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Ratchet is Flying the Friendly Skies

October 10, 2008 : 3:33 PM

Iraqi dog is coming home to be with his soldier and savior

Update from SPCA International
October 19 Washington, DC –SPCA International (www.SPCA.com) is proud to announce that Ratchet is on his way home from Iraq after 2 previously thwarted rescue attempts. Today, the old saying is proven true, “the third time’s a charm.”

Operation Baghdad Pups program manager, Terri Crisp, and Ratchet met at the Baghdad airport tonight and boarded a plane bound for the U.S. After SPCA International received military clearance on Wednesday, October 15, for Ratchet’s travel, the organization set this final rescue plan into action. Last week, the world got behind Ratchet and Spc. Beberg’s plight; an online petition site collected over 65,000 signatures pleading for Ratchet’s release.

Crisp and Ratchet are scheduled to arrive at Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC on Monday afternoon. Ratchet will be cleared by the Center for Disease Control and given a thorough medical evaluation by a local Virginia veterinarian. As long as Ratchet receives a clean bill of health, he will fly to his final destinations, Minneapolis, MN, on Wednesday.

Northwest Airlines, a Minnesota base company, generously donated Ratchet and Crisp’s flights from Kuwait to Minneapolis, MN.

Update from SPCA International
Washington, DC October 17 – SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups program manager, Terri Crisp, boarded a plane bound for the Middle East today for the third time this month. This time Crisp leaves with assurance from the military that Ratchet has the clearance needed to meet her at Baghdad Airport. SPCA International (www.SPCA.com) anticipates Ratchet’s successful rescue Sunday evening, October 19th.

Crisp flew back to the Middle East today after a mere 12 hours on the ground in Washington, DC. Crisp arrived in Washington at 12:45am EST today with six dogs from the Wednesday, October 15th Baghdad rescue. Over the weekend, these six dogs will be delivered to their final destinations in Wisconsin, Kansas, Tennessee, Georgia and California.

Sgt. Gwen Beberg is thrilled to hear that Ratchet is finally going home, but she will be saving her victory dance until Sunday. Sgt. Beberg emailed SPCA International writing, “your persistence and amazing work has astonished me throughout this whole thing…you deserve the highest civilian honors.”

Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups program manager and Patricia Beberg, mother of U.S. Sgt. Gwen Beberg, are available for interviews. Larry Garrison, President of SilverCreek Entertainment, is handling all public relations for SPCA International.

Contact:
Larry Garrison
President SilverCreek Entertainment
(805) 370-3630

Latest update from CNNSPCA International may be able to transport Ratchet as soon as Sunday

Breaking news from SPCA International
Washington, DC October 15 – Ratchet did not make today’s SPCA International (www.SPCA.com) flight out of Iraq. Just 30 minutes before SPCA International’s rescue expert, Terri Crisp, was to lift off from the Baghdad tarmac, the military finally gave Ratchet clearance to be released from his location at COP Meade. The military’s slow response has put him at risk because they did not release him in time for today’s flight out of Iraq. 6 other U.S. soldiers’ dogs are on their way to safety escorted by Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups program manager.

SPCA International and Congressional officials pursued every measure at their disposal, but the military was too slow to act. Ratchet’s fate hangs by a thin thread of hope that he will be kept safe long enough for SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups team to return. SPCA International plans to make another emergency return trip to rescue Ratchet as soon as Sunday.

Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups program manager and Patricia Beberg, mother of U.S. Sgt. Gwen Beberg, are available for interviews. Larry Garrison, President of SilverCreek Entertainment, is handling all public relations for SPCA International.

Contact:
Larry Garrison
President SilverCreek Entertainment
(805) 370-3630

The Background Story
Sgt. Gwen Beberg found one good thing in Iraq: a soul to love, a face to kiss – a puppy to save! Gwen worked with the organization SPCA International to see how she could get him transported. Their program Operation Baghdad Pups had scheduled his flight to safety so he could be there when she returned home to Minnesota. With their motto, “No Buddy Left Behind,” this was the program that would see to it that her best friend had a one way ticket to freedom and a loving home.

With Sgt. Beberg’s stay in Iraq extended due to stop-loss, Ratchet helped keep her spirits focused on the future. He was on his way home when the unthinkable happened: Ratchet was confiscated from the convoy by the military while they were on their way to the airport. For a full report, read the press release from SPCA International

Stephanie Scroggs of SPCA International has been helping Sgt. Beberg & Ratchet since the beginning. She knows that if Ratchet isn’t on their scheduled transport October 15, when 6 other animals will be going to their American soldiers’ homes, there will be no chance for Gwen and her beloved puppy to be together again.

