Ratchet Lands Stateside

Ratchet, the 6-month-old Baghdad puppy who almost Met His Maker in Iraq because of Silly Army Rules, landed in DC, of all places, Monday afternoon.

As you may recall, Sgt. Gwen Beberg of Minneapolis adopted Ratchet while stationed in Iraq. She wanted to fly the pup home, but the Army, at first, said "No." Something about soldiers not being able to have "pets" while serving their country.

An organization called Operation Baghdad Pups marshalled the forces of animal-lovers worldwide, collecting more than 67,000 online signatures (including Yours Truly!) on an online petition, which caused the Army to change its bureaucratic mind. The puppy was on a flight to DC two days ago. From there he was headed to the Twin Cities, where Sgt. Beberg's Mom will take care of Ratchet until his own Mommy comes home. Thanks to Z's Mom for alerting us to this important issue, and keeping us posted on Ratchet's progress, and thanks to all our Bloggy Friends for getting involved.

Wrap-up Wednesday

Help Save Ratchet!

I first heard about the Campaign to Save Ratchet from Z's Mom. Sgt. Gwen Beberg befriended puppy Ratchet while serving in Iraq, and sent regular dispatches to her home in Minneapolis charting the dog's process, with hundreds of fans tuning in on Facebook to follow the pup's life. But the US Army takes a strict line on soldiers befriending animals, and confiscated Ratchet just as Sgt. Beberg was getting ready to fly home last weekend. To keep Ratchet with his new "Mommy" and allow him to live (the military usually executes pets found under these circumstances), please Sign the Petition to Save Ratchet. Also, please consider donating to Operation Baghdad Pups, which tries to rescue animals such as Ratchet.

Amanda's Hosting a Pop'rs Giveaway!

Today's the last day for Amanda's Pop'rs Giveaway! One winner will win a Box of Pop'rs, containing eight delicious flavors of this oh-so-good-for-you-seasoning! Try Buffalo on chicken!Chocolate in milk! Raspberry on cereal! Butter on potatoes! Strawberry on ice cream! Taco on cut corn!Color Burst in yogurt! Cinnamon on applesauce! Pop'rs are the Healthy Way to encourage you and yours to Eat Your Veggies!The Secret IS in the Sauce!

Thanks so much to Heather and Tiffany, who are the Head Honchos over at The Secret is in the Sauce. SITS hosted a day-long Blogathon yesterday, with lots and lots of Awesome Prizes. No word yet on whether Veggie Mom's a Winner, but let the chips fall as they may--we still had loads and loads of fun! Thanks, thanks and More Thanks to those of you who stopped by yesterday to Share the Comment Love!

Lizzy for President!

Remember, everyone--Hot Tub Lizzy is Running for President! Support The Plaid Party and check out Lizzy's Latest Interview today with Melissa B., The Scholastic Scribe. Talk about a Hoot-and-a-Half!