Friday, October 10, 2008

Ratchet & Gwen

We just stopped over Ben Rotti's and followed the links to read the story of Rachet and Gwen. And after reading it, we're all primed for some butt biting!

Gwen has been serving in Iraq for over 15 months longer than her original commitment to the military. She is due to leave this month and her dream was to have Ratchet, the puppy she befriended, waiting for her at her parents' home. But as Baghdad Pups was transporting Ratchet to the airport, an unprecedented event happened to them -- Ratchet was seized by Gwen's commanding officer. The military refuses to release the dog and might shoot it in the head as it has done to other dogs befriended by servicemen and women.

Gwen is being investigated and could be court martialed for befriending Ratchet. Because she will be leaving Iraq soon, if Ratchet is not on the next Baghdad Pups transport, he will not make it out of the country to safety.

You can stop by Ben Rotti's and follow the links of the story or if you are pressed for time, you can go directly to the petition to release Ratchet in time to save his life. Under the photo in upper left, click on the button "view whole petition" so you can read the story and see the photos.

A link to this video about Jay Kopelman and his dog Lava is included on the petition site, but in case you are wondering why saving one dog is so important, we ask that you take a minute to watch the video. And then, please, go sign the petition. For Ratchet and Gwen -- and for all the military men and women who are serving their country.

17 comments:

  1. Thank you Jan

    have a great weekend,

    love and tailwags,

    Ben xxxxx

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  2. We have our paws crossed that everything will work out for Ratchet and Gwen we are sending Mommy to sign the petition now. ~S,S & C

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  3. Oh my goodness guys. That kind of story just makes me want to cry.

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  4. We share our editor with Jay Kopelman, and she first turned me onto the story of Lava and other Baghdad dogs. I sure hope this one finds his way to the U.S.!

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  5. We were so sad when we furst read it on Gus, Louie, and Callie's blog -

    I pawed a note to handsome Ben fur I knew he khould help with another takhtikh!!

    It is sooo furry sad -

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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  6. We signed and we hope dat sum compassion is shown fer both pup and the lady who served her country!

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  7. It's verry sad that some people fight and other people and dear little furries have to defend.

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  8. We are going to go sign right now!

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  9. Thanks for posting about these dogs and the soldiers who befriended them. We have signed the petition.

    I am appalled that the military cannot show even basic compassion to these animal befriending soldiers afte rthey fought for thier country. A sanity and life saving friendship between human and animal should be celebrated, not punished.

    *puts the very large bitey on Gwen's commanding officer*

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  10. We're going to go and sign the petition right away. And thanks for letting us know about all of this. Communication is the first step to solving problems.

    Have a great weekend.

    xox
    Chef

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  11. That's such a disturbing story. We're signing the petition.

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  12. Oh thank you so much posting this too. We are so hoping that Gwen can bring Ratchet home with her. After she has served her country she deserves this so much..

    Big Sloppy Kisses
    Gus, Louie and Callie

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  13. I saw this on Ben's blog and signed the petition! I also posted the links on one of my dog forums......

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  14. This just seems so petty - after Gwen and Ratchet have gone through so much. We're sending Mum over to sign the petition too,

    Purrs

    Gypsy & Tasha

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  15. Ugh, people.

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  16. Unbelievable. How does this stuff happen?

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  17. OMG this is SO sad. Why would they want to separate her from her dog? What is wrong with that stupid officer? (forgive me for calling him stupid, perhaps uncaring and cold-hearted is more appropriate)

    We are going to sign the petition right away, thanks for posting it and the video.

    Jaime

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