“There’s no rhyme or reason why Ratchet has been targeted to not be allowed to leave the country. He’s not a military dog, he’s doesn’t have a military classification, but the military won’t let him leave Iraq. The military is being very silent on this issue. It’s not the army, it’s the commanding officers that are causing this crisis,” shared Stephanie.

“When Sgt. Beberg leaves Camp Striker, it will be devastating if Ratchet isn’t en route with her. We believe this funny hold on Ratchet can be lifted, we’re working with our contacts to get him home.”

The Bond of Soldier & Pet
Stephanie also shed further light on what these soldiers are facing and how the companion animals they’re befriending have become beacons of hope for them: “Soldiers are committing suicide at twice the rate of the average American. This war is a very different type of combat – it’s similar to Vietnam in there are no battle lines drawn – there is no real tangible progress that a soldier can relate to. But here in the face of this war, they get an opportunity to save an animal, and that is very tangible. Amid all the bad things that the military is asking them to do, they are able to take this humane action and save a friend.”

After the soldier comes home, that animal continues to have a huge impact on his or hers soldier’s life. Not only can that dog or cat act as a therapy pet, but the soldier and the pet have a common bond, a history that they share and essentially now the pet and the soldier are saving each other. It seems unconscionable that the military would want to bestow another blow to their best and brightest by ripping apart what is now a family, just when they are ready to go home. (Click here to read how dogs are helping soldiers recover at Walter Reed Army Medical Center)

The Eyes of a Nation!
Ratchet’s abduction has caused the public to be outraged! Fortunately, in this era of social networking and media outlets abound – Ratchet’s plight will not be swept under the rug! You can follow the story on the website getFreshMinds.com and the Save Ratchet and Support Bagdad Pups page on Facebook Find out the breaking news from the journey and help spread the word to get Sgt. Beberg and Ratchet reunited on U.S. soil!

How to Help Now!
Our friends at SPCA International recommend taking these easy steps to help this soldier and the puppy that loves her to stay together!

Click here to Sign the Release Ratchet from Iraq Petition

Sgt. Beberg is a Minnesotan native and this will be Ratchet's forever home state! It doesn’t matter where you live, please contact the following Minnesota officials to help Ratchet get home:

Senator Amy Klobuchar:
Washington DC office: (202) 224-3244 and (888) 224-9043
FAX: (202) 228-2186
Minneapolis office: (612) 727-5220 FAX: (612) 727-5223

Senator Norm Coleman:
Washington DC office: (800) 642-6041 and (202) 224-5641
FAX: (202) 224-1152
St. Paul office: (651) 645-0323 FAX: (651) 645-3110

Click here to find the email addresses and webforms to contact these Minnesota representatives!

Representative Keith Ellison:
(West Twin Cities, Minneapolis)
Washington DC office: (202) 225-4755
FAX: (202) 224-1152
St. Paul office: (612) 522-1212 FAX: 612-522-9915
Click here to email Rep. Ellison

Donate to Operation Baghdad Pups to help cover Ratchet’s transport, and other dogs being saved from the warzone.

by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends staff
lead image courtesy of SPCA International
additional images courtesy of Sgt. Gwen Beberg

Comments

October 23, 2008 at 8:10 PM
posted by: carmaroo

Yes, Rachet made it!!! Can't wait to see Mom and Son reunite. Unbelievable people that helped him come home. What a wonderful story. Please keep us updated. Thank you everyone for caring about this special boy.

October 23, 2008 at 3:24 PM
posted by: southerndogmom

Video from the airport:

http://www.startribune.com/video/?vid=32725779&elr=KArks5PhDcU9PhDcU9PhDcU5PhDco8P77jyPhU

October 23, 2008 at 2:13 PM
posted by: twojacks

Ratchet made it all the way back to Minn and is with Sgt. Beberg's mom and dad. That's wonderful.
Sad thing though, the lady who started the petition that got over 67,000 signatures offended some $^&* who wrote her emails of "court marshall the soldier and kill the dog". He is a computer savvy hacker that has signed her up for 3,000 porno mail messages a day (that also go to her minor daughters mail account) and her business web site is still heavily impacted so she can't concentrate her efforts on saving dogs. Nobody,
including the police are willing to help. So, dog
rescue can sometimes be personally costly.
No good deed goes unpunished.

