Stray Iraqi dog (Ratchet) gets his ticket to US after online petition

My thanks to the many DUers that signed after Tuesday's post.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article4958594.ece

From The Times
October 17, 2008



A stray dog befriended by a US soldier in Iraq has been allowed to move to the US and be reunited with its owner.

Powerful allies in Capitol Hill and a worldwide online petition meant that Ratchet, a black dog that was adopted by Sergeant Gwen Beberg, will be shipped out of Iraq as early as Sunday. It will go first to Kuwait, where NorthWest Airlines is waiting to fly the dog to Minneapolis.

The rescue operation, which was due to start yesterday, was delayed after a communications breakdown between a pet rescue group and the US military.

Sergeant Beberg, who adopted the dog in May after helping to save it 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 (SPCA) International, which helped to have the dog moved.

An online petition urging the US military to allow Ratchet to move to the US gathered almost 50,000 signatures. Supporters called congressional offices and Army headquarters demanding that the dog be saved.

Senator Norm Coleman and Senator Keith Ellison, both of Minnesota, also called for the dog’s release.

US soldiers in Iraq are prohibited from bringing home stray animals but the Department of Defence has made exceptions in the past.

FULL story at link.

That pup is gonna love the snow

I signed it and sent it to people in my address book. Another grassroots movement that turned out well!!!!!:applause:

I am so glad this is working out well.

I wish there were some sort of rescue program for more dogs like Ratchet, but there are many dogs (and cats) here who need a good home as well.

mark

http://www.baghdadpups.com/

Learned about it through this story. Still keeping fingers crossed and hope to hear about Ratchet's safe arrival after tomorrow.

Justice is served.

Can't wait 'till he gets home safely!

Ratchet, you're gonna love it here! Bella says "Woof!"

about publicizing "dog escapes Iraq" stories...