If you own a dog, you probably already realize why the saying, “man’s best friend,” is often stated. There is perhaps no greater bond that what exists between a dog and his human companion.
When Bella, a beautiful chocolate lab, was diagnosed with cancer and only given 3 – 6 months to live, his human, Robert Kugler decided to make something of those months. They embarks on an epic farewell adventure.
Bella lost one of her legs when she was diagnosed with cancer in May, 2015. They said it was the worst news they could give him. She had advanced osteosarcoma. The choice was to put her to sleep or amputate a leg
Bella was only 9 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Kugler had just finished school and decided to travel the country with her instead of starting with a job
Kugler, a marine vet, headed to Chicago and the Marine Corps Ball first. Then he traveled up the Northeastern US. Afterward, he went to florida and then to Kansas City, where he helped a veteran’s organization
“We lingered at home for nearly three months, working a little, trying to put the story together to share it. But it didn’t feel complete. She was still here, with so much life left,” Kugler said. “So, when the chance came to give a bud a ride to North Carolina, I decided to finish the southern route and make it to the Keys, which we did!”
“I feel like right now this is my purpose. The chapter in my life right now is just exploring with my dog”
“I lost my brother in Iraq in 2007 and my oldest sister in a car accident two Easters ago. When you see lives end shortly before people get to do many of things they dream of doing, it changes your perspective on life.”
“[We were] hiking in the Adirondacks when Bella insisted on coming up to the waterfall with me and a friend I had made in town. Once she got up there she couldn’t make it down. I tried showing her a few options that I thought would be a good route and she looked at me like ‘Dad, I need help.’ Something about being scooping her up and carrying her off of the rocks and across the water really strengthened the bond at that very moment. As if I were telling her ‘I got you, and I always will.”
Bella and Kugler have been on the road since November and it appears they are just getting started. Kugler has terminated his lease, left his belongings in a barn and plans on traveling.
“I’d like to get my 4Runner geared up as a more organized camping rig, then go out towards the [National] Parks. Taking Bella to each state really isn’t the priority, it’s more having her along to experience my own ‘hero’s journey’ and appreciate each other’s spirit and life on the planet.”
As far as Bella is concerned, Kugler says she is “doing pretty darn awesome.”
Via: Mashable
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