This is a story that cheered me up enormously today. A soldier, Gwen Beberg, on assignment in Baghdad, found and adopted a stray puppy who she named Ratchet. At the end of her tour of duty, Gwen arranged for Ratchet to fly back to the States with her luggage. At the last minute Sgt Beberg faced a new battle with bureaucrats who tried to prevent Ratchet’s return. But with the support of a charity, Operation Baghdad Pups, the six-month old dog was flown back to Minnesota where Gwen’s parents cared for him. This week Gwen herself flew home, and was greeted by her lovely dog – who has grown much bigger while they were apart! An enthusiastic welcome nearly knocked the soldier off her feet – aaah!

http://blogs.dogtime.com/the-news-hound-blog/2009/01/ratchet-and-soldier-finally-reunited