Picture: PA
This is Lucca. I met her and her boss by chance in London this week. It wasn't until I looked her up that I knew her story. Not only is 12 year old Lucca one of the bravest dogs in the world but she has just been honoured with the highest award that an animal can receive. The Dicken Medal.
The Dicken Medal, (awarded by Britain's PDSA - People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) is the animal equivalent to the British Victoria Cross. Since 1943 it has acknowledged outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving in the Forces or Civil defence in war zones worldwide. The Dicken Medal has been awarded 67 times and once an honorary medal was given. Recipients have included 32 pigeon, 31 dogs, 3 horses and one cat.
Picture: PDSA/YouTube
Lucca successfully completed over four hundred separate missions during her six years of active service with the US Marine Corps. Her expertise, skill and bravery as a search and explosives dog saved the lives of thousands of allied troops. So successful was she that there were no human casualties during her patrols in Iraq and Afghanisan. Not one.
But on her last patrol in 2012 she discovered a 30lb improvised explosive device. As she searched for further bombs a second device expoded. She lost her front leg and suffered severe burns. She was evacuated to Germany and then to California. Her handler, Corporal Rodrigues, stayed by her side throughout, even choosing to sleep with her while she healed.
Picture: PA
Lucca poses with her medal and her proud owner, Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham, who was her handler during her two tours of duty in Iraq. While she was recovering and while she was being formally retired from active service, Chris Willingham applied to adopt her so she could spend the rest of her days with him and his family.
Picture: usmclife.com/pdsa
Lucca with the Wilmingtons, her new family.
Picture: PA
Up and walking within 10 days of her accident and amputation, Lucca not only has fighting spirit and and determination, she is also intelligent, loyal and gentle.
Picture: PDSA
"Lucca is the only reason I made it home to my family" says Gunnery Sergeant Wilmingham. "I do my best to keep her spoiled in her well deserved retirement."
Read more about this beautiful, brave dog here:-
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