Release Ratchet from Iraq Now!

On MSNBC, 14 October:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27175042/

 Good to see it wasn't a scam.  Let's hope it has a happy ending for Ratchet.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.

Source:  http://www.spca.com/press/item/60

Another article about Ratchet....

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

Okay Ann...I'll take a stab at this one.  Love knows no boundaries.  When you are far from home and loved ones, the unconditional love of a pup is priceless.  Petting it's silky fur is calming and soothing while in an emotional storm of epic proportions.  The antics of a dog take you out of a very dark place and allows you a few moments of joy when you are in a midst of utter chaos.  And you fall head over heels in love with your new pet.  We know how important that is because even though it is against regulations, the soldiers are constantly befriending animals, especially the soldiers who are already animal lovers.  Once they have the dog, it serves as a watch dog, often alerting them to potential intruders.  The dogs have even been known to follow them when they move because these dogs are loyal.  Once you love an animal, it is nearly impossible to give it up without heartache.  This is especially true if you don't know the animal's fate and dogs are not particularly revered by Iraqis.  So leaving one to it's fate there can often be a death sentence.  In many cases, the soldiers did not go looking for a dog but simply befriended or rescued one that "fell" into their laps.  We also know that many of our returning soldiers have re-adjustment issues.  Coping with the past stress and re-establishing your place back into the life you left can be very hard work indeed.  Having that furry friend, especially one that has been through it with you, can mean the difference between a painful experience and one with some touch of happiness.

I realize that it is a ton of money and I get that there is an excess of abandoned animals right here.  But where the heart goes, we often follow.  I cannot say if it is the right thing to do, but I do know that folks must feel free to do what they think is best for themselves.  Personally I can totally understand the soldiers' feelings.  Each person has the right (thank you America's military, past and present) to choose.  I have always adopted rescued dogs here and that's my choice...but if I had a dog over there, you can bet heaven and earth that I would move the moon to try to bring it home with me. 

As for the case of humans needing our resources more than these stray dogs, by that logic we should not keep any pets but allocate all that money to people projects.  I personally find that a dog has great powers to make me a better person and that too is priceless to me.  But again, it's all about individual choice.  So, no WWIII from me but I do get why this all happens.

Kathy 

It might also have something to do with the fact that it is very difficult to ease human suffering. They may not know if they are helping the people or not, but a dog that has no food or shelter or protection shows an immediate and profound change when given a helping hand. They can see that they are helping, and they feel better about that. They are not in the relative security of home, they are in a desperate and trying sturggle, and anything that eases that, anything that brings hope and comfort is a big deal, it leaves a big impression. Just my 2 cents.

Heidi

 MSNBC:

Iraqi puppy adopted by soldier en route to U.S.

Ratchet was picked up in Baghdad and placed on a charter flight

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27267422/

Ann, I was feeling the same way, until I started reading.  My opinion, not about money, but proximity.  Yeah, we have a lot of strays over here that need homes, but the soldiers are in Iraq, etc.  These pets helped them through their tough times, they have adopted them and now they want to bring them home and keep them safe.  In essence, it is not really about the animals, it is still about the soldiers.

A soldier's relationship of love is one we must support! 
Adjustment home should NOT have to include worrying about what has happened to their pets.

Here in the states, people would go nuts if they were told they had to leave their pets behind when they moved... yes it happens and it hurts... WHY would we want to do that to these guys IF it can be avoided!

{{{HUGS}}}'

As a supporter of Operation Baghdad Pups, I received this email today:

Dear Friends,

Thanks to all your support, Ratchet is home safe and sound in Minneapolis, MN. Ratchet is Spc. Gwen Beberg's dog who gained worldwide attention after being forcibly held in Iraq by the military. Thanks to your financial support and the public outcry, SPCA International succeeded and flew Ratchet out of Iraq on October 19.

After arriving at Dulles International Airport on October 20, Ratchet was given a full examination by veterinarian, Dr. Chris Carskaddan. Carskaddan gave Ratchet a clean bill of health, explaining that all the Operation Baghdad Pups dogs he has seen have been in exceptional health and appear very well cared for by U.S troops serving in Iraq. On October 22, Ratchet flew to his final destination in Minneapolis to be with Gwen's parents.

The Operation Baghdad Pups waiting list still includes 40 animals, 16 of which (14 dogs and 2 cats) must be rescued from Iraq before their soldiers redeploy home for the holidays. Without more financial support for Operation Baghdad Pups, U.S. soldiers' dogs and cats may perish on the cruel streets of Iraq. SPCA International is requesting public donations in support of U.S. troops and their animals be made.

Hundreds of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East befriend animals in the war zone to help cope with the hardships and terror they face every day. These dogs and cats become their lifeline - saving many from deep depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The military refuses to help or formally recognize the lifeline these animals give to our mentally wounded.

Spread the word and tell your friends about Operation Baghdad Pups.

Together, we can make a difference!

Operation Baghdad Pups
on CNN tomorrow

Hi Friends,

Tomorrow you can see me live on CNN advocating for Operation Baghdad Pups! Please help support SPCA International by tuning in to see the interview.

When: Friday, November 21st
Time: Approximately 2:45pm Eastern (11:45am Pacific)

On the show, I'll discuss why U.S. troops serving in Iraq take the risk and befriend animals and how these dogs and cats help individuals cope with the hardships and brutality they face every day. These animals become a lifeline - saving many from serious depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

I'll also talk about Ratchet. In October, the SPCA International team secured the dog's release and rescued him from Iraq after he had been confiscated by the army. This was an amazing feat that saved the life of a dog, brought tremendous relief to a soldier and grabbed attention around the world.

I hope you'll tune in and show your support for SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups program. You can also support U.S. troops by donating to Operation Baghdad Pups today. We still have 50 men and women on our waiting list hoping and praying that we can get their animals out of the warzone too. With the U.S. military presence in Iraq decreasing, time may be running out for some of these animals. That is why we all need to act now!

Thanks for all you do for animals everywhere. We couldn't save lives without you!

Sincerely,

Terri Crisp
Operation Baghdad Pups Program Manager
SPCA International

P.S. Spread the word! Forward this email to your friends and family.

Maybe when you first see the story all you can think about is the money that it costs to bring these animals home.  I have read a couple of stories of rescued dogs that belonged to soldiers.  Like someone else said they do not go looking for the dogs or cats.  The animals attach themselves to our kind troops. 

PTSD has been around forever, but has really not be given the recognition of how serious it is until recently.   If these animals can decrease PTSD I say more power to them.  In the long run it will save more money than it originally cost to bring it to the U.S.  Consider that the warrior who suffers from this can not function.  They can not maintain relationships.  I  have seen  this first hand after Vietnam.  Think of how much it will cost to care for this person over the next 60-70 years.

If these dogs and cats can prevent one of our heroes from slipping away from their family and friends, I say it is money well spent.  These men and women are heroes and they deserve a chance to mend.   Animals have proven how valuable they are to humans when it comes to healing.  

I wish I could be more specific, you can find research and stories that support this type of therapy.  The stories will tear at your heart strings.