Unwanted Chihuahuas? How is such a thing even possible?! Well, apparently Californians have gotten their fix, leaving the state with a serious surplus of the notoriously cute canines. Fortunately, on the other side of the country dog lovers anxiously await with open arms. Perfect. Just one minor problem: How will all those homeless pups make get all the way to the East Coast?
Well, the good people at Virgin America of course.
The ever-cool socially-aware airline teamed up with the City of San Francisco Animal Care and Control (SF ACC) to launch “Operation Chihuahua.” The mission will transport 15 Chihuahuas to J.F.K International Airport today.
“We’re pleased to help San Francisco Animal Care and Control fly these little guys out to the East Coast so they can be placed in adoptive homes,” said Ross Bonanno, Vice President of Airports and Guest Services at Virgin America, in a press release. “As the only airline headquartered here in San Francisco, we take a great interest in our community — and many of our teammates and guests are dog lovers, so of course, we just had to do this.”
The once homeless pups and their volunteer escorts received full Virgin treatment, starting with a red carpet departure from San Francisco International. Once onboard, flight attendants served the in-demand pooches treats and toys, while flight guests enjoyed complimentary champagne “Chi-mosas” and cupcakes. And of course, the two-legged passengers tracked the journey with real-time-in-flight updates using the airline’s WiFi service.
The dogs will arrive at JFK airport today at 4 p.m. Hurry! There’s still time to greet them at the gate.
