Baghdad puppy Ratchet is free to go to America

[RamboLiberal]

A stray puppy befriended by a US soldier in Iraq has received the green light to move to America to be reunited with his owner.

A rescue operation to fly Ratchet the dog out of Baghdad failed today, however, partly because of a lack of communication between a pet rescue group and the military. The pet is now set to leave as early as Sunday.

Specialist Gwen Beberg, who adopted the black pup in May after helping to save him from a burning pile of rubbish, was delighted at the news.

“I am thrilled that Ratchet is going home!!” she wrote in an e-mail to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International, which stepped in to assist her four-legged companion.

An online petition urging the US military to allow Ratchet to relocate to America also gathered almost 50,000 signatures.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article4955245.ece



For Ratchet — an affectionate Iraqi mutt saved from a burning trash pile, adopted by a Minnesota soldier and intercepted on his way to the United States — the third time should be the charm.

Earlier this month, Ratchet wasn't allowed to leave when his owner, Army Spc. Gwen Beberg, tried to send him to Baghdad International Airport. An officer reportedly intervened.

On Wednesday, the military sent word the dog was free to go — but it was too late to catch his flight scheduled to leave in the next half-hour.

Now, an animal rights group is planning a third trip, and assurances from the military say Ratchet will be on it.

The stray was adopted on Mother's Day, and Beberg quickly grew attached, planning to send the dog to her family's Spring Lake Park home just before she shipped out.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_10730833?source=most_emailed

[WillParkinson]

1. Cool.

Very very cool.

[dionysus]

2. YES

:)

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

3. Yes! There is a Goddess!

[YOY]

4. Now that made my day.

Lucky Ratchet and lucky Spc. Beberg!

[Javaman]

5. I read here on DU that the puppy was lost. any truth to that? nt

[RamboLiberal]

7. Yeah - they didn't know where it was for a day or so

Found hidden in a freezer.

[JimWis]

6. Welcome home Racthet

[InvisibleTouch]

8. I am SO keeping my fingers crossed!

I've been upset and worried about this dog since I first read the story here last week. Goes to show you how you can get attached over someone you don't even know. This is good news, but I won't be completely relieved until I hear he made it home. Thanks for posting, please keep us informed - and for those who have been following the story, keep sending good thoughts!

[sinkingfeeling]

9. Excellent. I signed the petition.

[Captain Hilts]

10. Yaaaaay!!!!!!!!!

[I Have A Dream]

11. So happy to hear this!

:D