Chihuahuas Get Free Flight on Virgin America to New York City for Adoption
Virgin America is flying 15 Chihuahuas from San Francisco to New York so they can be adopted into loving homes on the East Coast. The overpopulation of Chihuahuas in California is forcing animal shelters on the West Coast to look to shelters on the East Coast where there is a demand for the dogs. San Francisco-based airline Virgin America volunteered to fly the needy pups -- who would not have been able to find homes in California without the airlift.
The 15 dogs -- with names including Maximus, Jeb, Bella, Collette, Malibu, Annie, Sherlock, Honey and Tina -- can be viewed on the San Francisco pet organization's Web site.
The airline used the opportunity to maximize its free publicity, announcing the dogs will travel in "high-style" with a red carpet departure from San Francisco and a chance to ride in carriers in the plane's regular passenger cabin. The flight is complete with champagne cocktail "Chi-mosas" and cupcakes for the human passengers, and doggie treats and toys for the Chihuahuas.
Over the past year, California shelters have seen a dramatic influx in Chihuahuas, with the tiny pups making up more than 30 percent of the shelter dog population. While demand for them has declined in much of the sunny state, their popularity in New York City is as high as ever.
This is not the first time such dogs have made the transcontinental journey.
"Grey's Anatomy" actress Katherine Heigl's foundation has been paying to transport the dogs to the East Coast through a program called Project Flying Chihuahua.
Source: Chihuahuas Get Free Flight on Virgin America to New York City for Adoption
The 15 dogs -- with names including Maximus, Jeb, Bella, Collette, Malibu, Annie, Sherlock, Honey and Tina -- can be viewed on the San Francisco pet organization's Web site.
The airline used the opportunity to maximize its free publicity, announcing the dogs will travel in "high-style" with a red carpet departure from San Francisco and a chance to ride in carriers in the plane's regular passenger cabin. The flight is complete with champagne cocktail "Chi-mosas" and cupcakes for the human passengers, and doggie treats and toys for the Chihuahuas.
Over the past year, California shelters have seen a dramatic influx in Chihuahuas, with the tiny pups making up more than 30 percent of the shelter dog population. While demand for them has declined in much of the sunny state, their popularity in New York City is as high as ever.
This is not the first time such dogs have made the transcontinental journey.
"Grey's Anatomy" actress Katherine Heigl's foundation has been paying to transport the dogs to the East Coast through a program called Project Flying Chihuahua.
Source: Chihuahuas Get Free Flight on Virgin America to New York City for Adoption
