Marine Veteran Takes Dog With Terminal Cancer On Cross-Country Road Trip
When Rob Kugler took his chocolate lab, Bella, to the vet for a shoulder injury last May, he was met with some crushing news: Bella’s injury was actually cancer. Veterinarians amputated Bella’s leg and gave her only three to six months to live. Kugler, who adopted Bella nine years ago when she was a puppy, decided to drop everything and take Bella on the farewell journey of a lifetime.
From WOWT:
“I just didn’t want her to be gone one day when I came home,” said Kugler.
…
“I feel like right now this is my purpose. It’s the chapter in my life right now is just exploring with my dog,” he said.
Kugler, a Marine vet, started the trip with a visit to the Marine Corps ball, then kept on driving. They’ve driven all over place, from Niagara Falls to the nation’s capitol, taking in the smells and peeing on the sites.
Bella was given no more than six months to live. But as she sticks her head out the window of the Toyota 4Runner somewhere in Bonita Springs, Florida, it has been 14 months since the diagnosis. Neither of them looks like they’ll be stopping anytime soon..
[via WOWT]
Image via WOWT
I feel a little something in my eye
10 years ago at 5:22 pmOur loyal companion fought the same fight with cancer and gave cancer the same ass kicking as this dog. Vet said 4-6 weeks. Started feeding him only human food (mostly chicken and ice cream). 18 months later he finally decided it was time.
10 years ago at 5:22 pmI had to retire my 11 year old chocolate last year from hunting, but thankfully he’s still with me. This is a damn good story and Bella is a damn good dog.
10 years ago at 5:23 pmRight in the feels.. Gonna go pet my lab now
10 years ago at 5:26 pmThis is American and touching as fuck, and I have no shame in saying I almost tested up.
10 years ago at 5:41 pmThe bond between a man and his dog can never be broken. Good luck to this great man and great dog.
10 years ago at 6:29 pmIf you don’t go pet your dog immediately after reading this, you’re lying
10 years ago at 8:58 pm