Most people who know Ken and me know that our dogs are a central part of our lives and that we have been privileged to have had several who were former working/service dogs from a program in New York. My interest in working dogs actually began in the early 1990s; my father had moved back to England to work on the Channel Tunnel project and, as an avid animal lover with free time on his hands, he became interested in volunteering for Guide Dogs.

He was put in touch with Audrey Butler, a guide dog owner and the president of the local chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind, so he went to meet Audrey, her husband Don, and, of course, Audrey's guide dog. In short order my father, Audrey and Don became good friends and over the following years they became like family to us. When I went to university in England, Audrey and Don opened their home to me and I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with them and Sadie, her black retriever guide dog.

It was extraordinary to witness Sadie's incredible obedience, ability to navigate obstacles and tune out distractions, and take Audrey where she needed to go. I also loved to see that when she was "off-duty," Sadie was like any other pet dog; she was an exceptional working dog but also an exceptional companion. I met numerous friends and acquaintances of the Butlers who were guide dog owners and it was a privilege to witness the incredible bond between them and their amazing dogs. I was in awe of the training these dogs had received and the independence it gave their owners.

It is my pleasure to be running in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October and raising money to support the life-changing work that Guide Dogs does. Guide Dogs provides an incredible continuum of services such as guide and buddy dog services, mobility training, education support, sighted guides and much more.

As I run through the streets of London wearing a Guide Dogs shirt, I will be thinking gratefully of the time I spent with Audrey, Don and Sadie and I know that my father would be very proud. I hope you will support me -- and Guide Dogs -- with a small donation.