A dog surprised a group of Iowa vet students during their graduation ceremony in an emotional reunion. Months before the academic celebration, some of the vet students had saved the dog’s life after being hit by a car.
According to an Iowa State University (ISU) feature story, the initial incident occurred on Christmas Day 2025. A female 5-month-old German shepherd puppy named Honey had been hit by a car and had suffered a “traumatic brain injury” and arrived at Hixson-Lied Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service (ECC).
She presented a variety of life-threatening injuries, including facial, orbital, ocular, skull, and mandible fractures. These last ones were causing bleeding into her brain, ISU said.
Multiple vet students, ECC resident Dr. Kamila Correa, and other staff members were ready to do everything they could to save Honey’s life, especially since her prognosis wasn’t “optimistic.”
A Miraculous Recovery
Despite the initial belief that Honey wouldn’t recover from her various injuries, Dr. Correa still did everything in her power to ensure her survival. Apparently, it worked, as multiple units, including orthopedic surgery, canine rehabilitation, and ophthalmology, managed to help her push through the first 24 hours, which are the most critical.
Honey’s owner, an unhoused man, was offered food and shelter in Des Moines. Knowing full well that he couldn’t afford Honey’s life-saving care, he made the hard decision to surrender her to Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids (CCCR).
CCCR managed to raise funds to cover Honey’s expenses, and as days passed, she got better. Left blind in her left eye, Honey was able to recover from her multiple fractures and even met with some of the ISU grad students back in February 2026. But the best was yet to come.
An Emotional Reunion
During ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine commencement ceremony, held on Friday, May 15, Honey, dressed in robes and a cap, surprised everyone in attendance by walking across the stage, as reported by KCCI.
In attendance, of course, were some of the graduating students and staff members who saved her life. Moved by the miraculous sight, attendees couldn’t help but smile. Meanwhile, Honey was filmed lying down on the stage.
A Proper Send-off and a Forever Home
College of Veterinary Medicine dean Dan Grooms told KCCI that Honey’s recovery journey was only a “peak” into the effect they could have in animal care. Already being part of a deeply moving case, he believes the new graduates can make a difference.
Meanwhile, Honey is now living with her foster mother, Laura Bradner. Completely in love with the dog, she said that she has the “sweetest disposition,” always ready to “go with the flow.”
Honey still has a month of rehabilitation left. Given how well her condition has evolved, it is safe to say that this adorable creature will live a long and happy life.