Charity Award For Military Dog

A military dog who lost her leg on duty in Afghanistan has been honoured with a charity medal.

18:08 06 April 2016

War-wounded military dog Lucca has received a vet charity’s medal for her service in Afghanistan where she lost her leg. The 12-year-old German Shepherd, who suffered injuries during a search for improvised explosive devices in 2012, is awarded by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) charity.

 

Her previous handler Corporal Juan Rodriguez recalled the moment Lucca was injured: "The explosion was huge and I immediately feared the worst for Lucca.

 

"I stayed with her constantly throughout her operation and her recovery. She had saved my life on so many occasions - I had to make sure that I was there for her when she needed me."

 

After completing 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Lucca is now retired following six years of active service. She lives in California but was flown to London to receive her medal.

 

PDSA has awarded 31 dogs, 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat since its establishment.