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Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
The New York Times bestselling author of Soldier Dogs returns with 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.
In Top Dog, 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. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry, and became so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name.
The book describes in gritty detail Lucca's adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and 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 this violence ignites.
Here is a portrait of modern warfare with a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military readers.
In Top Dog, 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. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry, and became so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name.
The book describes in gritty detail Lucca's adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and 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 this violence ignites.
Here is a portrait of modern warfare with a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military readers.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 31, 2018
For portions of this book I needed to read through the tears in my eyes.
December 13, 2014
I love stories about service animals - there's just something heartwarming and utterly amazing about what these animals are able to do. It was especially interesting to get a peek into the world of Military Working Dogs (MWDs), in terms of how/where they are bred and trained, and exactly what they do when they are 'on the job'. I would've liked to have known a bit more, but I suppose some of the training strategy and tactics are a bit classified. Regardless, this was an excellent story - a bit slow in the middle, but don't let that deter you. I already knew some about Lucca's story -- as my company (American Airlines) helped transport her to her retirement (which is a happy-tear story in itself) -- but it was really interesting to learn more about Lucca's life and her special skills. I knew these dogs were amazing, but wow. I dare you not to be impressed once you read what they really do bring to the fight. I definitely have a greater respect now for MWDs, along with those who train them and those who bond with them and fight the hard fight with them.
To supplement the photos in the book, here's a video of Lucca's sendoff to Helsinki and her reunion with her original handler up on her retirement:
http://vimeo.com/46908687
and
http://hub.aa.com/en/ju/christopher-w...
To supplement the photos in the book, here's a video of Lucca's sendoff to Helsinki and her reunion with her original handler up on her retirement:
http://vimeo.com/46908687
and
http://hub.aa.com/en/ju/christopher-w...
July 2, 2015
This is the story of Marine Corps hero Lucca K458, a German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, off-leash IED-detecting military working dog (MWD). Lucca conducted 400 missions over three deployments during her six year career and saved countless soldiers and marines without injury except her own. On March 23, 2012, with a dozen Special Forces soldiers in the Nahr Saraj district of Afghanistan, Lucca detonated an IED and lost her left forelimb.
Lucca had two handlers in her career, Marine Staff Sgt. Chris Willingham and Cpl. Juan “ROD” Rodriguez, who saved her life after the explosion. Goodavage captures the pure essence of the handler-dog bond when she writes of Willingham’s extended transfer of the leash to Rodriguez. Lucca is retired and was adopted by Willingham and his family.
The DOD does not give dogs awards, but the Marine Corps League of Tuscaloosa gave her a Purple Heart plague, the VFW in Fairfax, Virginia gave her an honorary position in its organization.
The book is a beautifully told story told through the eyes of the handler. I enjoyed this true story and if you are a dog person you will to. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Neil Shah narrated the story.
Lucca had two handlers in her career, Marine Staff Sgt. Chris Willingham and Cpl. Juan “ROD” Rodriguez, who saved her life after the explosion. Goodavage captures the pure essence of the handler-dog bond when she writes of Willingham’s extended transfer of the leash to Rodriguez. Lucca is retired and was adopted by Willingham and his family.
The DOD does not give dogs awards, but the Marine Corps League of Tuscaloosa gave her a Purple Heart plague, the VFW in Fairfax, Virginia gave her an honorary position in its organization.
The book is a beautifully told story told through the eyes of the handler. I enjoyed this true story and if you are a dog person you will to. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Neil Shah narrated the story.
February 10, 2015
I love love Lucca and will always remember her! What an amazing book to remind us that "sometimes it takes a dog to remind us of our humanity." It was great to be educated on the marine dog handlers and their Specialized Search Dogs (SSD). They have an unbreakable, strong bond of loyalty, friendship & love. RIP Bram, Kory Wiens, Coopalop & Grief. It was amazing to read about you. Thank you to all the military dog handlers and their intelligent dogs for your service, courage, dedication and bravery.
May 2, 2019
I'll admit that I was sold on Lucca just from the cover--how could a story about that face not be amazing? And I'm happy to report that I was right--what an incredible story. Not only was Lucca a hero in war, she was one after, too. The vivid details throughout the story almost make you feel like you were right there with her, and I love the strong relationship she formed with both Willingham and Rod. I also loved how aware Willingham was of the attachment Rod had with Lucca and how he worked to ease the transition in her retirement. I think my favorite chapters were the ones at the end, detailing her "final mission" and all the good she did in retirement. Though the exact mission may have changed, Lucca is a service dog through and through, always ready to help those around her. Parts of the story were a little choppy, but I loved all the different tales about Lucca and how she interacted with the world around her. A must for any dog lover!
April 20, 2015
A book about man’s best friend? We’re in. A book about man’s best friend keeping our service men and women safe, becoming a hero and selflessly risking it all? Yea, now we’re blown away. You will be too if you read Maria Goodavage’s Top Dog. Top Dog is the story of one amazing Belgian Malinois, her journey and her handler’s in one of the most inhospitable places she could ever serve. Mama Lucca is one loving, hardworking and intelligent dog who through out her military career has sniffed out weapons caches, explosive devices and particulates, and even enemy combatants. As dog owners and advocates we hear many stories about the incredible things that our four legged friends are capable o. Mama Lucca’s story, well…it’s so incredible that you have to read Top Dog for yourself.
