"On the streets you're a bowling ball on a string, a yo-yo getting caught on the scents of trees and your need to mark everything, a urinary graffiti artist bombing the hell out of Brooklyn, needing to be smelled and seen."

That's an excerpt from Dogs of Brooklyn--Susan DeFord's growing, unpublished collection of poems about her work as a dog-walker. For the last eight years, this poet has guided dogs down the mean streets of Prospect Heights, built her Susie's Pet Care business, and written poems about the furry, funny creatures she works with every day.

Earlier this week, GalleyCat caught up with DeFord at the Mixer reading, finding out more about her collection and her day-job. It's an inspiring story for all writers struggling to finish a book after a long day at work.