, when Emma was in sixth grade. She was diagnosed with high-functioning autism and anxiety at that time,” she said. “We began training dogs, and using (Hickory) to help mitigate her autism and anxiety attacks.”

Emma said the amount of training required of a service dog is what sets them apart from therapy or emotional support dogs, and that Hickory provides stability.

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