Top Dog

The Story of Marine Hero Lucca

By: Maria Goodavage

Narrated by: Neil Shah

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 Books

Courageous men and dogs of the U.S. Marines.

This is a book that tells of courageous men and the dogs that were just as courageous doing a job to protect our armed forces. God bless them all!

Great story!

A great story! Not just for dog lovers. Makes me want to get a German Shepard.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Soldiers, Marines, DOG!

Alright, Y'all . . . This Alabama mama of a two combat veteran sons and the wife of a retired Sergeant Major LOVES this story of Lucca . . . whose handler just happens to come from Alabama . . . ROLL TIDE . . . Seriously, this book will melt the heart of anyone who has ever had a loved one deployed to a combat zone, known the fear involved when soldiers and marines go outside the gates of the FOB in search of IEDs, and dread the knock on their door that might come at any time of the day or night notifying them that their son/daughter/husband has been injured or killed in the line of duty . . . learning more about the canine working dogs in the military was fascinating for me, and a blessing to hear about the ways that the handlers and the dogs bonded and together saved the lives of many of our military in Iraq and Afghanistan . . .the changing policies that now allow the dogs to retire and come home and be a permanent part of their handler's family lend themselves to the healing of many a soldier and family beyond the military context . . . thank you so much for this amazing book!

Best dog story ever

A wonderful account of these brave warrior dogs and the men who adore them. Best of all, Lucca is still enjoyable her semi-retirement as a symbol of war dogs everywhere.

Heartwarming story

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.