How guide dog April changed the life of Highland woman
A ROSS-SHIRE woman devastated by the loss of her sight due to a medical condition has graduated from university after teaming up with the four-legged friend who changed her life.
Emily Gray (35), from Strathpeffer, recently graduated from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) after taking the plunge to apply for a BA Hons Literature course following what she describes as “a very turbulent time in my life”.
At her side throughout her studies was guide dog April, a beautiful yellow Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever she was teamed up with in 2016.
Emily began losing her sight in 2011 due to diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. She explained how she experienced changes to her vision, with unusual blurriness occurring overnight.
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She said: “I went from being fully sighted, albeit short-sighted, to being unable to independently navigate outside within seven months, and I now live with virtually no eyesight at all, just occasional flickers of shadow in my right eye.
“Thus began a very turbulent time in my life, affecting my confidence, mood, and ability to socialise for a number of years.”
The turning point came when she was partnered with April, whose impact Emily describes as “transformative”. With new found confidence, and she applied for the course despite an understandable sense of trepidation.
Emily said: “Having been a student in Edinburgh when I initially lost my eyesight, I was reluctant about starting over with a new degree in an unfamiliar setting. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is something I would never have had the confidence to do without April by my side.
“April has returned much of my independence and freedom to me, and helped build my confidence back up. Having her by my side is extremely comforting during periods of anxiety when out and about, and she acts as a wonderful conversation starter for people.
“She is so much more than a dog; she is an extension of me, and I am so grateful to have experienced many events with her during our partnership. She has touched the hearts of everybody she has met, and I know she will continue to do so.”
Emily describes her experience at UHI as extremely positive and, although she had worries that April would have retired by the time their graduation came around, thankfully her trusted companion was still of working age and more than ready to receive the adulation from the supportive staff and her peers.
“It had always been in the back of my mind that, given her age and me having to prolong my studies slightly, April may have retired before our graduation date. However, she is still working effectively and is as keen to put her harness on as she was the day I qualified with her.
“April was with me during every lecture, and it was amazing to be able to graduate with her as I feel she has earned the degree as much as I have. Even if she did sleep through the majority of the course!
“Right now, I am not sure what our next steps will be, we are just taking each day as it comes. I am currently looking for work, and whilst April is happy to do this with me, I’m sure part of her is looking forward to becoming a dog of leisure.
“As long as coffee shops still feature heavily within her life, she will embrace each day with the same gusto she always has.”
Guide Dogs is there to help the two million people living with sight loss live the life they choose. Its expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs are there to help people affected by sight loss live actively, independently, and well. Founded in 1934, following the first partnerships in 1931, the charity is almost entirely dependent on donations. Find out more at www.guidedogs.org.uk
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