Ratchet the war dog has arrived.
Ratchet is here!
This is just one of many blogs that has been following the story of the dog befriended by an Army sergeant in Iraq who was determined to bring him back to the states. Although Ratchet initially was confiscated by military officials when he was on his way to the Baghdad Airport, he finally received permission to go.
SSS! reader Tara alerted me a few hours ago that Ratchet had arrived in Washington. He got off the airplane sporting a red, white and blue bandana, tail wagging. He's already had his veterinarian check-up and is in great health. So he soon should be in Minnesota, waiting for Sgt. Gwen Beberg to join him after she is deployed.
I couldn't manage to snag television footage of Ratchet's arrival. But I did find this very moving video from Operation Baghdad Pups, which facilitated the rescue of Ratchet and many other dogs and cats adopted by our service men and women in Iraq. Look closely and you will spot Beberg, Ratchet and Nubs, another famous war dog who followed his soldier to a new outpost after the man had been forced to leave Nubs behind.
Welcome to your new home, Ratchet.
And thanks, Tara.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
