Do you know how many aspiring writers would absolutely kill to be sitting where Bao is sitting?

Jeff Herman actually "wrote the book" about how to get a literary agent and he and Deborah run one of New York's most successful literary agencies. (But they specialize in non-fiction, and I've written a novel. And I've already got an agent) As for Deborah -- Bao took one look and fell in love. And you know what they say. Dogs know.

We got home last night. We flew Delta, coming home. The trip was deliciously uneventful. We took off on time and landed on time, and in one piece. And they fed us. These days, that's high praise indeed. I think all senior airline executives should be forced to fly coast-to-coast incognito at least once a month. Let them enjoy the dubious pleasures of Dallas-Fort Worth Airport for seven or eight hours at a stretch (not in the VIP lounge but out there on the faux leather seats with the rest of us peons) and maybe things might improve.

Don't know what it is about Bao and airports. He loves 'em. He prances along the walkways, holding his little head high and proud, his plumed tail wagging away as if he's King of the World. Everyone smiles as we pass them, even sour-faced airline ground staff. People actually take photos. We spread sunshine through every airport we visit. Well, Bao does. It's kind of nice, though. I'm thinking, perhaps airlines should consider employing "therapy dogs" to soothe their disgruntled passengers.