David Beckham's pampered pooch

Jan 17, 2010, 13:04 GMT

David Beckham spent £2,000 flying his dog back to Los Angeles.

The soccer star was given the British Bulldog puppy by his former Spice Girl wife Victoria as the couple and their three sons celebrated Christmas at their UK home.

But as the family now reside in Beverly Hills - where David plays soccer for the Los Angeles Galaxy - they needed to make sure the pooch got back safely, so the couple splashed out £2,000 on making sure he flew back in luxury.

A source said: "It's one lucky animal, but David only wants the best."

They handed over the cash to the UK's exclusive pet transportation company, PetAir, where their 'Gold Standard' service includes an airline ticket, custom-made wooden travel container with bedding and water, a pre-travel health examination and one night in the care of a vet.

Before being flown back to the US, the dog had spent time with David and Victoria's friends, TV chef Gordon Ramsay and his wife Tana, where he was treated to meals including Aberdeen Angus mincemeat with Lincolnshire sausage.

The source added to the News of the World newspaper: "In its very short life, David's dog has already seen the kind of luxury it will enjoy. It's been fed by the UK's leading star chef, and has now been flown in total comfort to Los Angeles."

The dog had stayed with the Ramsays after the festive break because Victoria and the three boys flew back to America while David flew to Milan, where he is currently on loan with soccer giants AC Milan.