October 21, 2008 at 5:56 PM
posted by: scratchtopaz

Ratchet's in Virginia! Yay - http://www.spca.com/press/item/63

October 21, 2008 at 9:44 AM
posted by: alex

Ratchet is in the USA!!!! This is the best news I have heard in what seems like ages - thank you to everyone who made this possible - I hope, in the future, the military will see how important animal companions are to the emotional health of soldiers - I can't wait til Ratchet sees his mom again next month!! :-D

October 20, 2008 at 7:27 PM
posted by: marla

Fantastic news

Thank you for keeping us udated!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 20, 2008 at 4:54 PM
posted by: katee128

Found the transport video (a very calm and sweet Ratchet) on BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7680429.stm

October 20, 2008 at 3:39 PM
posted by: Jak

YAhooo, FInally something good to report!!!!!!
I could not be any happier for Rachet and all those who fought so hard for this rescue, God Bless you all!!!!!!
J

October 19, 2008 at 9:24 PM
posted by: katee128

Great little article on MSNBC. Nice picture of Ratchet at the airport. Looks like they had a private security firm watching over him. Thank goodness. One less thing to worry about now!

October 19, 2008 at 7:07 PM
posted by: twojacks

M.A.R.S. Safe Haven thanks you for supporting this cause.

Saving Private Ratchet is a SUCCESS!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 19 Washington, DC - SPCA International (www.spca.com) is proud to announce that Ratchet is on his way home from Iraq after 2 previously thwarted rescue attempts. Today, the old saying is proven true, "the third time's a charm."

Operation Baghdad Pups program manager, Terri Crisp, and Ratchet met at the Baghdad airport tonight and boarded a plane bound for the U.S. After SPCA International received military clearance on Wednesday, October 15, for Ratchet's travel, the organization set this final rescue plan into action. Last week, the world got behind Ratchet and Spc. Beberg's plight; an online petition site collected over 65,000 signatures pleading for Ratchet's release.

Crisp and Ratchet are scheduled to arrive at Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC on Monday afternoon. Ratchet will be cleared by the Center for Disease Control and given a thorough medical evaluation by a local Virginia veterinarian. As long as Ratchet receives a clean bill of health, he will fly to his final destinations, Minneapolis, MN, on Wednesday.

Northwest Airlines, a Minnesota base company, generously donated Ratchet and Crisp's flights from Kuwait to Minneapolis, MN.

THANKS SO MUCH to EVERYONE for making this a happy ending!!!

Join our mailing list to receive future updates on continued efforts to help our men and women in the Armed Forces adopt their pets and bring about change to the military's policies on this issue:
info@mars-safehaven.net

Saving Private Ratchet has wonderful gifts with all proceeds going to
the SPCA.
www.cafepress.com/ratchet22

READ the press release from AP here:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gdsXnQuDI6OTCHk6iuwzTWcma_sAD93TOLS00

Terrie Scott
M.A.R.S. Productions
www.marsproductions.net

M.A.R.S. Safe Haven
info@mars-safehaven.net

October 19, 2008 at 4:50 PM
posted by: martil

MSNBC indicates Ratchet is enroute:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27267422/

October 18, 2008 at 8:39 PM
posted by: Maxie88

That's the best thing I've heard all day. It's about time someone used common sense.

October 18, 2008 at 6:11 PM
posted by: katee128

kelliab - Don't miss the second book of Jay Kopelman's, From Baghdad to America, about the adjustment once Lava got to America. Jay's adjustment too. it's very insightful. You will love that one, too!

October 17, 2008 at 9:29 PM
posted by: kathy_g

The news that sweet Ratchet is safe with Terri can't come soon enough.
And Sgt Beberg? Thank you for your many sacrifices for our country, and for saving Ratchet.

October 17, 2008 at 8:58 PM
posted by: kelliab

There is an excellent book called From Baghdad With Love that explains a similar situation really well. Jay Kopelman, a Marine, tells the story of his struggle to get his puppy, Lava, out of Iraq. He also goes into some of the psychology of the military (or at least the Marines). His opinion was that the soldiers were denied pets so that they wouldn't form attachments that would distract them from their main purpose. He definitely had some opinions about the military brainwashing young soldiers into becoming destructive machines. It's a good, easy read. If you are interested in this story, you should pick it up!

