Top Dog : The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
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Description
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."
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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."
show more
Product details
- Hardback | 306 pages
- 154.94 x 223.52 x 35.56mm | 539.99g
- 23 Oct 2014
- Dutton Books
- United States
- English
- colour plates
- 0525954368
- 9780525954361
- 749,727
Review quote
Praise for "Top Dog"
"An eye-opening account of the job these intelligent dogs and their courageous handlers do...[a] riveting title that is filled with excitement and heartbreak." -- "Library Journal "(starred review)
"Whether someone likes to read "war" books or not, this story is one that transcends "war." I have read nothing that so adroitly weaves together the relationship between our young warriors and man's best friend, from Iraq to Afghanistan and then coming home in body, mind and spirit. If I could write half so well and capture the essence of things largely left unspoken, I would write letters to God!"
--Marine General James Mattis (Ret.)
..".an absolutely fascinating and an accurate portrayal of the importance of military working dogs and their handlers on today's complex battlefield. The book is extremely well written and skillfully paints the picture of the passionate relationship between military working dog and its handler. It has my highest recommendations." -- Army Lieutenant General Rick Lynch (Ret.)
"I LOVED "Top Dog." With a single glance into Lucca's soulful knowing eyes, you will fall in love. Heartwarming and heart-rending until its joyous conclusion, Maria Goodavage brilliantly renders the growing love and loyalty between Lucca and her handlers -- a bond of such incredible strength it transcends war, distance, and time. Meet the amazing Lucca, and you will wish she was yours!"
--Robert Crais, #1" New York Times "bestselling author of "Suspect "
"Maria Goodavage's" Top Dog" is a true war story with a heart as heroic and bold as any account ever told, only here the tale centers on a four-legged warrior, specifically one named Lucca, a courageous and stalwart war dog of incomparable bravery. This is no dry accounting of Lucca's service, but a gritty, boots-on-the-ground portrayal of what it means to share the battlefield with such a remarkable animal. Written with authority, warmth, and genuine honor, here is a story that not only needs to be told, but should be read by all. It's a new classic, one that will inspire everyone."
--James Rollins, "New York Times" bestseller of "The Kill Switch "
"A masterfully told epic of one of the canine heroes of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I doubt many readers will finish the book with a dry eye--this veteran of 28 months in Iraq, for one, could not. Semper Fi, Lucca." --Col. (Ret.) Peter Mansoor, author of "Surge: My Journey with General David Petraeus and the Remaking of the Iraq War"
"Written like an adventure, with heart-pounding combat sequences, high tension, and suspense as well as moments of deep emotion and bonding, "Top Dog" is a must read for anyone who appreciates heroes of both the two-legged and four-legged kind." - Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs, How to Speak Dog, "and others
show more
"An eye-opening account of the job these intelligent dogs and their courageous handlers do...[a] riveting title that is filled with excitement and heartbreak." -- "Library Journal "(starred review)
"Whether someone likes to read "war" books or not, this story is one that transcends "war." I have read nothing that so adroitly weaves together the relationship between our young warriors and man's best friend, from Iraq to Afghanistan and then coming home in body, mind and spirit. If I could write half so well and capture the essence of things largely left unspoken, I would write letters to God!"
--Marine General James Mattis (Ret.)
..".an absolutely fascinating and an accurate portrayal of the importance of military working dogs and their handlers on today's complex battlefield. The book is extremely well written and skillfully paints the picture of the passionate relationship between military working dog and its handler. It has my highest recommendations." -- Army Lieutenant General Rick Lynch (Ret.)
"I LOVED "Top Dog." With a single glance into Lucca's soulful knowing eyes, you will fall in love. Heartwarming and heart-rending until its joyous conclusion, Maria Goodavage brilliantly renders the growing love and loyalty between Lucca and her handlers -- a bond of such incredible strength it transcends war, distance, and time. Meet the amazing Lucca, and you will wish she was yours!"
--Robert Crais, #1" New York Times "bestselling author of "Suspect "
"Maria Goodavage's" Top Dog" is a true war story with a heart as heroic and bold as any account ever told, only here the tale centers on a four-legged warrior, specifically one named Lucca, a courageous and stalwart war dog of incomparable bravery. This is no dry accounting of Lucca's service, but a gritty, boots-on-the-ground portrayal of what it means to share the battlefield with such a remarkable animal. Written with authority, warmth, and genuine honor, here is a story that not only needs to be told, but should be read by all. It's a new classic, one that will inspire everyone."
--James Rollins, "New York Times" bestseller of "The Kill Switch "
"A masterfully told epic of one of the canine heroes of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I doubt many readers will finish the book with a dry eye--this veteran of 28 months in Iraq, for one, could not. Semper Fi, Lucca." --Col. (Ret.) Peter Mansoor, author of "Surge: My Journey with General David Petraeus and the Remaking of the Iraq War"
"Written like an adventure, with heart-pounding combat sequences, high tension, and suspense as well as moments of deep emotion and bonding, "Top Dog" is a must read for anyone who appreciates heroes of both the two-legged and four-legged kind." - Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs, How to Speak Dog, "and others
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About Maria Goodavage
MARIA GOODAVAGEis the author of the"New York Times"bestseller"Soldier Dogs"and a former reporter for "USA Today."She lives in San Francisco with her family and their dog."
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