Think it's hard to love your dog even more?
So did I. Until I read Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca by Maria Goodavage.
A true story about a German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix trained to sniff out IEDs. She is trained by her handler, Chris Willingham. And sent on two deployments into war.
She's a dog who steps lightly and saves the lives of hundreds of soldiers -- just because of her nose.
Military dogs are not new. They were used in Vietnam and much farther back. Have you ever heard of the Molossus dogs of war the Romans used? Yes, dogs have long fought by the side of men in battle.
But the war in Afghanistan and Iraq took military dogs to a new level. A level where delicacy and precision were vital. One misstep or anxiety-riddled dog would jeopardize the entire mission.
Not Lucca. She's a Marine. She's a fighter.
And she'll make you fall in love with her. I know I did. And sure, I'm a sap when it comes to the end of a good dog book (Where the Red Fern Grows reduced me to a puddle of tears at the end). But this book made me cry at the moments when you least expected it.
If you're looking for a good, true book to read this summer and want to fully appreciate the men and dogs serving our country right now, read this book.
You won't regret it. (And you'll give your dog a big hug for always having your side.)
What are your favorite dog books to read?