For More: http://www.blackdogspeaks.com/top-dog/
For More: http://www.blackdogspeaks.com/top-dog/
January 29, 2016
This is a true story about Lucca, a war service dog, and her handlers, Chris Willingham and Juan 'Rod' Rodriguez. Lucca was highly sought after for her outstanding work that led to an extraordinary career of some four-hundred missions in the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lucca was the top dog in sniffing out IEDs and weapons and saving many, many lives.
Her dedication and devotion to her handlers became an inspiration to all those she came in contact with.
Dog lovers - this is your kind of book.
I did receive this free book thru Goodreads.com.
Lucca was the top dog in sniffing out IEDs and weapons and saving many, many lives.
Her dedication and devotion to her handlers became an inspiration to all those she came in contact with.
Dog lovers - this is your kind of book.
I did receive this free book thru Goodreads.com.
July 4, 2015
3.5 stars
I love animals and I come from a military family so this book called to me when I saw it on NetGalley, Plus, look at that cover, that expressive, handsome face. How could I resist? Obviously, I couldn't.
I'd heard of military dogs before of course and had a vague idea of what they did. There are different jobs, all of them (at least the ones in this book) relying on a sense of smell. Lucca is a German Shepherd and Malinois mix, bred in the Netherlands specifically for military work. She was purchased by the US Marines to train. Her story starts in Afghanistan with her second handler then quickly jumps back to when she meets her first handler, a Marine named Chris Willingham. We see her training and we see the bond forming between her and Willingham. Lucca's job is to sniff out IEDs and other weapons. She's so good at it that during her Marine career she saves hundreds of lives both military and civilian and doesn't lose a single man out on patrol with her.
The story is not just Lucca's but that of her handler Chris Willingham. A long-time dog man and devoted Marine, he believes strongly in the work that Lucca and other military working dogs do. He's a passionate supporter and spreads the word both within the military and later in the civilian world. We see his loyalty to the dog handlers that he trains and that he works with. He takes on their well-being as his own and struggles when one is killed in action. He and Lucca served two deployments together and were partners for several years. Goodavage does an excellent job showing us Willingham's passion, loyalty, and struggles, and his pride in and love for Lucca. When he makes the difficult decision, for both his sake and his family's sake, to give up dog handling, we feel his pain at losing Lucca and losing the work he loved so much. He gets to personally choose her next handler, Rod Rodriguez.
Although Lucca misses Willingham, it doesn't take long for she and Rod to bond. He knew of her and had met her before so he was excited and honored to be chosen as her new handler. But, he knew from the outset that when Lucca retired, Willingham would adopt her. Lucca was Rod's only while she served. Still, he came to love her just as much as Willingham did. When she's injured on duty, he follows her to the different hospitals and even sleeps with her in her kennel to keep her company. I admit, I teared up at times.
Goodavage did a fantastic job of describing the missions, the set up, life overseas, and of relaying Lucca's personality. Lucca's friendly, affectionate, serious on duty and silly off duty. She's proud of doing a good job. At times, Goodavage goes overboard and anthropomorphizes Lucca and some of her canine peers but for the most part, she manages to skip that pitfall. The humans are not neglected either. I felt as if I knew Willingham and I fear that if I ever meet him, I may start talking to him as if we're already acquainted. We don't get to know Rodriguez quite as well which is unfortunate but I liked what I saw of him. Especially the love and care he gives her when she's injured. I was glad to see that military changed it's policy and no longer abandoned or euthanized dogs who finished their service. By the time Lucca was injured, she was treated and then retired. I teared up again when Rod had to hand her over to Willingham and his family but some of the tears were happy tears. Willingham knew how much Lucca meant to Rod and took extra care to include him.
I had a few gripes about the story. The first was that at times it was over the top on the 'rah rah America is great and wonderful and we're here to save everyone' mentality. Granted, given the story, I expected some of that but I hoped that Goodavage as the author and biographer would have been more objective than the people involved and might have cast a more critical eye. I also wish that the book had included photographs; I assume none were put in for security reasons but they would have added immensely to the story. My other gripes I already mentioned - the occasional anthropomorphizing and that we don't get as full a picture of Rodriguez as we do of Willingham.
There's a happy ending for Lucca, Willingham, and Rodriguez. Well, considering they're all still alive, that state is subject to change but the book ends on a high note for all three of them. I enjoyed meeting Lucca, her canine boyfriends, her human handlers, and the other dog handlers. I enjoyed seeing and learning more about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and learning about military working dogs. The dogs, their handlers and everyone who's on the frontlines has my respect. I enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it for dog lovers, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a closer look at the wars.
ETA 7/3/2015: In a nice bit of serendipity, this news article showed up on my Yahoo page shortly after this post went live - http://news.yahoo.com/retired-militar...
I love animals and I come from a military family so this book called to me when I saw it on NetGalley, Plus, look at that cover, that expressive, handsome face. How could I resist? Obviously, I couldn't.
I'd heard of military dogs before of course and had a vague idea of what they did. There are different jobs, all of them (at least the ones in this book) relying on a sense of smell. Lucca is a German Shepherd and Malinois mix, bred in the Netherlands specifically for military work. She was purchased by the US Marines to train. Her story starts in Afghanistan with her second handler then quickly jumps back to when she meets her first handler, a Marine named Chris Willingham. We see her training and we see the bond forming between her and Willingham. Lucca's job is to sniff out IEDs and other weapons. She's so good at it that during her Marine career she saves hundreds of lives both military and civilian and doesn't lose a single man out on patrol with her.
