A 22-year-old Muslim student who lost his sight six years ago has spoken about how his dog helped change his life.

Mahomed features in an ITV show which airs next week which explores  faith, disability and dog ownership.

The programme is an exploration of the unique relationship between man and his best friend; from the birth of a litter of puppies, through guide dog training, to placement with those who need them most.

Mahomed Khatri said, "Needless to say, I was pretty depressed. I couldn’t even walk from my house to my friend’s across the street without help. The only way to regain some independence lay in getting a guide dog." 

But, explains Mahomed, "No one who’s Asian really has a dog, No one who’s Asian really has any form of pet.

“So when I got Vargo it was quite a shock and I was scared for a week or two.  But then I thought, 'how can I be scared of something that’s looking after me?'".

Vargo's arrival was even more frightening for his mother, Shabnam.  "The first time they brought him I burst into tears, I thought, 'Oh my God, how am I going to have a dog in the house?”.

When Mahomed offered to give up Vargo, Shabnam realised she’d have to overcome her fears for the sake of her son.

"For a few weeks I was really upset and really scared, but now it’s fine and Vargo’s part of our family."

Having a guide dog made it difficult for Mahomed to practise his Muslim faith. Islamic beliefs meant he couldn’t take a dog into the Mosque and was unable to attend prayers without a sighted guide.

But after consultation with Islamic scholars, a fatwa was issued which made Vargo the first dog ever allowed inside a British Mosque.

Vargo now has his own special area under the stairs in the Mosque’s hallway.

'Me and My Guide Dog is on ITV1 Wednesday 3 July at 8pm.