An update on Ratchet and how you can help save a soldier's dog.

 

UPDATE 10-23:
Ratchet has come home!  He arrived in MN on Oct 22nd. Read about it and see some news footage here: http://www.getfreshminds.com/2008/10/ratchet-mn.html

UPDATE 10-15:
Ratchet wasn't released in time to make the Baghdad Pups rescue flight today, but he was released!  Baghdad Pups is going to go back for him on Sunday: 

http://wcco.com/pets/ratchet.iraq.dog.2.841350.html

UPDATE 10-14:

Ratchet is alive, despite the fact that someone put him in a meat freezer for over 8 hours this weekend. Baghdad Pups is attempting to make another rescue attempt this week. Please keep your fingers crossed for him!

On Monday, I posted about the plight of Ratchet, the dog my friend Gwen rescued during her deployment in Iraq.

Over the last two days, the post on Ratchet was dugg over 6600 times, made the top of the top page in Digg, has over 800 comments and is currently the #6 post overall from the last 7 days!

It's absolutely unbelievable.  As Gwen wrote to me, she is "completely amazed with the response."   She also said to tell everyone: "You are all wonderful. Thank you for supporting me!"

I also want to say, thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who is helping!

Because I know you want to know, here's what is going on:

Last Wednesday, Ratchet was in a convoy actually on the way to the airport.  Some soldiers had volunteered to take him and drop him off with Baghdad Pups.  When the military found out about this, however, they stopped the convoy and confiscated Ratchet.

According to Stephanie from Baghdad Pups, this is unprecedented.  Normally, Baghdad Pups has no problem taking dogs or cats away from war zones.

However, the military refused to let Ratchet leave for some unknown reason.  He does not have an official "job" on the base, so she was not taking him unlawfully.  His ownership was also not under dispute.

At the moment, Ratchet is not being physically threatened.  He is simply not allowed to leave.  This is a big problem because Gwen leaves in October and the last chance Baghdad Pups has to get him out is next week.  If Ratchet does not get out before she leaves, he will have to be abandoned and will face certain death.

Gwen wrote to say:  (I've shortened it for this post.  Read the whole thing here.)

I am sad beyond comprehension to have Ratchet back. I wanted him in the arms of my parents, not back in mine here.

I was exuberant when Ratchet drove away. I thought we're pulled off a major feat. I instantly started dreaming about going home to my wagging-so-hard-his-body-wiggles dog...

...My plan for Ratchet is simple: take him home, train him as a service dog, and love him until his last day. Ratchet would be a valuable asset for troops back home. Who better to tell your troubles to than a dog who has been there, who won't judge you, and who will love you unconditionally no matter what you had to do to survive? ...

Ratchet is first-line defense against PTSD and suicide. He has made me think twice about some seriously self-damaging actions several times. He really has helped me to survive....

...Thank you to all the outraged people speaking out about this travesty. I very sincerely hope that Ratchet is sitting in my yard when I finally go home. Thank you.

(Read the whole update from Gwen)

HERE ARE THE CURRENT PROBLEMS:

ISSUE 1: Ratchet is not allowed to leave.

Since the military is refusing to let Ratchet go, he needs a military order to officially release him to leave Iraq.

ISSUE 2: Baghdad Pups needs donations to sponsor their upcoming trip to Iraq.

Ratchet was scheduled to leave on their October 6th flight.  Their next flight is next week, and Ratchet must be on it.  Gwen will be shipping out later this month and Ratchet will have to be abandoned if he doesn't leave before her.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Stephanie from Baghdad Pups told me several ways that people can help save Ratchet.

First, contact Minnesota senators and representatives (even if you're not from here).

Here are some details:

• Ratchet is at COP Meade, near Baghdad in Iraq
• 15 other dogs were allowed to leave last week with Baghdad Pups on the flight Ratchet was supposed to be on.
• The military seized Ratchet on his way to the airport.
• Ratchet is healthy and there is no physical reason to deny him from leaving.
• Ratchet needs a military release because the military is refusing to let him leave Iraq.

Calling is best because Senators and Representatives get thousands of emails.  However, click here for a sample email if you prefer that.

Here is the Contact information for the MN Senators and Gwen's Representative:

Senator Amy Klobuchar:
(888) 224-9043 -or- (612) 727-5220

Senator Norm Coleman: 
(800) 642-6041 -or- (651) 645-0323

Representative Keith Ellison,
(West Twin Cities, Minneapolis)
(202) 225-4755

Second, donate to Baghdad Pups!

When Ratchet is released, Baghdad Pups needs to be able to pick him up from Iraq.  Since Sgt Beberg will be transferred at the end of the month, Ratchet must be on Baghdad Pups next trip.

Donate: Help Ratchet get another plane ticket.

By donating to them, you will not only help Ratchet get home, but you will also help other soldiers save their dogs and cats.

As Gwen told me, "The [Baghdad Pups] program manager has made it pretty clear in her emails to those with animals that if some immediate funding doesn't roll in, they may not be able to rescue all the animals on the schedule for this fall. That would be terribly sad."

Please help Baghdad Pups help Gwen and other soldiers. Donate Now.

Third, pass this story along.

