A beloved service dog graduated alongside his owner Thursday at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.There is no doubt about it: A golden retriever service dog named Chief stole the show at this year's graduation at UMBC, where the mascot is the retriever. The dog's owner, Erica Haschert, told 11 News that Chief has not only become a fixture on campus, but in her life, as well."He has helped me so much to get to this point. It's only fitting he gets to walk with me," Haschert said.As Haschert received her diploma in mechanical engineering, Chief -- in his very own custom-made cap and gown -- was right by her side, as he has always been."He knows my every move before I even think it sometimes. I joke, he's my tattletale on my body, so he lets me know before stuff happens before usually any of the medical devices can pick it up, which is incredible," Haschert said.Chief has become a mainstay around campus as just about everyone knows him. Chief is also popular on social media. He became famous last year when a photo went viral during March Madness."After he went viral last year for March Madness, people recognize him and say, 'Oh, is that Chief?' and I'm, like, 'Yeah, that's him,'" Haschert said.Ultimately, with college life behind them, entering the real world should be a breeze, since they can do it as they've always done everything together."I'm just super looking forward to starting my next chapter in my life with him by my side until he wants to stop working," Haschert said.

A beloved service dog graduated alongside his owner Thursday at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

There is no doubt about it: A golden retriever service dog named Chief stole the show at this year's graduation at UMBC, where the mascot is the retriever. The dog's owner, Erica Haschert, told 11 News that Chief has not only become a fixture on campus, but in her life, as well.


"He has helped me so much to get to this point. It's only fitting he gets to walk with me," Haschert said.

As Haschert received her diploma in mechanical engineering, Chief -- in his very own custom-made cap and gown -- was right by her side, as he has always been.

"He knows my every move before I even think it sometimes. I joke, he's my tattletale on my body, so he lets me know before stuff happens before usually any of the medical devices can pick it up, which is incredible," Haschert said.

Chief has become a mainstay around campus as just about everyone knows him. Chief is also popular on social media. He became famous last year when a photo went viral during March Madness.

"After he went viral last year for March Madness, people recognize him and say, 'Oh, is that Chief?' and I'm, like, 'Yeah, that's him,'" Haschert said.



Ultimately, with college life behind them, entering the real world should be a breeze, since they can do it as they've always done everything together.

"I'm just super looking forward to starting my next chapter in my life with him by my side until he wants to stop working," Haschert said.

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Before they took the trip across the stage, Erica Haschert and Chief (in his own cap & gown) talked to @wbaltv11 about taking on life side by side. Congrats, Erica! #UMBCgrad https://t.co/UXGMCWQcgO pic.twitter.com/Cc9gWHq7Iq — UMBC (@UMBC) May 23, 2019

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Erica Haschert and her service dog Chief graduate together today at @umbc . Chief went viral on social media during last year’s March Madness thanks to @dog_rates Haschert says the two will start working for the Department of Defense soon. #wbal pic.twitter.com/6xDwyZyjKI — Lowell Melser (@MelserWBAL) May 23, 2019

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