As he walked throughout the stage to gather his diploma, Riley Yeomans wasn’t alone. By his aspect trotted loyal information canine Yashka, who, Riley says, he owes every little thing to.
“Yashka is the rationale I’ve come this far, every little thing I’ve achieved is due to her,” says Riley.
“She got here into my life on the finish of my first 12 months of college and since then has graduated twice with me, and is at present supporting me whereas I research for my PhD.
“From the off, she made me really feel extra assured and outgoing and actually reworked my college expertise.

“Everybody on my course cherished her, and with Yashka by my aspect I had extra braveness when it got here to speaking about my visible impairment.”
Riley was born with the attention situations rod cone dystrophy and nystagmus, and has been registered blind since he was two.
However in Might 2016 Riley acquired a telephone name that modified his life. After 4 years on a ready record for a information canine, he’d lastly been matched with golden retriever Yashka, who's now seven.
'Simply her presence is so reassuring and empowering' - Riley Yeomans
“It was a second I’ll always remember, studying that I used to be going to be a information canine proprietor. I simply couldn’t wait to satisfy Yashka and begin a brand new chapter of my life along with her by my aspect,” says Riley, 25.
Following intensive coaching by the charity Information Canines, Riley and Yashka certified and their life collectively started.
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She was with him when he graduated with a inventive writing diploma from the College of Derby and earned his grasp’s diploma in the identical topic at Nottingham Trent College.
After Riley accomplished his grasp’s, he and Yashka relocated to Ipswich, Suffolk, the place he's learning remotely for his PhD in inventive writing with Manchester Metropolitan College.
“The me earlier than Yashka would by no means have had the arrogance to maneuver someplace new alone. Till then I’d all the time lived at dwelling with my household,” says Riley. “However along with her, I really feel I can do something.

“Whether or not she’s guiding me on public transport, sitting at my ft in a lecture or underneath a desk whereas I meet up with buddies, simply her presence is so reassuring and empowering. No matter life throws at us, so long as we’re collectively I do know we’ll be positive.”
Yashka offers Riley extra than simply useful sensible assist. She’s additionally a terrific emotional help.
“I’ve suffered from anxiousness and despair and if I’m having a foul psychological well being day, or battling my eyesight, Yashka offers me cuddles and kisses and offers me a motive to get out. All she desires in return are love, stomach rubs and meals.
“She is the very best good friend I may want for.”