
Top Dog
The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
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Narrated by:
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Neil Shah
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By:
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Maria Goodavage
The New York Times best-selling author of Soldier DogsTop Dog, Maria Goodavage takes listeners into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog. An extraordinary bond developed between Lucca and Marine Corps handler Chris Willingham, launching what became 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. She and Willingham became so sought-after that units scheduled missions around their availability.
The audiobook describes in gritty detail the team’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 Willingham overcame the endless brutalities of war and the traumas this violence ignites. Here is a portrait of modern warfare with a heart-warming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military listeners.
©2014 Maria Goodavage and Christopher Elden Willingham (P)2014 Recorded BooksListeners also enjoyed...




















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Courageous men and dogs of the U.S. Marines.
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Great story!
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Iraq, Afghanistan, Soldiers, Marines, DOG!
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Best dog story ever
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What did you love best about Top Dog?
Not only a great story about a wonderful dog, but an inside look at a truly unique relationship between handlers and their dogs. I had heard stories about service dogs, but I really enjoyed learning about what a valuable role they play in combat.Who was your favorite character and why?
Lucca, of course!Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I definitely cried any time one of the dogs was killed or injured, but when the handler climbed into the cage with Lucca to comfort her, that was probably what moved me most.Any additional comments?
Don't pass on this one.Heartwarming story
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Another excellent book by this author!
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What a hero!
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Great!!
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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. Neil Shah narrated the story.
Masterfully told epic of a canine hero
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It wasn't until some way through that I realized it was about a real dog...a world renowned hero no less. I listened to the entire book at one sitting, didn't eat all day (I'm starving now!), and my eyes were leaking through 25-30th% of the time.
if you have enjoyed books about Seabiscut, Phar Lap, Ole Yeller, etc. you'll like this. One thing is that while I usually listen at normal speed I had to listen to this one at 1.5 speed...the narrator was just a little slow for this Texan.
Grab a Tissue Box
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