Andrea Rosebrock 
You all remember Ratchet, of course… Gwen Beberg’s cute black and white border collie that was the center of a controversy about the military having pets. So, been wondering how that Iraqi pup’s been doing?
Well Ratchet landed in Minneapolis in October, headed for his new home with Gwen’s parents until she was back and you can imagine Minnesota is quite a change from Iraq, especially at this time of year.
Well, sounds like Ratchet is settling in and doing just great and loving his new home, including the cold and snow.
“At first he’d pick up a back leg and shake it, like ‘What is this stuff?’” said Pat Beberg. Now “he sticks his nose down in the snow just like a dog from here and ends up with a big white muzzle. He’ll dig for a chunk of ice and toss it around …
“He’s just a doll. He’s having so much fun.”
“He’s a growing boy, and he has his moments,” Pat Beberg said. “The biggest challenge is barking. … His job (in Iraq) was to bark and alert people. He has a unique bark, with a sort of a howl at the end of it.”
Gwen, who is now stationed in Kentucky, is scheduled to hopefully be home some time in January and then the feisty border collie will get his training as a therapy dog. The family is waiting until them to celebrate Christmas but Ratchet has already gotten one well needed gift, a pair of booties to combat the Minnesota cold and snow. Big difference from the 120 degree heat in Iraq. 
Ratchet! My favorite Happy Thought! WOO!!
Ratchet, it seems like you have adjusted well to the chilly Minnesota temps! May your delayed Xmas with your mom be the happiest of times for you little guy!
i am so glad to see that you are doing so well. your life is so much better and can only get better. you will be your mom’s best christmas she will get this year and every year after. merry christmas and happy new year ratchet. you are one special boy
WOOHOO WAY TO GO RATCHET.& A GREAT BIG WOOF WOOF FROM MY DOG BRANDY.SHE LOVES THE SNOW TOO & WISHES SHE COULD BE THERE TO PLAY IN IT WITH YOU. BET YOU CAN’T WAIT TILL MOM GETS HOME & YOU BOTH CAN PLAY IN THE SNOW TOGETHER.
This is what Christmas is all about. That is one precious dog that deserves all the happiness he is obviously getting. Snow is fun but can be hard if your not used to it – he is so used to it. Merry Christmas (in January) to you and your mom – she should be proud.
Love Ya.
This is only happening because of people like you Deanna and all the other good folk who showed the US Military that – despite their inhuman experiences – they need to remain human.
Good job.
It is so good to see a wonderful story. Ratchet seems to be adjusting well. All it takes is love and he sure is getting that. It doesn’t matter where a dog comes from, love does many wonderful things.