The story is not just Lucca's but that of her handler Chris Willingham. A long-time dog man and devoted Marine, he believes strongly in the work that Lucca and other military working dogs do. He's a passionate supporter and spreads the word both within the military and later in the civilian world. We see his loyalty to the dog handlers that he trains and that he works with. He takes on their well-being as his own and struggles when one is killed in action. He and Lucca served two deployments together and were partners for several years. Goodavage does an excellent job showing us Willingham's passion, loyalty, and struggles, and his pride in and love for Lucca. When he makes the difficult decision, for both his sake and his family's sake, to give up dog handling, we feel his pain at losing Lucca and losing the work he loved so much. He gets to personally choose her next handler, Rod Rodriguez.
Although Lucca misses Willingham, it doesn't take long for she and Rod to bond. He knew of her and had met her before so he was excited and honored to be chosen as her new handler. But, he knew from the outset that when Lucca retired, Willingham would adopt her. Lucca was Rod's only while she served. Still, he came to love her just as much as Willingham did. When she's injured on duty, he follows her to the different hospitals and even sleeps with her in her kennel to keep her company. I admit, I teared up at times.
Goodavage did a fantastic job of describing the missions, the set up, life overseas, and of relaying Lucca's personality. Lucca's friendly, affectionate, serious on duty and silly off duty. She's proud of doing a good job. At times, Goodavage goes overboard and anthropomorphizes Lucca and some of her canine peers but for the most part, she manages to skip that pitfall. The humans are not neglected either. I felt as if I knew Willingham and I fear that if I ever meet him, I may start talking to him as if we're already acquainted. We don't get to know Rodriguez quite as well which is unfortunate but I liked what I saw of him. Especially the love and care he gives her when she's injured. I was glad to see that military changed it's policy and no longer abandoned or euthanized dogs who finished their service. By the time Lucca was injured, she was treated and then retired. I teared up again when Rod had to hand her over to Willingham and his family but some of the tears were happy tears. Willingham knew how much Lucca meant to Rod and took extra care to include him.
I had a few gripes about the story. The first was that at times it was over the top on the 'rah rah America is great and wonderful and we're here to save everyone' mentality. Granted, given the story, I expected some of that but I hoped that Goodavage as the author and biographer would have been more objective than the people involved and might have cast a more critical eye. I also wish that the book had included photographs; I assume none were put in for security reasons but they would have added immensely to the story. My other gripes I already mentioned - the occasional anthropomorphizing and that we don't get as full a picture of Rodriguez as we do of Willingham.
There's a happy ending for Lucca, Willingham, and Rodriguez. Well, considering they're all still alive, that state is subject to change but the book ends on a high note for all three of them. I enjoyed meeting Lucca, her canine boyfriends, her human handlers, and the other dog handlers. I enjoyed seeing and learning more about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and learning about military working dogs. The dogs, their handlers and everyone who's on the frontlines has my respect. I enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it for dog lovers, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a closer look at the wars.
ETA 7/3/2015: In a nice bit of serendipity, this news article showed up on my Yahoo page shortly after this post went live - http://news.yahoo.com/retired-militar...
January 17, 2022
Good book. Very complete story of a great dog and important work trying to save lives. It is sad to read this book now as all the lives and money spent on the war has gone for naught. We needed to get out of Iraq but not in the way that the Biden administration did to leave those who helped us in the lurch and give the country to the insurgents.
Lots' of good details. Not as much as I prefer on training dogs for this work as I have appreciated in other books. During one part for a a difficult surgery operation, maybe too much details for some, but others may appreciate. The trip to a home with a previous handler and honors and activities after that homecoming maybe went a bit long. Some who want more action in the war dog books may find more of that in other books, but there is a fair numbers of encounters with some not ending so well. Can't think of a better hero dog than Lucca. Loved how the dog was alive at the end of the book so that means she will live forever. :-)
Lots' of good details. Not as much as I prefer on training dogs for this work as I have appreciated in other books. During one part for a a difficult surgery operation, maybe too much details for some, but others may appreciate. The trip to a home with a previous handler and honors and activities after that homecoming maybe went a bit long. Some who want more action in the war dog books may find more of that in other books, but there is a fair numbers of encounters with some not ending so well. Can't think of a better hero dog than Lucca. Loved how the dog was alive at the end of the book so that means she will live forever. :-)
December 20, 2024
Another fine read…Well worth the read….K9 Lucca and her dog handler Chris Willingham were a Great Team and are true heroes in their own right, both represented the United States Marine Corps…..
My father in law was a Marine and never missed an opportunity reminding me once a marine always a marine….
For those that are looking for a good read give this book 👍👍👍👍👍 thumbs up.
My father in law was a Marine and never missed an opportunity reminding me once a marine always a marine….
For those that are looking for a good read give this book 👍👍👍👍👍 thumbs up.
March 31, 2018
Another book about a wonderful dog!! This is a great story!
May 25, 2019
Thousands of years ago, ancient man domesticated dogs for companionship, hunting and protection. Now, in the 21st Century, this evolutionary kinship has forged an unbreakable bond like no other on the modern-day battlefield. That’s the premise behind the gripping and heartwarming account of one extraordinary Military Working Dog “Lucca,” a German Shepherd Explosives Detection Dog assigned to Camp Pendleton home to the United States Marine Corps. Investigative Journalist Maria Goodavage, author of “Soldier Dogs,” shines the spotlight on this special breed of warrior in “Top Dog.”
Set in the mid-2000s at the high of the Global War on Terror, we are introduced to Marine Military Working Dog handler Chris Willingham whose about to get the best partner anyone could ever ask for. Meet Lucca, an Israeli-trained Explosives Detection Dog. Months away from deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan, at first glance, she comes across as unassumingly friendly but make no mistake, Lucca is not your average house pet; Lucca is a dog bred and trained for a vital mission: protecting America’s Servicemen and women from the insidious threat posed by one of the most feared killers on the frontline, the Improvised Explosive Device. Responsible for more American and Coalition injuries and deaths since combat operations began in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, IEDs are the preferred weapon of choice by insurgents in both rural and urban environments.
Few weapons or technologies exist to adequately defeat and defend against hidden IEDs. The only savior has been a four-legged warrior with a wet nose whose evolutionary olfactory sense more than ten thousand times that of humans is credited with saving thousands of lives since the days of World War II and Vietnam.
Marine Sergeant Chris Willingham witnesses first hand this incredible miracle of Mother Nature through training at Israel’s renowned IDF (Israeli Defense Force) Dog School “OKETZ” and Lucca’s amazing versatility at the military’s Yuma Proving Ground, the last stop handlers and their dogs make before shipping out on active duty deployments. While downrange in Iraq during two deployments, Willingham and Lucca confront danger, camaraderie amongst fellow MWD teams and tragedy when a close friend is killed in action and his dog critically wounded. “Top Dog” also explores the personal side of Military Working Dogs and their handlers whether dealing with separation from friends and family during deployments or confronting the grim reality of Post-Traumatic Stress upon returning home.
From the Marines to the elite Special Forces, Lucca’s adventures span the globe and the home front of a grateful America when she returns from active service but unlike most Military Working Dogs, Lucca is a wounded veteran with only three legs due to injuries sustain in Afghanistan when this beloved hunter of terror became the hunted. Lucca becomes an instant celebrity, touring cities across America and helping out at VA hospitals and local schools serving as an inspiring ambassador of Military Working Dogs. “Top Dog” is a real-life story of courage, love, loyalty and beating the odds that’s as good as any Hollywood film script gets. After listening to this book on Audible, Maria Goodavage hits a home run with “Top Dog.” If you liked “Soldier Dogs,” “Sergeant Rex” or the Military Working Dog drama “Megan Leavey,” Maria Goodavage’s “Top Dog” is well worth the time to read or listen.
Set in the mid-2000s at the high of the Global War on Terror, we are introduced to Marine Military Working Dog handler Chris Willingham whose about to get the best partner anyone could ever ask for. Meet Lucca, an Israeli-trained Explosives Detection Dog. Months away from deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan, at first glance, she comes across as unassumingly friendly but make no mistake, Lucca is not your average house pet; Lucca is a dog bred and trained for a vital mission: protecting America’s Servicemen and women from the insidious threat posed by one of the most feared killers on the frontline, the Improvised Explosive Device. Responsible for more American and Coalition injuries and deaths since combat operations began in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, IEDs are the preferred weapon of choice by insurgents in both rural and urban environments.
Few weapons or technologies exist to adequately defeat and defend against hidden IEDs. The only savior has been a four-legged warrior with a wet nose whose evolutionary olfactory sense more than ten thousand times that of humans is credited with saving thousands of lives since the days of World War II and Vietnam.
Marine Sergeant Chris Willingham witnesses first hand this incredible miracle of Mother Nature through training at Israel’s renowned IDF (Israeli Defense Force) Dog School “OKETZ” and Lucca’s amazing versatility at the military’s Yuma Proving Ground, the last stop handlers and their dogs make before shipping out on active duty deployments. While downrange in Iraq during two deployments, Willingham and Lucca confront danger, camaraderie amongst fellow MWD teams and tragedy when a close friend is killed in action and his dog critically wounded. “Top Dog” also explores the personal side of Military Working Dogs and their handlers whether dealing with separation from friends and family during deployments or confronting the grim reality of Post-Traumatic Stress upon returning home.
From the Marines to the elite Special Forces, Lucca’s adventures span the globe and the home front of a grateful America when she returns from active service but unlike most Military Working Dogs, Lucca is a wounded veteran with only three legs due to injuries sustain in Afghanistan when this beloved hunter of terror became the hunted. Lucca becomes an instant celebrity, touring cities across America and helping out at VA hospitals and local schools serving as an inspiring ambassador of Military Working Dogs. “Top Dog” is a real-life story of courage, love, loyalty and beating the odds that’s as good as any Hollywood film script gets. After listening to this book on Audible, Maria Goodavage hits a home run with “Top Dog.” If you liked “Soldier Dogs,” “Sergeant Rex” or the Military Working Dog drama “Megan Leavey,” Maria Goodavage’s “Top Dog” is well worth the time to read or listen.
March 17, 2023
The book Top Dog is an amazing, thrilling story about a military dog named Lucca. This book is a true story that gives us good insight into what it's like to be a dog handler in the marines/military. We see what their job was in Iraq and Afghanistan and how they lived. The dog that the story is based around is named Lucca, who had two handlers. The first handler was Willighnam, and the second went by the nickname Rod. This book really catches the reader and does not let the reader lose interest throughout the book. Top Dog is the type of book that you just want to keep reading and is hard to stop as it keeps up with the action. The book has many sad moments that cause many themes to arise.
