Nebraska Man Takes His Terminally Ill Best Friend On One Final Epic Road Trip

When Robert Kugler of Nebraska found out that his best friend, Bella, was dying of cancer, he decided to take her on the road trip of a lifetime. Bella, his chocolate lab, has been with him for nine years, ever since he got her and raised her from a puppy. Bella has already lost a leg to cancer but the disease has spread to her lungs and the doctors have told the ex-marine that there is no hope left for her.

So, the former jarhead gathered up needed supplies and he and Bella headed for the Marine Corps Ball in Chicago. From there, they just traveled around and spent their last time together as best they could. Bella only has a couple of more months to live according to the doctors.

Kugler said that, “This is one of the biggest connections I’ve ever had to another living being. I don’t care that it’s a dog. I just didn’t want her to be gone when I came home one day.”

He Has documented their trip on his social media accounts and went everywhere from Detroit to Cleveland, to upstate New York to see Niagra Falls to spending the day walking around Harvard and Fenway Park. Everywhere they went, Bella was met with hugs, and patting, and love.

They are, now, doing Florida and are currently in Saint Petersburg and Tampa. After that, they will begin to head west back to Nebraska.

“Some days I am completely prepared,” Kugler said. “Other days, I just can’t bear the thought of her passing. We take on these animals which means we’re going to take on their life and their passing. To be there with them when they pass is the greatest gift you can give anybody.”

PHOTO CREDITS: Robert Kugler