October 17, 2008 at 4:58 PM
posted by: southerndogmom

This is excellent news! I can't wait to read an update that Ratchet has actually arrived on U.S. soil.

And I agree with fuzzysapien - any order or rule which is often ignored or even inconsistently enforced needs to become obsolete. It simply serves no purpose and only proves to upset morale. Any statements I have made in this thread about how the military operates are from my personal experience and were not intended to infer that I agree with the current culture. I was just trying to share information which some people may not know. Anyone who helps in any way to save an animal loved by a troop has my full support.

October 16, 2008 at 1:36 PM
posted by: fuzzysapien

I've been thinking about this alot and I appreciate the thoughts of those in the military. I understand the need for rules and the need to follow them. I personally work in the healthcare field, have 4 or more family members in the military ( depending on if you're counting active duty or retired), and am a military history buff so I think I can see this issue from different directions. In light of this, I'd like to pose a few thoughts for consideration. first, I've seen alot of pictures from different eras and would suggest that you really couldn't find a conflict were photos were taken that you can't find a picture of a group of soldiers with a dog they've adopted. I've seen them in pictures from the civil war, vietnam, and the world wars among others. It does seem that to have interaction with a pet helps people cope with harsh situations and keep their spirits up. I not sure why the military can't see this, or insists on ignoring it. They don't enforce the regs against it usually- so why not get rid of it. I don't believe the notion that the pet might cause potiential casualties, in fact I think it is an insult to the professionlism of the soldiers I know to suggest it. I don't know anyone that would allow a pet to put fellow soldiers in harms way. I also think that when you start ignoring the value of life even in animal you start a dangerous precedent. I think how you handle the small things is a good indication of how you'll be headed when you deal with the larger. I think it's could be a small step to devaluing human life and thats when you need to worry about how the job is being done. I think a big part of theduty,honor,country is honor, and doing the right thing to the best of your ablitiy in a crappy situation such as this war. I'm not sure why this particular pup caused such a stir, and wonder if its just somebody throwing their weight around because they could and thought no one woulde care or know. If that is the case, its hardly an example of honorable. In this current age of stop loss& extended repeat tours of duty, if a dog that was abandoned to death will help a soldier to cope, I don't care if they all bring one home in their duffel. The miltary ignores many other regulations when it suits, this seem to be one that could be as well. If not, give us all a break and get rid of it, its alittle issue that can do a lot of good, I trust soldiers not to abuse the issue, I don't anticipate them bringing home homeless elephants or camels any time soon.

October 16, 2008 at 9:21 AM
posted by: southerndogmom

I was thinking about the situation with Ratchet overnight and wondering how many other, very similar situations we'll just never hear about.

As a former non-commissioned officer, tasked with ensuring the safety of my soldiers, I understand the General Order about pets. My troops cannot be expected to fully comply with orders and focus on the mission of keeping each other safe if they are distracted by a lovable, barking ball of fur. At the same time, it is human nature (I think) to be drawn to that ball of fur and want to protect it and nothing I could say or do as a leader would ever change the human heart. It wants what it wants.

My point with this drivel is this: if the problem of people being able to get dogs out of Iraq upsets you and you think the policy needs to change, make yourself heard. Our armed services will never operate based on public opinion but I believe an argument could be made that these situations will continue to occur in spite of any general orders and that there would be definite health benefits (both mental and physical) if military units proactively adopted a mascot of sorts for the benefit of the entire unit.

October 15, 2008 at 5:42 PM
posted by: southerndogmom

While the Army is often not the most politically correct of organizations, they know the public eye when they see it. And they know many people and organizations have this situation on their radar. I have faith that he will be kept safe until he can make another transport.

The fact that clearance was even given is somewhat of a miracle in light of military regulations.

October 15, 2008 at 5:28 PM
posted by: jbandk9s

Sorry - in my haste to get out of work I posted this before I saw someone else already had....

October 15, 2008 at 5:27 PM
posted by: jbandk9s

Just posted this afternoon in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I dont know whether to SCREAM or be hopeful that he will still get out soon... What do you think? COME HOME RATCHET!

WASHINGTON - A rescue group left Baghdad without a puppy adopted by a Minnesota soldier, and blamed the U.S. military for not clearing the animal in time for the flight out Wednesday.

The military responded that it did not hold "Ratchet" the dog or order it to stay put at the U.S. military base.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International says the military finally agreed to clear Ratchet to leave the country. But that clearance came only 30 minutes before the flight out — too late for the dog to make it.

