how many demi-tasse dogs emerged from the sheltering coats and furs of innocent looking feminine voyagers.
When passengers were frank about animals, the rules were occasionally stretched. One day a woman called to say she just had to take a dog from Washington to New York. Could she, please? “It’s a lap dog,” she added, “—my dearest possession.”
Everyone has heard tales of large over-aged children whose parents attempt to pass them off as under the half fare limit on trains and buses. Airlines have also learned to know the variation of that little act, but the first time the part was played by a dog, it was a surprise.
When the woman of the telephone call arrived, followed by what onlookers described as a young heifer, the men at the airport felt they had been betrayed.
“You’ll have to hold him on your lap, Madame,” said one, eyeing him coldly. “Otherwise, he can’t go.” With an expression of some dismay, the passenger boarded the plane and sat down underneath the dog. I think he enjoyed the trip more than she did.
Of course, the operators made their share of mistakes. One day, a Fifth Avenue florist, wishing to demonstrate the perfection of air transportation, sent a magnificent box of violets to a client in Washington. The messenger unfortunately stored the precious package on the heater and its contents
