runs with dogs  For those who were unawares, my everyday/daytime
identity is Dog Runner, or alternately, Canine Fitness
Specialist. When I got a part-time gig as a research assistant,
internet-bound, I sought something that would get me out of my
cozy hobbit hole and into the heart of New York. Since I was
something of a star cross-country runner in high school (go
figure), the Running Paws company took me on quite readily.
Though I’d long since strayed from the routine of running and,
indeed, sportiness in general, I truly believe that distance
running is a state of mind. A love of challenge, a capacity for
endurance, and resilience to nature’s obstacles are intrinsic to
the long-distance runner- maybe I should throw loneliness in
there as well.  So, every day, I log into my “dog schedule”
before 10 am and confirm- usually a set schedule, but important
to note cancellations and additions. Typically, I get into
Manhattan sometime between 11:30 and 12:30, and am usually done
before 4:30. My days begin and end