Lucca Dog Marine Corps Hero

Lucca was a military working dog who served in the United States Marine Corps. She was a highly skilled and decorated dog.

Lucca was trained to detect explosives and was deployed to Iraq in 2006. She completed over 400 missions in her time in theater.

Lucca's work in Iraq was instrumental in keeping Marines safe, and she was awarded several commendations for her service.

Lucca was a highly trained specialized search dog who served with the U.S. Marine Corps for six years.

She completed more than 400 missions in two theaters of war, including Afghanistan and Iraq, without a single human fatality under her watch.

Lucca was trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handlers in dangerous situations, and she was credited with finding ammunition, explosives, and insurgents at least 40 times.

During her time in service, she protected thousands of human lives as part of her assignments.

On her last mission in 2012, Lucca was on patrol in Afghanistan when she sniffed out a 30-pound IED and lost one of her legs when another IED detonated underneath her.

She was airlifted to Germany for medical treatment and rehabilitation, and was walking again just ten days after the explosion.

Lucca's story of bravery and loyalty is a testament to her dedication to her handlers and her country.

Her record of military service is a remarkable one, and she will always be remembered as a true hero.

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Maria Goodavage's book, Top Dog, tells the incredible true story of K-9 Marine hero Lucca, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog.

Lucca was a specialized search dog trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handler to sniff out deadly explosives. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry, and became so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name.

The bond between Lucca and her handlers, Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez, is at the heart of this gripping account.

Lucca is a decorated and highly skilled military working dog who served in two bloody wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Maria Goodavage, the author of Top Dog, has written a gripping account of Lucca's adventures on and off the battlefields.

Lucca was a specialized search dog trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handler to sniff out deadly explosives.

She belonged to an elite group and was so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name.

Top Dog is a portrait of modern warfare with a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military readers.

The book is a testament to the bravery of Lucca and her handlers, including Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez, who fought alongside her.

Maria Goodavage's writing style is praised as fast-paced and spellbinding, making for a page-turner.

Expand your knowledge: Dogs in Warfare

Maria Goodavage knocks it out of the park in this fast-paced, spellbinding page-turner, according to John W. Pilley, co-author of Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words.

Top Dog has received praise from various readers and experts, highlighting the incredible true story of K-9 Marine hero Lucca and her handlers.

Maria Goodavage takes readers into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog, and the extraordinary bond that develops between Lucca and her handlers Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez.

The book is a portrait of modern warfare with a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military readers.