The start of the book jumps immediately into the action, we see Lucca and her second handler Juan "Rod" Rodriguez. They are clearing a field when suddenly an IED explodes leaving Lucca severely injured, but Rod was not. An IED is a homemade, remotely detonated explosive. Then the book goes back in time leaving us wondering what had happened. The book introduces Willingham, who was the man who trained Lucca and her first handler. They go through a long and very successful training course together, Lucca and Willingham graduate at the top of their class and are immediately sent to Iraq. Their job was to clear fields and keep soldiers safe from anything suspicious but mostly IEDs. They have a few successful missions and meet new people along the way such as Wiens, and his dog Cooper. They become very close although they rarely see each other as they are on different missions or at different outposts. On one mission, Wiens and Cooper are clearing a field ahead of their team, suddenly an IED erupts and kills both immediately. Willingham heard about this and immediately went to see what had happened. He was crushed and took the blame upon himself thinking that it should have been him. He heads home after his deployment and has a long conversation with his father who had served in Vietnam. His father tells him how much loss that he went through and that he would always take the blame although it wasn't his fault. He says that it's almost never his fault and as time passes Willingham will realize this and how it helps to talk about it. After all this grief, Willingham heads back out to Irag, but without Lucca as he is there to help train about thirty handler teams. After a couple of months, the teams are sent to the field and combat. Almost immediately about 3 hander teams run into IEDs and are either severely injured or killed immediately with their dogs. This time Willingham is prepared and tells everyone affected that they cannot think about reality by themselves as it will paralyze them, and how it is good to talk to each other. Moments like these Willingham missis Lucca more than ever as he saw her more than just his dog, but family. This is when we were introduced to Rod as he was a part of the thirty teams. Not long after, Willingham goes home and retires on Christmas day. Rod put himself in hander courses to become a handler. The only problem is that he didn't have a dog, and calls Willingham to ask if he can have Lucca as a dog. Willingham knew they would be a good fit and said yes. Willingham oversees Rods and Lucca's training and notices that they do great together. Not long after they are shipped off to Iraq, and Willingham knows how much he is going to miss them, especially Lucca. Rod and Lucca have a very successful carrier and find many IEDs. Like any other deployment they go through loss, but now they can cope with that loss better. Then they get set on an important mission to find one of the leaders who was causing all the havoc in Iraq. Sadly, they were clearing a field as stated in the beginning, when an IED erupted severely injuring Lucca. Rod ran up, forgetting about any IEDs between them, and found Lucca's body among the kicked-up dirt. Rod picked her up and ran her to safety forgetting about any threats that may lie around them. Lucca had been pierced by shrapnel in the shoulder, and some other locations, and was also severely burnt. After being rushed to the vet, Lucca survived the injuries. Willingham was not mad at Rod as he understood that it was not Rod's fault. Willingham later adopted Lucca, and Rod stayed friends with them. Lucca had almost completely recovered and lived a good retired life.
This book contains really meaningful themes. Such as how whenever something bad happens you cannot take the blame as it will eat you up inside with guilt. If you take the blame for something out of control, it can have serious effects, for Willingham he never felt the same as he drank more and never felt the same, almost depressed in some cases. This relates to another theme which is if you think about reality too much without anyone to talk to you, it will paralyze you. This theme relates to the first theme because you can't look at what happened as it will lead to you blaming yourself and finding guilt behind it. These themes do not only relate to the military or marines, they relate to all of life. Everyone goes through loss sooner or later and it can be hard to cope with and they may take the blame although it isn't.
The start of the book jumps immediately into the action, we see Lucca and her second handler Juan "Rod" Rodriguez. They are clearing a field when suddenly an IED explodes leaving Lucca severely injured, but Rod was not. An IED is a homemade, remotely detonated explosive. Then the book goes back in time leaving us wondering what had happened. The book introduces Willingham, who was the man who trained Lucca and her first handler. They go through a long and very successful training course together, Lucca and Willingham graduate at the top of their class and are immediately sent to Iraq. Their job was to clear fields and keep soldiers safe from anything suspicious but mostly IEDs. They have a few successful missions and meet new people along the way such as Wiens, and his dog Cooper. They become very close although they rarely see each other as they are on different missions or at different outposts. On one mission, Wiens and Cooper are clearing a field ahead of their team, suddenly an IED erupts and kills both immediately. Willingham heard about this and immediately went to see what had happened. He was crushed and took the blame upon himself thinking that it should have been him. He heads home after his deployment and has a long conversation with his father who had served in Vietnam. His father tells him how much loss that he went through and that he would always take the blame although it wasn't his fault. He says that it's almost never his fault and as time passes Willingham will realize this and how it helps to talk about it. After all this grief, Willingham heads back out to Irag, but without Lucca as he is there to help train about thirty handler teams. After a couple of months, the teams are sent to the field and combat. Almost immediately about 3 hander teams run into IEDs and are either severely injured or killed immediately with their dogs. This time Willingham is prepared and tells everyone affected that they cannot think about reality by themselves as it will paralyze them, and how it is good to talk to each other. Moments like these Willingham missis Lucca more than ever as he saw her more than just his dog, but family. This is when we were introduced to Rod as he was a part of the thirty teams. Not long after, Willingham goes home and retires on Christmas day. Rod put himself in hander courses to become a handler. The only problem is that he didn't have a dog, and calls Willingham to ask if he can have Lucca as a dog. Willingham knew they would be a good fit and said yes. Willingham oversees Rods and Lucca's training and notices that they do great together. Not long after they are shipped off to Iraq, and Willingham knows how much he is going to miss them, especially Lucca. Rod and Lucca have a very successful carrier and find many IEDs. Like any other deployment they go through loss, but now they can cope with that loss better. Then they get set on an important mission to find one of the leaders who was causing all the havoc in Iraq. Sadly, they were clearing a field as stated in the beginning, when an IED erupted severely injuring Lucca. Rod ran up, forgetting about any IEDs between them, and found Lucca's body among the kicked-up dirt. Rod picked her up and ran her to safety forgetting about any threats that may lie around them. Lucca had been pierced by shrapnel in the shoulder, and some other locations, and was also severely burnt. After being rushed to the vet, Lucca survived the injuries. Willingham was not mad at Rod as he understood that it was not Rod's fault. Willingham later adopted Lucca, and Rod stayed friends with them. Lucca had almost completely recovered and lived a good retired life.
