Posted on 04/13/2016 3:15:05 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
Are you maybe worried over the state of the country, the tenor of politics and leaders, discouraged by the behavior of some? You're not alone.
So, this column is perfect for you. It's an inspiring tale of a brave dog and good people, all instinctively taking care of each other in the smoky horrors of war and finding happiness ever after. A good news story. When's the last one you can recall?
This story concerns Lucca, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, one of hundreds of military dogs who live, sleep and eat with their handlers through good times and bad. She was assigned to Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Willingham 10 years ago next week.
She knew nothing of Marine protocol, not even when to sit.
Military sergeants, however, have a way of turning raw recruits into wary warriors. During the next nine months Lucca and Willingham become a tight, bomb-hunting team, even communicating with soft sounds or hand gestures. Her job would be detecting explosives and alerting teammates before any detonation.
During her two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, Lucca would take the most dangerous position, walking point on patrols out in front of everyone, sniffing a safe path through dangerous places. Time after time, Lucca's delicate nose identified deadly IEDs and she alerted the patrol.
The Marine dog loved her work. She'd get excited when she saw her handler donning battle gear. She dutifully kept everyone in her care safe and healthy every day.
During Lucca's more than 400 combat missions in two theaters of war, no one was ever killed or injured - except Lucca. On a routine Afghan patrol in March of 2012, Lucca's second handler, Corp. Juan Rodriguez, was out in front with her.
She signaled an explosive find...
(Excerpt) Read more at investors.com ...
Video at source and another picture.
War dog ping!
ping for later
PING this over to the dog FRper.
Lucca, my 2 labs thank you and stand in awe.
Great story and better video at the end
Look at the eyes. Tough doggy
[Look at the eyes. Tough doggy]
Real American hero.
I fear she is not long for this world. 12 years? Good thing they had this honor recently.
BTW, while her head looks pure Shepherd, I have to wonder if she's really half-bred BelMal. Absolutely no evidence of black on the back. I've seen more pure GS without the "required" black nose than I've seen w/o the not-specified black back.
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Definitely a lot of Malinois there - see the black tip on the tail, and the cream underbelly, and undlerleg - head look GSD, though.
This marvelous animal is nothing short of noble. God bless her and all her fellow war dogs.
These stories always make my screen blurry.
Damn am i ever a big softy for dog stories, now i have to go give my 11 year old baby a hug!
She could be just a sable, but even sables have more evidence of black on top than this. But her body type and yes, even the black tail and definitely light underside is GS possible.
This dog looks more intelligent and alert than many people these days.
Certainly smarter than some of thos folks Jesse Watters finds in his street quizzes!
Please add me to your list. Thanks.
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