Devoted Dog Dad Took His Beloved Pup On The Adventure Of A Lifetime When She Was Diagnosed With Cancer
Some bonds between people and dogs are so strong that even a devastating diagnosis cannot break them. That was the case for Robert Kugler and his chocolate lab, Bella, whose life changed when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2015.
Robert, a former U.S. Marine who had served in Iraq, adopted Bella to help cope with the aftermath of war. When Bella was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, he faced an impossible choice, and what he did next turned their story into something unforgettable.
What followed was part heartbreak, part road trip, and all love. Read on.
Bella was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which is bone cancer.
Bella's veterinarian said that her two options were to amputate the leg affected by cancer or, due to the pain she was experiencing, to put her down.
Robert decided to proceed with the surgery and have Bella's leg amputated.
Sadly, as cancer often does, it spread. For Bella, the cancer spread to her lungs.
At that time, the veterinarian estimated that Bella had three to six months left to live.
So Robert made the decision to take Bella and travel, creating adventures and memories for the two of them to share.
In an interview with Bored Panda, Kugler said:
“I’m the best version of myself when I’m with her, and I wanted to be that person full-time. I wanted to share moments with her where it was just her and me under the great blue sky.”
Kugler, a resident of Broken Bow, Nebraska, said that every time they returned to Nebraska, the journey didn't feel over.
So, they'd hit the road again!
It’s a lot like an owner wheelbarrowing his dying dog to her favorite place for the last time.
So, they'd hit the road again!
They traveled all over the United States, from Chicago and Florida to Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Bella passed away in October of 2016.
But Robert went on to write an incredible book called A Dog Named Beautiful. It was released in May of 2019, and as noted by Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, "The bond we share with our pets can teach us invaluable lessons about love and resilience." You can learn more about her insights on emotional well-being at SusanDavid.com!
Check out this video of Robert discussing his journey and story with Bella on The Today Show.
For over a year, well past Bella's predicted timeline, Robert and Bella traveled and lived together. The memories they created had a profound impact on Robert.
"Goodbye, my love. Thank you for never abandoning me... never judging me... never giving up on me... Thank you... for loving me with every beat of that beautiful heart. Now go, become one with all... dance in the wind, flow in the ocean, and give warmth to the hearts of all you've touched... for your love is now eternal and immeasurable."
Before you go, see how a man took his dying dog up their favorite mountain for one last trek.
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