Grace Hawkins pets Chip the dog April 8, 2026 at a Saluki Service Dawgs meeting at the College of Agricultural Sciences building on SIU's campus in Carbondale, Illinois. Hawkins is a first-year student at SIU and joined the Saluki Service Dawgs RSO in fall 2025 after her therapist suggested she try it out. "I actually grew in love with it. It's been my pride and joy,” she said.
Spud the dog taps his nose against Grace Hawkins' hand as she gets him a treat at Morris Library in Carbondale, Illinois. Hawkins is Spud’s first consistent trainer, and keeps a bag of treats on her to reward Spud for his good behavior.
Grace Hawkins plays with Spud outside Morris Library.
Grace Hawkins listens to Lex Dietz (left) as she explains a dog training method at the College of Agricultural Sciences building on campus. Dietz is the program director of SIT Service Dogs, a local company that trains dogs and is partnered with the Saluki Service Dawgs.
Grace Hawkins walks with Spud across campus.
Grace Hawkins gestures for Spud to sit as they wait in line at Starbucks on SIU's campus.
Grace Hawkins studies as Spud lays by her feet. Hawkins predicts that Spud will graduate from the program either by the end of summer or the end of fall, but she doesn't want to see him go because he's such a good dog.
Spud the dog lays by Grace Hawkins' feet.
