Virgin Atlantic has announced that artist Cindy Lass will be the major attraction of its new Flying Paws initiative. This new reward scheme means that jet-setting cats, dogs and even ferrets can now collect 3 paw prints which are then redeemable for gifts. One "paw print" is awarded for each flight, with a minimum of five being redeemable for goodies, such as a Virgin bowl. For those furry companions who cross time zones as often as they walk in the park, the big draw is 20 points which will give the option of a personal Pawtrait from Cindy. As Cindy's work usually sells upwards of £2500, it is expected that applications will fly out the door. Cindy has been at the centre of two major animal related charity events, one in London and one in New York, called Celebrity Pawtraits. These paintings of famous people1s dogs raised well over £100,000 for animal charities two years ago. Celebrities who agreed to Cindy painting their dogs included Bill Clinton, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sigourney Weaver, Sir Elton John, Sting and Trudie Styler, George Michael, Sarah Jessica Parker and the Osbournes, so your own four-legged friend would be in a great company. . Sir Richard Branson was another satisfied customer which is why he personally asked Cindy if she would agree to being top dog in the Flying Paws initiative. As he says: "This reward scheme is unlike any other and will set a precedent amongst the four-legged frequent flyers - after all it is the pawtastic club to belong to!" For Cindy, who is currently negotiating a book deal and television series, it sets the seal on what is likely to be a very exciting year: "Virgin is a fabulous company and I love the thought of being involved with something like this right from the very beginning. If my work makes someone smile, then I know I have achieved something". For more details of the scheme, see www.virgin.com/atlantic or ask for details when you book your next flight.

Virgin Atlantic's furry passengers are now able to earn gifts for themselves and frequent flyer points for their owner after the new 'Flying Paws' reward scheme is launched on 1 May 2005. The scheme not only caters for posh pooches and fussy felines but ferrets also qualify! Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, said, "Having pets of my own I know how important it is for our passengers to feel that their pets are well looked after when traveling. This reward scheme is unlike any other and will set a precedent amongst the four-legged frequent flyers, after all it is the pawtastic club to belong to!!" On their very first Virgin Atlantic flight the jet-setting pets will be given a welcome onboard pet pack, which has been specially designed with their needs in mind. Dogs will be given an exclusive Virgin doggy t-shirt and sparkling dog tag, cats will receive a toy mouse called 'Red' and a Virgin collar tag and ferrets will receive a very cool limited edition flying jacket and collar tag. All of the exclusive gifts are part of a whole host of goodies available for the passenger pets. All pets that travel on the 'Passport for Pets' scheme will be given a passport which will not only give them a record of all their flights but also allows them to collect 'paw prints' which they will be able to redeem for their gifts. One 'paw print' is awarded per flight and once our furry travelers have collected five points they become eligible for some of the fantastic goodies available, such as handmade Virgin bowls plus a specially designed non-slip mat so they can 'dine in style' or they can choose to to donate their rewards worth fifty human pounds to their favorite registered charity or sanctuary. Alternatively, they can show their feelings by donating 1000 bonus air miles. More individual gifts are available once the pet has flown 10, 15 or 20 times from blow dries and pedicures to Burberry, Prada and Gucci pet clothing to a personal Pawtrait from the famous artist Cindy Lass, who is renowned for her paintings of celebrities furry companions around the world.