Tell your friends and let them know how they can help.  The more people working to help Ratchet, the better.

Sign the petition to release Ratchet now.

Join the Facebook Page.

Digg this page and help Ratchet's plight get more attention.

Thank you to everyone for their support and help getting attention for Ratchet.  Let's keep this amazing story going.

If you want to get in contact with SPCA International and Operation's  Baghdad Pups on Ratchet's behalf, they have set-up a special email address for him.  Send your emails to SaveRatchet@spca.com.

Any media inquiries should come to me.  I can help you get in touch with the right people at Baghdad Pups.

Comments

[Elsie]

I'm posting this to Facebook along with the petition, urging my friends to read and sign it. Have you contacted CNN and Fox News? When they bring attention to a story and millions of Americans are watching, the military would have to rethink doing something as cruel as killing Ratchet and preventing him from coming to the US.

[Alison Lowndes]

I've FaceBooked it, DIGG'd, it, emailed it around, signed the petition, emailed the petition around, passed it onto THE only Guru on the internet let me know if you want UK media attention too.

[Alison Lowndes]

Words of advice from a journalist friend .. if you want to change a ruling by a US decision maker then you have to embarrass them on their home turf. Get the US media involved, preferably The Washington Post!

[Courtnie]

Has anyone contacted the Ellen or Oprah shows? They are pet lovers and if a lot of people wrote to them on this it just might work!

[Kari]

I've been contacting all the local and national news outlets and radio stations I can think of. I'm in the Chicago area. I don't know how much interest I can get, but I'm doing my damnedest.

I urge everyone else following this story to do the same.

Please keep us posted!

[AIR]

Is there anything else to report? Am on pins and needles here!

[Paige]

I have sent this to CNN, The Huffington Post, The NY Times and The Washington Post. Good luck Ratchet!

[john mccain]

get the dog home, no money from me, however.

[julie]

The US Military should be spending their time and effort doing something more constructive! They should punish Gwen not Ratchet! I understand Gwen may get demoted, this is punishment enough. Why take it out on a dog? Ratchet- we are all pulling for you!!!

[TrumanTheHound]

We are going crazy waiting for an update. Will Ratchet go home tomorrow? We are telling everyone we know about it.

[Wendy Keelan]

I can't believe this cruelty by the US Military is happening. Please let this lovely lady take him home and don't be such tyrants. You are no better than the Taliban otherwise. Let them be together.

[Maria]

We are still rooting for Ratchet. I sent this letter to Oprah and Ellen in case it helps:
Dear Oprah,
Thank you so much for the recent shows you have done on animal rights. I agree with you entirely that the way we treat our animals is a barometer of our own humanity. I have recently gotten involved in a rescue operation for and Iraqi puppy that was adopted by Sgt. Gwen Beberg. Her puppy, Ratchet, was on a convoy twice now to be rescued by Operation Baghdad Pubs and brought to the Unites States, only to be detained due to military bureaucracy.

While I realize there are greater issues surrounding the Iraqi conflict, my heart is breaking for this kind woman who has given everything to her country, and asks only to keep her puppy in return. The reason this issue is bigger than "just rescuing dogs" is because Ratchet and his wagging tail has gotten Sgt. Beberg through her unimaginable war experiences. We have become increasingly educated over the past few years about post-traumatic-stress-syndrome, and it is well known that the unconditional love of our four legged friends provides solace and therapeutic support for our soldiers.

Sgt. Beberg has served her country well. Now it is time for her country to serve her. Please help us bring Ratchet home. the following link is where you can find details about the full story:

http://www.getfreshminds.com/2008/10/help-ratchet.html

There is an international petition out to save Ratchet, and people from California to New Zealand are begging congress people and military authorities to allow Sgt. Beberg to serve and protect Ratchet, as she has the American people. These gestures of human kindness weave the fabric that hold us together, and it is with these seemingly small acts of love that ordinary citizens can bring peace to the world.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful consideration to help Sgt. Beberg and Ratchet.
Kind Regards,

[Anders]

Hello, Anders from Sweden here, cant call any senators but i really hope Ratchet makes it!

[Alex Severins, Belgium]

I wish Gwen all the best and lots of luck. On occasions like this I get mad. We can sent people in orbit and have them circle the earth but we can't get this dog to a good home. Isn't there anybody out there who has a lot of money and means to get that dog out personally.
Let's all hope for the best.
Alex

[Ron]

Ratchet was released yesterday by the military 1/2 hour before the plane left. Ratchet missed the plane.
The Bagdad Pups group will possibly try again this Sunday. No reason that Ratchet should have missed two planes out of the war zone.

[Chelsey]

I'm so glad you mentioned KIVA in your blog. I'm am very involved on KIVA I think microfinance is such an amazing field to be apart of.

[phil]

Daily ration for ice (one of the most valuable comodities during an Iraqi summer): 1 bag per 2 soldiers.
...or one per cute little puppy; aww, he's so cute!!!1!one (and against orders to keep, by the way)
Find something more important to worry about.

[dave]

Heard on the news 3 pm (pst) that Ratchet has landed in the United States.

[Boaz Cnaan]

Good JOB!!!

[Matan Schwartz]

well done i hope u will enjoy him for a long time