According to “The Beast in the Boudoir,” Baron, a poodle that Victor Hugo gave away to a Russian count, is said to have trotted thousands of miles “alone, but determined, from the count’s country house outside Moscow to Paris and a joyful reunion with the remorseful Hugo.”

Celia Sack and Paula Harris, proprietors of Noe Valley Pet Company, operate a dog-walking service, which allows Noe Valley and Castro area doggies the freedom to trot thousands of miles in pursuit only of exquisite pleasure, not guilty French writers. Small groups of dogs are taken to any of three pet paradises five days a week: Fort Funston, Crissy Field, or Stern Grove’s Pine Lake Park. Supervised by a professional dog handler, the pups run freely off leash for a full hour as they gambol and skip about the sand dunes, gopher mounds, even wading into the surf. Opportunities for abiding canine friendships abound. Dogs of all sizes are welcome and specific days are determined by the client’s wishes. The charge is $15 per walk, or $27 for 2-dog households. References available. Noe Valley Pet Company also extends to dog-walking clients free delivery of products. Call 415-282-7385.