U.S. Soldier Reunites with Iraqi Puppy

Army Spc. Gwen Beberg says she would not have been able to get through her 13-month deployment in Iraq without the comfort and friendship from little black puppy, Ratchet. Luckily, today the two will be reunited as, after three different flights and two long days traveling from Iraq, Ratchet will once again be with Beberg, but this time, in the United States.

Beberg excitedly emailed family and friends, saying, “Words can’t describe it! I hope that Ratchet’s story will inspire people to continue the efforts to bring more service members’ animals home from Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Ratchet was rescued by an organization called the Baghdad Pups, a sub-organization of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International. To date, Baghdad Pups has brought 63 animals to the U.S. They say their efforts have saved cats and dogs as well as benefited the soldiers who shared bonds with them while serving overseas.

Generally, the military doesn’t allow troops serving overseas to take animals home with them to the United States. Difficulty caring for them and certain health issues have been the main reasons for barring this. Ratchet was only allowed because his transport was completed by non-service members.

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