United states marines corps as a specialized search dog lucca
In addition to her incredible detection capabilities, Lucca was instrumental in increasing morale for the troops we supported. She is the only reason I made it home to my family and I am fortunate to have served with her. Talking about the well-deserved award Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham, said: “Lucca is very intelligent, loyal and had an amazing drive for work as a search dog. While she was rehabilitating, her adoption paperwork was submitted to retire her officially from active service and live with Chris Willingham and his family in California. Her fighting spirit was plain to see and I was so proud of how quickly she recovered.”
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Within ten days of her injury, Lucca was up and walking.Ĭpl Rodriguez continues: “Through all of her treatment and despite the pain she was in, her temperament never changed. Cpl Rodriguez stayed at her side throughout each move – even choosing to sleep next to Lucca as she recovered. Lucca was evacuated from Afghanistan to Germany and then to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, to complete her recovery.
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Miraculously, none of the soldiers in the patrol were injured in the blast which injured Lucca. She had saved my life on so many occasions – I had to make sure that I was there for her when she needed me.”Ĭpl Rodriguez stayed with Lucca throughout her recovery I stayed with her constantly throughout her operation and her recovery. I picked her up and ran to the shelter of a nearby tree line applied a tourniquet to her injured leg and called the medics to collect us. I ran to her and saw her struggling to get up. Corporal (Cpl) Juan Rodriguez, her handler on the mission, administered life-saving first aid to Lucca.Ĭpl Rodriguez, said: “The explosion was huge and I immediately feared the worst for Lucca. She instantly lost her front left leg and suffered severe burns to her chest. On her final patrol, on 23 March 2012, Lucca discovered a 30lb improvised explosive device (IED) and as she searched for additional IEDs, a second device detonated. Her success was such that there were no human casualties during any of her patrols. Lucca’s skills as a search and explosives dog protected the lives of thousands of allied troops, according to the U.S. Her heroic actions were recognised by UK veterinary charity, PDSA, at a ceremony at Wellington Barracks, London on the 5th April 2016.
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The 12-year-old German Shepherd who lost a leg while on duty, successfully completed over 400 separate missions during six years of active service. Retired US Marine Corps dog Lucca receives the PDSA Dickin Medal for gallantry during her six year career at the Wellington Barracks, London on the.