Have you been following the news about the Iraqi dog named Ratchet? Befriended and beloved by a U.S. soldier in Iraq, the formerly-homeless Ratchet was confiscated by the U.S. Military and not allowed to leave for the United States with his adoptive soldier. Care2 hosted a petition to help bring Ratchet home and the news media hopped on the bandwagon as well.

As of yesterday, due to the huge outpouring of outrage and the hard work of Operation Baghdad Pups, Ratchet was cleared to leave for the United States–but he missed his flight. Our fingers are tightly crossed that Ratchet makes it on his next flight, and is kept safe until then.

It’s hard to fathom the bond that a soldier might develop with a dog while employed oversees. And even harder to fathom that that bond not be honored by bureaucracy.

Fortunately, soldiers and their dogs have a network of advocacy with Operation Baghdad Pups, which was organized by the SPCA International. They have helped to successfully rescue many dogs befriended by our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the logistics of moving animals from a war zone to a new home are extremely complicated and expensive.

SPCA International’s exhaustive efforts to rescue the mascots and companion animals of United States soldiers serving in the Middle East require extensive and diligent coordination of resources and expertise. But you can help! You can donate items to abet the effort–check this wish list. You can also make a financial donation to help bring these furry war heroes home.