The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Bloomfield Walkway Community Centre in Belfast on Tuesday to mark the 40th anniversary of Guide Dogs NI. She met volunteers, youth workers, young people, guide dog owners, and trainers. The duchess petted several dogs and learned about their training progress.

Peter Lockhart, a volunteer puppy raiser with Guide Dogs NI for six years, attended with his current puppy Willa. Willa, aged 19 months, joined Lockhart's family at eight weeks old. She wears a puppy in training coat during work activities and is scheduled for advanced training in May at the Belfast centre.

Lockhart has raised four puppies total. Two previous puppies, Biscuit and Peggy, qualified as guide dogs. A third did not progress due to discomfort with the required coat.

Puppy raisers socialise the dogs, expose them to various environments and noises, teach lead walking, and build recall skills. Advanced training covers road crossing, obstacle navigation, and owner guidance.

Lockhart described guide dogs as essential for independence, reducing anxiety, and providing companionship for people with sight loss. He noted the emotional challenge of parting with the puppies but highlighted the impact upon meeting qualified guide dog owners.

The duchess, patron of the charity, stated that guide dogs serve as companions and eyes for owners while also functioning as pets off duty.