Since the Operation Baghdad Pups team arrived in Kuwait last week we have been faced with some major challenges. We learned shortly after arriving that Gryphon Airlines, who we fly in and out of Iraq with, had their flights into Baghdad suspended by the Iraqi government. Apparently, the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation decided on April 24, that only airlines sanctioned by the government could fly into the country. Initially Gryphon was exempt because they fly into a U.S. Air Base, however several days after this announcement the government also suspended Gryphon's flights. Gryphon Airlines has provided Operation Baghdad Pups with special extra space for U.S. soldiers’ dogs and cats for the past two years. Without this transportation option, we suddenly had to go back to the drawing board.
Luckily, Gryphon was able to negotiate a solution for SPCA International with Bahrain Airlines. So, one of our volunteers and I flew from Kuwait to Bahrain to Baghdad and back on April 30th. We were able to get 3 dogs (including Dangles) and 2 cats out. Shortly thereafter, we received word that this flight option fell apart. We immediately looked into moving our team to Bahrain and completing the missions from that location, but there were concerns about the transfer of the animals and the paperwork requirements in this country which presented such significant risks that we could not safely execute this option.
The situation continued to change almost daily throughout the week. This uncertainty has been challenging and with the summer heat embargo starting June 1st we cannot postpone our missions in hopes Gryphon will once again be able to fly before the end of May. Through grueling 24 hour days without sleep and extensive research we finally came up with a workable plan.
All Operation Baghdad Pups animals scheduled for rescue from Iraq were picked up and transported to secure location in Arbil, Iraq, 200 miles north of Baghdad. At this site in Arbil they have a kennel for their working dogs and we currently have 10 animals there waiting for transportation to the U.S. with more to arrive soon.
Meanwhile, our team has positioned itself in Arbil to begin flights to Frankfurt and then on to the U.S. Due to the Arbil flight schedules, our team is required to spend multiple nights in Iraq. As many of you know, we are usually in Iraq for no more that 40 minutes when we pick up the animals at the Baghdad airport so spending several days in Iraq is an added risk and cost. Although there are dangers to having our team in Iraq, we feel we have no other option because there are animals’ lives at stake. Our contacts in Iraq have assured me that Arbil is a relatively safe part of Iraq, and we are taking all precautions necessary to keep both our team and the animals safe.
One volunteer and I arrived in Arbil on Thursday, May 6th. We are hoping to fly the first group of animals out on May 9th and I will bring the second group out on May 12th. After this trial run from Arbil, we will need to turn right back around with additional SPCA International staff members and volunteers to retrieve the remaining patriot pets.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. It has been a challenging time, but I am confident that we will succeed and I take comfort in knowing that Dangles, OJ, Miss Piggy, Toby, and Jasmine are already safe in the U.S.
Due to all these logistical challenges, we need to raise more funds to keep up with all these unexpected expenses. If you are able, please donate to Operation Baghdad Pups today.
Terri Crisp
SPCA International
Operation Baghdad Pups Program Manager
