Virgin America pilots Bob Wiebmer (left) and Rick Runnels welcomes Rebecca Katz, director of City of San Francisco's Animal Care and Control Agency, and Chihuahua pups being flown to New York. (Photo by Virgin America, Bob Riha, Jr.)

Unemployed, down on their luck and desperate for a pat on the head, this pack of Chihuahua pups needed a break, or at least someone to throw them a bone.

Turns out that San Francisco has too many Chihuahuas and ever since Taco Bell fired its spokesman, those shivering little pets with the bark of a shepherd can’t seem to find enough homes on the West Coast. But hard-edged New Yorkers seem to like dogs that can fit in shoe box sized apartments and there’s a waiting list them in the Empire State.

The answer seems obvious: Pack up the pack in a couple of boxes, punch some

Chihuahua pups are escorted down the red carpet to board a Virgin America flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) so they can be adopted into loving homes on the East Coast -- on Wednesday. (Photo by Virgin America, Bob Riha, Jr.)

holes in it and tell the Post Office it’s books to save a couple of bucks.

However, San Francisco-based Virgin America had a much better idea: Puppy Love Flight, 2010.

The award-winning airline agreed to fly a group of 15 Chihuahuas from San Francisco to New York City on Wednesday and unite future owners with these bug eyed beauties.

“The San Francisco Animal Care and Control couldn’t be more pleased to partner with our hometown airline on the Chihauhua airlift today,” said Rebecca Katz, director of the City of San Francisco Animal Care and Control. “We have a severe overpopulation of Chihuahuas here in California. Virgin America’s offer to fly these little guys out to the East Coast will help us place them into loving homes that they couldn’t have found here in California.”

Virgin America teammate Casey Hurst cuddles 'Colette' one of fifteen Chihuahua pups being flown to New York so they can be adopted into loving homes, Wednesday. (Photo by Virgin America, Bob Riha, Jr.)

Not one to pass up a good PR opportunity, Virgin America noted that the dogs and guests would be able to enjoy a comfortable flight in the mood lit cabin that offers Internet access, touch screen entertainment and other luxury amenities. And the airline deserves the Cujos kudos for allowing the trip and the dogs were even given the red (stain resistant) carpet treatment in San Francisco, complete with Chimosas for guests and treats for the pups. More flights will occur later this year.

“As the only airline headquartered here in San Francisco, we take a great interest

(Photo by Virgin America, Bob Riha, Jr.)

in our community, and many of our teammates and guests are dog lovers, so of course, we just had to do this,” said Ross Bonanno, vice president of airports and guest services at Virgin America.

And if you’re more of a cat person, you can always just check out Virgin America’s ticket prices, such as the $39 tickets for select flights — hey, the company did a good thing, it deserves the plug.

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Tags: JFK, NYC, pups, SFO, Virgin America