‘Devotion to duty’: This dog’s award is making the internet cry buckets

Having served six years with the US Marines in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Lucca the dog has been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross during a ceremony in London today.

The 12-year-old German Shepherd, who lost her leg and suffered severe burns to her chest during an explosion in 2012, was awarded the Dickin Medal in honour of her work during her time with the Marines.

Completing a staggering 400 missions during her six-year service, the now-retired Lucca is said to have saved the lives of thousands of troops while in the line of duty.

Recalling the explosion which saw the courageous animal maimed for life, Corporal Juan Rodriguez , Lucca's handler, said: "I ran to her and saw her struggling to get up."

"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."

For Corporal Juan Rodriguez, supporting Lucca during her recovery was a no-brainer, saying: "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."

According to ITV, the heroic Lucca flew in from her home in California to receive her award this week – and now we're crying.

We love you, Lucca!

Images: PA Wire and Today