Man Takes Dying Dog On One Last Vacation Together
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.
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.
Bella was diagnosed with advanced-stage bone cancer last year, and doctors had to amputate her right front leg.
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.
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.
“I want to inspire people to get outside and live,” he told CNN. “Love each other for who we are and make friends.”
You can follow Bella’s journey on Kugler’s Twitter, Facebook, Periscope and Instagram pages. His website also has a large selection of images.
Have fun, you guys. You deserve it.
h/t: CNN