The Last Week of the Incredible Life of Marine Hero Lucca

[SgtMajUSMCRet]

I have heartbreaking news toreport. Yesterday was the last day of Marine hero Mama Lucca's amazing life.Chris Willingham, her "dad" and former longtime handler, held herhead as she drew her last breath. Juan Rodriguez, the handler who saved herlife when she was injured in Afghansitan in 2012, had flown in to be with Mamaduring her last days, and was also right there for her as she passed. It was awretchedly difficult day for them, their families, and the few people who knew,but Lucca had the kind of last day most humans could only dream of. It includedan outpouring of love from the Willinghams and Rod, and on the way to thevet's, a little walk on the beach, and a last meal of chicken nuggets and anice-cream cone. All week, Lucca, who has been spoiled with love since retiringafter losing a leg in Afghanistan, has been receiving the extra royaltreatment. Steak, hot dogs, bacon treats, heaps of love -- you name it, she gotit. Her body was failing, but her appetite showed little sign of diminishment. Shelived life with as much gusto as she could right to the end. Lucca lives onthrough all of you, through her book Top Dog http://amzn.to/2rrujGY
(which I am very honored to have written), and maybe one day, amovie. Let's all learn from Mama Lucca and rise when others would fall, let'slive with gusto, work hard, and find ways to enjoy life even in hard times. Asmany of you know, she lost her leg, and a few days later was walking. Let'shave that same "don't let life get you down" spirit. Lucca inspiresas few people do. Let's all breathe her spirit in today and let her become apart of us and make us better people for it. We are the ones who can carry onher spirit. I will be posting more about her later, but I wanted to let youknow, since Chris has now made it public. The photos I'm posting could beentitled Portraits of the Last Week of the Life of a Beloved Hero Dog. Theyshow the deep love of her family (including Juan) and their heartbreak.



www.facebook.com/pg/SoldierDogs/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1580842515328324








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[Mongoose]

Great Dog.....good pictures. RIP.

[USMC 2571]

Thanks for posting this

[Rattlesnake]

Lucca is truly a hero. Great post, GREAT photos.

RIP Lucca.

[FistFu68]

Devil Dogs go straight too Heaven Aye Aye Semper Fi

[doc h fmf]

Rest In Peace Lucci,may god craddle you in his arms, Hand salute............................................ ..2.

She was truly man's best friend.



Stephen Doc Hansen HM3 FMF

[Mongoose]

Doc, good to see you, Brother.

[Marine1955]