Derry guide dog owner celebrates "freedom" and 40 years of the charity

Derry guide dog owner Andrea O’Hagan is amongst the names featured in a new appeal video, narrated by Colin Murray, to mark 40 years of charity Guide Dogs operating from Northern Ireland.

“Becky is my third guide dog, and I had Gina and Rebel before her”, says Andrea. “I wouldn’t have been in half the places I’ve been with her. I wouldn’t have had half the friends either, you meet so many people.”

“I have Retinitis Pigmentosa, so I don’t see anything in the dark. So having a guide dog gives me the freedom when the dark winter nights come in.”

Early in 1984, a property in Sandown Park South was discovered by Guide Dogs UK. The detached house in 1.5 acres was adapted for use as a residential training centre, and the stables at the rear were converted into three kennels, capable of accommodating up to seven dogs.

The centre was later officially opened by The Earl of Lanesborough, then President of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and the new unit took his name - Lanesborough House.

At that time, there were already 70 guide dog owners in the region, who had to travel for their training either to Exeter in Devon or Forfar in Scotland. The first two guide dog partnerships qualified from the first class in Northern Ireland in July 1984.

Since then, there have been 620 guide dog partnerships created with over 330 puppies raised on the NI scheme.

“You’ve got your freedom and independence with a guide dog. You’re not waiting on anybody. You can get on buses or trains to different theatres. You put your trust in the dog, and the dog back in you” added Andrea.

“I just treat her like a pet when the harness is off. She is very well looked after. I think the public should just remember not to distract her whilst she is working, and that if you do start a conversation with me, just remember I may be concentrating on where the dog is going rather than what you are saying - I’m led by her cues and we work together to get where we need to be.”

Over the years, it has been calculated that the Guide Dogs NI team, currently operating out of Heron Road in Belfast, has been supported by 992 volunteers. The charity, which relies almost entirely on donations from the general public, is now appealing for 8 new volunteers to sign up by the end of the year, to make 1000 lifetime volunteers.

“It now costs Guide Dogs £77,000 to breed, raise and train every guide dog pup to partnership, up from £34,600 in 2019.” Gary Wilson, Community Fundraising Manager, said. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do, and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us reach 40 years. We now need to make sure we’ll make the next 40, to support those living with a vision impairment in Northern Ireland, and we hope you’ll consider joining the pack!”

The charity also currently supports over 250 children, young people and families per year. Their sighted guiding training and wedding favour service, both first trialled in NI, and are now offered everywhere the charity operates, only possible through generous volunteers. 

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Guide Dogs NI will also be bringing their annual Santa Paws dog grotto to the North West Transport Hub on Saturday, 6th December. Dog owners are welcome to bring their furry friends for a photo with Santa in exchange for a donation, and to talk to Guide Dogs representatives about how they can get involved with the charity.

Andrea, who herself volunteers with the charity as a fundraiser, said, “Guide Dogs is a great charity. They have been brilliant to me during the training and aftercare. It’s been a breakthrough mentally, for my independence, and it’s just a great way to meet new people.”

To join the Guide Dogs NI family, and visit guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer.