Select one of the keywords
Top Dog: The Story Of Marine Hero Lucca    by Maria Goodavage Amazon.com order for
Top Dog
by Maria Goodavage
Order:  USA  Can
Dutton, 2015 (2014)
Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book
* *   Reviewed by Jessica Maguire

I never tire of reading the many stories about war dogs and their handlers. I've come to realize that these special dogs provide double duty to our troops. They are trained to do dangerous jobs to help protect the soldiers but they also provide an emotional bond and support in a way that only a dog can.

Lucca K458, as she is known by the Marines, receives her first trainer, Staff Sergeant Chris Willingham. The two form that especially important bond between man and dog, handler and war dog. After two deployments, they have seen everything from streets covered with IEDs to contact with enemy insurgents.

However, after two deployments, there comes a day when Lucca and Staff Sergeant Willingham receive different orders and must part ways. What becomes of this talented dog whose services are so renowned as to be requested by many platoons? Instead of being dismissed from service and becoming a pet, Lucca K458 is paired with Willingham's hand picked successor.

Enter Corporal Juan Rodriguez. This time Lucca, along with her new handler and companion, are deployed to Afghanistan. Although there are new difficulties to deal with, ultimately their work is just as dangerous as it had been when Lucca was deployed with Willingham. This time, though, their harrowing experiences involve serving with the infantry, notorious for being quite dangerous, and the Special Forces.

This is not another dry story of a war dog and her handlers. Instead, you will quickly become immersed in an action packed adventure tale that will bring tears to your eyes as you get to know this beautiful dog and her friends.

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.

Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews