Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca

Maria Goodavage

Oct 2014 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

The New York Times bestselling author of Secret Service Dogs and Soldier Dogs delivers the incredible, true story of K-9 Marine hero Lucca, and the handlers who fought alongside her through two bloody wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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

Maria Goodavage takes readers into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog. An extraordinary bond develops between Lucca and Marine Corps dog handlers Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez, in what would become a legendary 400-mission career. A specialized search dog, Lucca belongs to an elite group 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.

Here, in gritty detail, is the gripping account of Lucca's adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and rooftop firefights, as well as the bravery of fellow handlers and dogs they served with. Ultimately we see how the bond between Lucca and her handlers overcame the endless brutalities of war and the traumas such violence can inflict.

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

Ratings and reviews

Great book!! Well written! Great brave young men with their amazing dogs who lay their lives down to protect our lives and country ! Also the brave women in our military ! I learned so much about the dogs in our military , I didn't know about. Coming from a family with a long list of military men back to WW I I and my husband, brother, and cousins in Vietnam . KIA in Vietnam my sisters husband and cousin, I know to well what families sacrifice ! "Thank You "all veterans for your service and sacrifice !!! Also your loyalty to your brothers in arms!!! I am proud to be an American!! I wish all Americans felt this way! Also I grew up with lots of German Shepherd dogs , they are amazing !!!! Shirley C.

I cried and laugh! But it was so great! You will never know how heroic these Marine dogs are until you read Lucca's story! Cheers to you, Lucca and to all Marine dog handlers!

A great read about a great Marine MWD. All dog lovers can appreciate this story and learn from it.

About the author

Maria Goodavage is a veteran journalist and the New York Times bestselling author of Secret Service Dogs, Top Dog, and Soldier Dogs. She lives in San Francisco with her family and yellow Lab, Gus Kilroy.