Man Takes Dying Dog On One Last Vacation Together

Robert Kugler/Facebook

They’re called “man’s best friend” for a reason. A dog’s loyalty to his human is one of the inviolate rules of the universe. And so it is with former Marine Robert Kugler and his sweet dog, Bella.

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Robert Kugler/Facebook

Kugler adopted his canine pal nine years ago and found out last year that she had cancer. So he decided to pack Bella and a bunch of gear into his SUV and travel the country with her, to give her the trip of a lifetime, while she had the time left to take it.

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Robert Kugler/Facebook

Bella was diagnosed with advanced-stage bone cancer last year, and doctors had to amputate her right front leg.

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Robert Kugler/Facebook

Doctors gave Bella three to six months to live last year, and she’s far surpassed that, but Kugler has steeled himself to the inevitable.

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Robert Kugler/Facebook

The Nebraska-based Kugler and his co-pilot have visited many spots so far: Chicago, Cleveland, the Adirondack Mountains in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Florida. They may soon head west to Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks.

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Robert Kugler/Facebook

“I want to inspire people to get outside and live,” he told CNN. “Love each other for who we are and make friends.”

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Robert Kugler/Facebook

You can follow Bella’s journey on Kugler’s Twitter, FacebookPeriscope and Instagram pages. His website also has a large selection of images.

Have fun, you guys. You deserve it.

h/t: CNN

Animals, Pets

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About the Author
Brinke Guthrie
Brinke has worked in Cincinnati and San Francisco radio. He also writes for TennisIdentity.com and Uni Watch.com. He was editor/writer for CuteOverload.com. He and his wife live in the SF Bay Area.

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