This book contains really meaningful themes. Such as how whenever something bad happens you cannot take the blame as it will eat you up inside with guilt. If you take the blame for something out of control, it can have serious effects, for Willingham he never felt the same as he drank more and never felt the same, almost depressed in some cases. This relates to another theme which is if you think about reality too much without anyone to talk to you, it will paralyze you. This theme relates to the first theme because you can't look at what happened as it will lead to you blaming yourself and finding guilt behind it. These themes do not only relate to the military or marines, they relate to all of life. Everyone goes through loss sooner or later and it can be hard to cope with and they may take the blame although it isn't.
June 29, 2017
Absolutely lovely book that calls much deserved attention to not just all our brave service animals but one particularly courageous Belgian Malinois who sacrificed a lot so that many men and women could be safe while in war zones.
December 10, 2024
This is a beautifully written book about the relationship between marines and their dogs, starring amazing Lucca.
January 17, 2025
Excellent - Love Lucca, so intelligent and endured so much. Totally devoted to her handler. Awesome dog, awesome story!!
July 4, 2020
4.5 = Rating
4.5 = Number of tissues to get through the book.
4.5 = Number of tissues to get through the book.
May 7, 2015
This book did for me what American Sniper didn't do. I checked out American Sniper from the library thinking it would be much like the movie, except with more imagery and emotion, but it wasn't. It was written by Chris Kyle himself, a bad ass marine who made you feel just that. That he was a bad ass with little to no emotions. I respect him and what he did for our country but I didn't connect with him like I did with Lucca or Chris Willingham.
The story of Lucca is entirely different.
Lucca's story drew me in and made me feel as if I too were in Afghanistan right alongide her and her handler Willingham. It was an emotional book, the type that sits with you for days after you read it. It makes you enjoy the freedom we have and the reasons why we have it. It is because of great men like Wiens, Rod, Willinham and Donahue and dogs like Cooper, Lucca, Bram and Posha.
When Willingham loses a friend, KIA, you too feel as if you lost a friend. When a handler (no spoilers thus no names) loses a dog or a limb, you too feel as though you lost a dog or a limb. To be able to make you feel not only like you are in the scene but that you are the person you are reading about is one of the hardest things for any writer to do. Maria Goodavage managed to do this flawlessy.
This is much more than a story about a dog in war. This is a story about sacrifice, love, guilt, accomplishment and friendship.
This beautiful story encouraged me to read about "The Lost Dogs of Vietnam". A thousand and one roses for Lucca. Her story of courage and determination is one that everyone should hear about, especially dog lovers. : )
The story of Lucca is entirely different.
Lucca's story drew me in and made me feel as if I too were in Afghanistan right alongide her and her handler Willingham. It was an emotional book, the type that sits with you for days after you read it. It makes you enjoy the freedom we have and the reasons why we have it. It is because of great men like Wiens, Rod, Willinham and Donahue and dogs like Cooper, Lucca, Bram and Posha.
When Willingham loses a friend, KIA, you too feel as if you lost a friend. When a handler (no spoilers thus no names) loses a dog or a limb, you too feel as though you lost a dog or a limb. To be able to make you feel not only like you are in the scene but that you are the person you are reading about is one of the hardest things for any writer to do. Maria Goodavage managed to do this flawlessy.
This is much more than a story about a dog in war. This is a story about sacrifice, love, guilt, accomplishment and friendship.
This beautiful story encouraged me to read about "The Lost Dogs of Vietnam". A thousand and one roses for Lucca. Her story of courage and determination is one that everyone should hear about, especially dog lovers. : )
February 11, 2015
One of my favorite books ever. In full disclosure, several of the main players in the story - The Chris & Jill Willingham Family - I'm proud to call friends. Having a relationship with the Willinghams certainly contributed to an added layer of connection with the tale. And having met Lucca is every bit of an honor. But the story of Lucca and her service transcends this reader's personal experience with her family. This enjoyable book shares her heroism as a brave Marine that served dutifully to keep so many service men & women safe in the fight for freedom across the globe. The book uses thorough research and accounts to bring the reader to the front lines of Lucca's service, from her first days being chosen to serve to her present-day retirement. It is a reminder of the pains of war. Of the endurance and support of families back home awaiting their loved ones to return from battle. It is a peek into the impact of service on those families. And it is a reminder of the humanity that lies within the entire experience. This book made me smile. Laugh. Cry. It moved me in a way few books have, detailing real human (and animal) emotion. And any book that can solicit that range of emotion effectively is surely worth high praise. Interesting how a story of one amazing animal can give a perspective we fail to sometimes recognize otherwise. Cannot say enough good about this book. Highly, highly recommended. And a big 'Roll Tide' to my friends, the Willinghams...and, of course, to Marine hero Lucca.
February 16, 2016
“Over her career,” Lucca K458, a German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, “protected untold numbers of soldiers and marines on four hundred missions with no injuries other than her own. A war buddy like no other.”
While it may have been true that “most people in the military didn’t realize the work that dog teams do,” thanks to author Maria Goodavage, that should no longer be the case. Certainly we have no excuse not to know that there are dogs serving in the military.