The next rescue operation could come as soon as Sunday.

Army Sgt. Gwen Beberg, 28, of Minneapolis, who adopted Ratchet, plans to return to the U.S. next month. More than 45,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Army to let the puppy come to the U.S.

October 15, 2008 at 5:14 PM
posted by: katee128

Per SPCA: Ratchet, was confiscated on his way to the Baghdad Airport on Oct 1st for no apparent reason. Ratchet was scheduled to be flown home to Sgt. Gwen Beberg’s parents in Minneapolis, MN that evening.
The word used is confiscated. The Army knows exactly what it is doing to this poor dog and this poor soldier and her family. Now, they have to wait until Sunday when he could have been home to MN already if they had let him go the first time. 4 more days to worry about his safety and well being. This is a disgrace.

October 15, 2008 at 5:05 PM
posted by: Jak

My head is bowed right askig for Gods protection,.. this is all so sad, so very sad there are so many trying to help and yet this is what happens when we have people who are heartless.....
God Speed Ratchet, stay safe and to those who will be trying again to save him, know we are sending prayers you way....
God Bless you all for what you are doing....
J
Vista Ca.

October 15, 2008 at 4:57 PM
posted by: twojacks

Just got this over the news.
Military Provides Ratchet Clearance, But Not in Time

Washington, DC October 15 – Ratchet did not make today’s SPCA International (www.SPCA.com) flight out of Iraq. Just 30 minutes before SPCA International’s rescue expert, Terri Crisp, was to lift off from the Baghdad tarmac, the military finally gave Ratchet clearance to be released from his location at COP Meade. The military’s slow response has put him at risk because they did not release him in time for today’s flight out of Iraq. 6 other U.S. soldiers’ dogs are on their way to safety escorted by Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups program manager.

SPCA International and Congressional officials pursued every measure at their disposal, but the military was too slow to act. Ratchet’s fate hangs by a thin thread of hope that he will be kept safe long enough for SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups team to return. SPCA International plans to make another emergency return trip to rescue Ratchet as soon as Sunday.

Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups program manager and Patricia Beberg, mother of U.S. Sgt. Gwen Beberg, are available for interviews. Larry Garrison, President of SilverCreek Entertainment, is handling all public relations for SPCA International.

Contact:
Larry Garrison
President SilverCreek Entertainment

October 15, 2008 at 4:47 PM
posted by: pmurrell

How heartbreaking can this get! But I was so happy to hear Terry Crisp will be returning Sunday to hopefully get him out. Does anyone know if he will be held on the base until she returns? I think the military should be held accountable for his safety since they were the ones to keep him from the flight.

October 15, 2008 at 3:48 PM
posted by: ODIESMOM

TO BE SO CLOSE - TERRI CRISP MUST BE TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED. LET'S HOPE SOMEONE IN THE MILITARY WILL KEEP RACTHET SAFE UNTIL BAGHDAD PUPS CAN RETURN. WE'RE ALL HOPING THIS WILL STILL WORK OUT FOR SGT BEBERG. YOUR ALL IN OUR PRAYERS & THOUGHTS.

October 15, 2008 at 2:43 PM
posted by: Pattipatti

The other Mon. night Oct. 14 I I talked to a on call Public Affairs office at her home on the base in KY she told me she thought it would work out OK and that she was going to check on it the next morning when she went in to work I told her the girl was just trying to get the dog out and was desperate. I told her the dog had been found in the freezer and was OK from a email I read. I told her what a good rep Operation Bagdad Pups has and the polices they have in place for the dogs. Hope it helps. Have not heard anything but am checking for updates. There was a email from SPCA Int. in my email stating they were trying to get the dog out. Hope they did.

October 15, 2008 at 1:21 PM
posted by: niteemissary

Our government embaresses me. These people give their lives - for a war they may or may not fully support...a war that won't end...and yet they still can't seem to find ways to appreciate what these people have given to them/us. Find me a desert island somewhere.....

October 15, 2008 at 1:06 PM
posted by: katee128

This is scary!
At least 5 other soldiers are facing situations similar to Sgt. Beberg’s as the military cracks down on animal friendships the y consider to be harmful. SPCA International strongly disagrees, citing medical studies and military insiders who testify to the mental health benefits animals bring to their soldier companions in times of depression and crisis. “There comes a point when Americans must ask, whose side is the military on? The way the military is blatantly disregarding free therapy for our mentally wounded soldiers begs that question today,” states Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups Program Manager.

