Soldier blocked from taking puppy from war zone

A rescued Iraqi puppy is making its way into the hearts of thousands of people all over the world.

More than 10,000 people have signed an online petition urging the US Army to allow Ratchet the puppy to travel to America with Sergeant Gwen Beberg when she returns home from duty next month.

Beberg, 28, was one of two soldiers who rescued Ratchet from a burning pile of rubbish in May. She fears if she doesn’t take him home with her, he could be killed.

Defense Department rules prohibit soldiers in the US Central Command, which includes Iraq, from adopting pets. 

Beberg’s case is supported by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International. The society's Operation Baghdad Pups has assisted in the transfer of 50 dogs and six cats to the US in the last eight months.

Program coordinator Terri Crisp is due to arrive in Baghdad on Wednesday in support of Ratchet.

She said adopted dogs left behind face death on Iraqi streets.

"Iraqis view dogs and cats as nuisances and carriers of disease," she said.

Congressman Democrat Keith Ellison has also written to the US Army urging it to review the case.

Beberg was recently transferred and became separated from Ratchet. 

In a recent email to her mother Patricia she explained how much she missed the pup.

"I'm coping reasonably well because I refuse to believe that Ratchet has been hurt," she said.

"If I find out that he was killed though... well, we just won't entertain that possibility."

"I just want my puppy home."

- © Fairfax NZ News