Goodavage got to know Lucca Kilo 458 up close and personal. “Lucca chose to become (the author’s) part-time roommate in the spacious basement guest room (Lucca’s owners) generously provided during (Goodavage’s) eleven days with them.”
In her six-page acknowledgment section to this canine biography, Goodavage notes “It’s hard to describe being in the presence of Lucca. You look into her eyes and realize how much this dog has seen, smelled, heard and experienced.” Within these three hundred pages, Goodavage documents Lucca’s youth in the Netherlands, her formative months in Israel, her two tours in Iraq, her war record in Afghanistan, the death of her best friend, losing a leg, her support of wounded warriors, her family life.
This is a fun read. An easy read. Except for the “mortars, the scent of firefights and fear, the IEDs and IEDs and IEDs.” Except for the loss of life and limb. In the tradition of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin, the story of the Marine Corps’ best bomb sniffing K-9 would make a terrific, box-office busting Disney movie!
While it may have been true that “most people in the military didn’t realize the work that dog teams do,” thanks to author Maria Goodavage, that should no longer be the case. Certainly we have no excuse not to know that there are dogs serving in the military.
Goodavage got to know Lucca Kilo 458 up close and personal. “Lucca chose to become (the author’s) part-time roommate in the spacious basement guest room (Lucca’s owners) generously provided during (Goodavage’s) eleven days with them.”
In her six-page acknowledgment section to this canine biography, Goodavage notes “It’s hard to describe being in the presence of Lucca. You look into her eyes and realize how much this dog has seen, smelled, heard and experienced.” Within these three hundred pages, Goodavage documents Lucca’s youth in the Netherlands, her formative months in Israel, her two tours in Iraq, her war record in Afghanistan, the death of her best friend, losing a leg, her support of wounded warriors, her family life.
This is a fun read. An easy read. Except for the “mortars, the scent of firefights and fear, the IEDs and IEDs and IEDs.” Except for the loss of life and limb. In the tradition of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin, the story of the Marine Corps’ best bomb sniffing K-9 would make a terrific, box-office busting Disney movie!
July 26, 2018
I don't really like reading any books concerning wars.
I'm not a big dog lover, I love cats more.
But when I saw this dog Lucca on the cover of this book, I couldn't resist wanting to know about this dog of war.
I'm so glad I read it.
I fell in love with Lucca.
Such a beautiful,brave, special dog, with a big heart, who saved so many lives.
She was definitely one of a kind.
Wherever she went, she made friends & earned a lot of respect from her military comrades.
It concerns American soldiers & marines in Afghanistan & Iraq wars & how dogs are trained to detect exploding devices & thus saving lives.
This book pays homage to all the truely remarkable dogs of war.
To those who have gone before & those who come after.
It does have a few sad parts & I did shed a few tears.
I had no idea that dogs were still used in wars today.
It'a a book worth reading.
I'm not a big dog lover, I love cats more.
But when I saw this dog Lucca on the cover of this book, I couldn't resist wanting to know about this dog of war.
I'm so glad I read it.
I fell in love with Lucca.
Such a beautiful,brave, special dog, with a big heart, who saved so many lives.
She was definitely one of a kind.
Wherever she went, she made friends & earned a lot of respect from her military comrades.
It concerns American soldiers & marines in Afghanistan & Iraq wars & how dogs are trained to detect exploding devices & thus saving lives.
This book pays homage to all the truely remarkable dogs of war.
To those who have gone before & those who come after.
It does have a few sad parts & I did shed a few tears.
I had no idea that dogs were still used in wars today.
It'a a book worth reading.
March 8, 2015
Incredible story about Lucca and her fellow military working dogs and their dog handlers. Have tissues handy - I cried through most of this book. I didn't give the book 5 stars because I didn't think the writing was spectacular. The author acknowledges that the dialogue in the book portrays conversations that that she was told second hand and that the dialogue provided isn't direct quotes, etc (obviously). Something about this style didn't work that well for me - or maybe it was just an over use of dialogue in a biography. Regardless, it's a great story worth reading and everyone should learn about these dogs and their handlers.
June 27, 2015
Because I am beginning to share the idea with many that dogs are far better people than most of us, and because the combination of Audible and my daily opportunity to explore new horizons on my long bus ride made reading this possible, I was pleased to learn how dogs serve in the military. How a special dog managed to survive. It was interesting, sad, upsetting - but ultimately OK.
February 20, 2020
This book will tear at your heartstrings. I cried for a good 3/4 of this book and am still so happy that I read it. You really get to see and feel the relationship of the military working dog and their handlers while also going through their time overseas. Great reminder of what the amazing people in our military have been through since 2001 and are still facing today.
May 18, 2020
An absolutely incredible story of one hell of a dog! Cried more than a handful when I was reading this book, and it definitely gives you an afterthought. Highly recommend for any person who loves dogs and marines, and definitely the combination of those two
May 24, 2018
Very moving
October 29, 2018
The book Top Dog by Maria Goodavage is a nonfiction biography about the relationship between Lucca, a very skilled and decorated military bomb dog and her handler Chris Willingham in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The book covers life for Lucca and Willingham both on and off deployment, At home and in the field.
Lucca and Willingham served both as regular infantry and special forces that tackled over 400 missions throughout their journey. Mama Lucca is very skilled at what she does and has been since she started training. “Lucca was head of her class-Excelling in basic obedience and scent work” (Goodavage 15). She is and always has been very intelligent, hardworking, and loving dog that truly loves her job, her handler and her family. Lucca and Willingham traveled through Iraq and Afghanistan searching for countless bomb and weapons caches that helped keep other natives and soldiers safe from the Taliban.
