Dogs have an important impact on a persons mental health and personal well being. Anyone who doubts that can simply look at a few instances from the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan to find Proof. War Dogs, lost and lonely, many living on the street trying desperately to survive. Amazing how they gravitate towards humans feeling homesick and alone. Lending support comfort and love in some of the most stressful times of a soldier life.
Our soldiers deployed to the front lines often find comfort and companionship in the form of a dogs left to roam the street fending for themselves. One such incident, involved Ratchet The Iraq Dog, and Army Specialist Beberg. While deployed to Iraq, Spec. Beberg adopted a puppy found in a pile of burning trash. The two became fast friends, and were devoted to each other. Ratchet became a needed comfort for the difficult times of her deployment.
When the time neared for Spec Beberg to rotate home, she started making arrangements for the shipment of Ratchet to her home in the States. The trouble came when her commanding officer refused to allow the dog to accompany an Army convoy because it was against regulations. With no other means for Ratchet to get to the airport for shipment home, Spec Beberg was at a loss.
Operation Bagdad Pups, a branch of the SPCA International stepped in and with the help of over 77,000 signatures on a petition got the Army to loosen the regulations against Army personnel adopting pets. The happy ending being that Ratchet Beberg was able to be shipped to Spec Bebergs home, and greet her when she arrived. Talk about a nice homecoming.
For further proof that dogs are helpful and healing to the spirit and soul, read this blog post from Kaboom. The Happiest Dog in Iraq. After reading it I would bet you would agree with me, there are benefits beyond value to the soldier who manages to find the lost lonely K-9 souls.
10 comments:
I tweeted about this and a lot of our followers were surprised to see a news story like this one. But like you pointed out, dogs (and I think mostly all creatures) have a deep influence on mental health and behavior on any human that comes in touch with them. There's a dual relationship that when we finally come to appreciate, then we'll be able to see how wrong (not only inhumane) is the exploitation and abuse of animals. Thanks for sharing this with all of us!
Hi Karina, I couldn't remember who tweeted about it, but that was what reminded me I wanted to write a post on the subject. The first time I heard about it was when she was just trying to get help to ship Ratchet home. I was so mad at the Army for lacking the foresight to realize the benefit animals can have for our soldiers.
I know when I get home after a hard days work, the first to welcome me are a whole passel of Chihuahuas. There is certain comfort, and calming in that tiny little act. I can only guess the feeling our troops have when they find an animal companion.
What a fantastic story. I think it's great that the SPCA is helping these pups and the soldiers reunite in a safer place.
Hi Terie, I agree. I was amazed when I found out they had an organization set up just for this. So nice to see a proactive response to the Army's silly policy.
What a nice story. So often people forget that animals become victims just as often as people in these conflicts.
I agree that animals are theraputic and there's a lot of scientific proof backing that. I know my chis make my heart lighter when they greet me at the door as well
Hi Sarcasta Mom, I agree, there's nothing better than coming home to the welcome of 8 loving little chi's who want nothing more than to please you.
That's a touching story. I understand as I once cried for my dog. Dogs are loyal friends.
What a wonderful story Eric. I have two friends who were adopted by wild dogs when they were on holiday in India. There seems to be a natural affinity between humans and dogs.
henry
Hi Jena, I was so happy to see SPCA had stepped up to help out. It is a touching story.
Hi Henry, many times I think dogs and other animals chose their caretaker. They can be so loving and devoted how could anyone not love them back.
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