October 15, 2008 at 12:21 PM
posted by: pmurrell

I know a lot of people are awaiting news on Ratchet, has anyone heard anything out of Bagdad on his fate?

October 15, 2008 at 12:17 PM
posted by: twojacks

On Oct 8th I posted this story here in the forums and since have worked with M.A.R.S. Safe Haven to
contact Gwen's mom and get a petition going. There is another on-line petition we started that is above 44,000 today. We hear Ratchet is alive but don't know who is holding him. Today , 15th, is the
last flight out from the SPCA that we know of and he
has a seat, if the Army releases him.
Now that the world is aware of this problem on a larger scale, maybe we can also help other dogs get home with their soldiers. There are currently 50 dogs on the list after Ratchet that need a ride back to the U.S.

October 15, 2008 at 8:52 AM
posted by: southerndogmom

We're seeing this more and more as our soldiers remain deployed in the region long-term. While I'm very hopeful this story will have a happy ending, I have a comment to make just to put things into context. I do so as a veteran and staunch supporter of our troops.

General Order 1A prohitis soldiers from "adopting as pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal." This is why the military services take such a hard position on troops caring for animals and trying to bring them home. It's a simple matter of maintaining order and discipline. I'm not saying I agree with the position; I'm just sharing the facts.

I'm reading a book called "From Baghdad, With Love" which is about a similar situation involving a guy from my home town who takes in a puppy named Lava. I'm pretty sure the book will have a happy ending, as will this particular story. Just be mindful that this happens more than we know about and while I think that the troops being allowed to maintain a degree of sanity with the help of a dog is an incredible thing, the military has next to zero tolerance for it.

Perhaps if each military organization officially adopted a "mascot," there would be less of a need for mental health services when our troops return home. Just my opinion.

October 15, 2008 at 12:57 AM
posted by: scratchtopaz

CBS is covering too - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/14/world/main4522550.shtml

It was good to read that Rep. Ellison wrote the military in support of Sgt. Beberg! It seems like real hope.

October 14, 2008 at 11:24 PM
posted by: jbandk9s

Here is the latest news posted at 5:17 pm CST in the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

BAGHDAD - The U.S. military confirmed Tuesday that an Iraqi puppy adopted by an American soldier is alive, while an animal rescue group expressed hope it will be allowed to take the pet to the United States.

The case has cast a spotlight on Defense Department rules that prohibit soldiers in the U.S. Central Command, which includes Iraq, from adopting pets or transporting them home.

Army Sgt. Gwen Beberg, 28, of Minneapolis, tried to send the dog, named "Ratchet," home with the help of Operation Baghdad Pups earlier this month as she prepared to leave Iraq. But the dog was reportedly confiscated by a U.S. officer before it could reach the Baghdad International Airport, raising concern about the animal's fate.

U.S. military spokesman Lt. Cmdr. David Russell said in an e-mail that the dog was alive, but he could provide no other details or comment on the effort to take it to the United States.

More than 30,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Army to let the puppy go home with Beberg, nearly tripling in a day as publicity over the case spread.

Beberg, who had been based south of Baghdad, has been transferred to a staging area to prepare for her departure from Iraq.

October 14, 2008 at 11:12 PM
posted by: Margaret

Please come to the U.S. safely, Ratchet! We're praying for you and for all who are working so hard to rescue you!

October 14, 2008 at 10:31 PM
posted by: yvette

He was found in a freezer? WHAT!!!!!!

October 14, 2008 at 8:03 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25

This is heartbreaking. Why can't Sgt. Gwen take home her dog, after all she has done for her country?! It doesn't make any sense.

October 14, 2008 at 1:25 PM
posted by: ODIESMOM

WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? THIS STORY IS NOT ONLY HEARTBREAKING BUT IT MAKES YOU WONDER HOW MUCH OUR GOVERNMENT REALLY APPRECIATES WHAT US SOLDIERS ARE DOING FOR FREEDOM IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES WHEN THEY WON'T ALLOW HELPING PETS THAT ARE SAVING SOLDIES LIVES.

October 14, 2008 at 10:44 AM
posted by: pmurrell

I just donated to Operation Bagdad Pups and hope it helps. I am praying for Ratchet and please keep us up on his progress. This puppy deserves to become an American puppy!