The book covers themes such as friendship, sacrifice, love and courage. And is truly a heartwarming story of this incredible dog and her handler. And how they stood by each other even through the some of the word times imaginable. “He wrapped the tourniquet strap around her shoulder, twisted the plastic stick. The bleeding slowed” (Goodavage 7). The two are like a match made in heaven and stuck with each other through it all.
This book is recommended for anyone who likes a good old fashioned war book, or for people who enjoy a good true story and are interested on what it's like inside the war zone from the perspective of specialized search teams. This is also a good book for animal lovers and for people who enjoy a good old non fiction story. This book is definitely one to read!
Bibliography
Goodavage, Maria. Top Dog. Penguin Group, 2015.
Lucca and Willingham served both as regular infantry and special forces that tackled over 400 missions throughout their journey. Mama Lucca is very skilled at what she does and has been since she started training. “Lucca was head of her class-Excelling in basic obedience and scent work” (Goodavage 15). She is and always has been very intelligent, hardworking, and loving dog that truly loves her job, her handler and her family. Lucca and Willingham traveled through Iraq and Afghanistan searching for countless bomb and weapons caches that helped keep other natives and soldiers safe from the Taliban.
The book covers themes such as friendship, sacrifice, love and courage. And is truly a heartwarming story of this incredible dog and her handler. And how they stood by each other even through the some of the word times imaginable. “He wrapped the tourniquet strap around her shoulder, twisted the plastic stick. The bleeding slowed” (Goodavage 7). The two are like a match made in heaven and stuck with each other through it all.
This book is recommended for anyone who likes a good old fashioned war book, or for people who enjoy a good true story and are interested on what it's like inside the war zone from the perspective of specialized search teams. This is also a good book for animal lovers and for people who enjoy a good old non fiction story. This book is definitely one to read!
Bibliography
Goodavage, Maria. Top Dog. Penguin Group, 2015.
May 7, 2017
So great to read about America's military heroes that are finally getting the true recognition they deserve. The 4 legged dogs that have served in military capacity for years, with little to no recognition have now been elevated to position of military personnel as vital to its operations in so many ways. Naturally the primary purpose is to sniff out IED, weapons, Tec and alert their handler to get them dismantled, collected, etc in order to save many of our military from being killed or maimed. In many cases they have given their lives to save others. What I loved about this true story is the interaction between the dogs (mainly Lucca as story about her) & their handlers, so intensely close that they can understand one another without words often and become inseparable. Another wonderful benefit to having the dogs in combat areas is the way they increase the moral of the soldiers they encounter. It's like a piece of real home in the middle of war zone and anything that can help bring even bit of happiness to them is worth it and can potentially keep them more alert and as a result, safer when out on patrol. Anyone interested in military and that loves dogs should read this. Be forewarned, this is true life story of real wartime events so not all is easy to read if looking for happy only episodes. Lucca dog is a true hero in my book, as are all working dogs.
March 1, 2020
ANY book written this well, about canines is worth the read. I grabbed this back in December of 2019, and sure enough, finally managed to find few days to work through the remaining half.
It was not difficult.
Having had a life from Mexico to the United States with four exceptional canines, every page was a reflection of adventures we had across two countries.
Add to that memento the amazing talents and honorable events that Lucca gave - the gift of life - to so many Marines on and off the battlefield, you are given a glimpse into the amazing life of Lucca, and so many other dogs as part of the military working dog system. Seeing the impact of the Special forces, as well as the life of loving those intimate dog experiences, this easily is a page turner - that turns personal and full of valor at every page.
It is easy to see, and sometimes forget, the sacrifice and commitment so many give our country day in and day out. Add that experience through the eyes of a dog such as Lucca, Grief, and so many more committed dogs to their owners, and you have a story beyond worth telling.
It was not difficult.
Having had a life from Mexico to the United States with four exceptional canines, every page was a reflection of adventures we had across two countries.
Add to that memento the amazing talents and honorable events that Lucca gave - the gift of life - to so many Marines on and off the battlefield, you are given a glimpse into the amazing life of Lucca, and so many other dogs as part of the military working dog system. Seeing the impact of the Special forces, as well as the life of loving those intimate dog experiences, this easily is a page turner - that turns personal and full of valor at every page.
It is easy to see, and sometimes forget, the sacrifice and commitment so many give our country day in and day out. Add that experience through the eyes of a dog such as Lucca, Grief, and so many more committed dogs to their owners, and you have a story beyond worth telling.
August 14, 2022
I am a big advocate for having well trained dogs as prized family members. I personally train my own and enthusiastically read and listen to how others train their dogs.
Learning about Marine Willingham and his service dog, Lucca was fascinating. Willingham is very passionate regarding the training of both marine service dogs and their human partners, making sure they are both ready for action before being deployed, and being used once deployed. I was very happy that Lucca found her way back to him, making a very happy ending. But I am also sorry of the losses Willingham endured.
There was definitely more war story than I was looking for and feel the book could have been a bit shorter.
Learning about Marine Willingham and his service dog, Lucca was fascinating. Willingham is very passionate regarding the training of both marine service dogs and their human partners, making sure they are both ready for action before being deployed, and being used once deployed. I was very happy that Lucca found her way back to him, making a very happy ending. But I am also sorry of the losses Willingham endured.
There was definitely more war story than I was looking for and feel the book could have been a bit shorter.
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