About a year ago, Robert Kugler received a devastating news – his beautiful furry friend Bella was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer and was given only three to six months to live. Robert was advised to put the chocolate Labrador down. Instead, he decided to take her on an epic road trip for a sendoff.
In this touching video, Robert documents how first found out 9-year-old Bella’s limp shoulder wasn’t an injury but bone cancer. “She’s so beautiful,” he says, watching her roll around happily in the grass.
Since then, Bella and Robert have traveled across cities like Detroit, Washington, Cleveland and many more. His Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds capture their amazing journey, 14 months after the diagnosis.
"I just didn't want her to be gone one day when I came home," Robert told Doug Criss of CNN.
While they have defied the limited time doctors gave Bella, Robert realizes that they cannot evade it forever. And while on some days Robert feels ready for her passing, on other days the thought seems too unbearable.
Whatever, be the case, Robert is determined to be with Bella whenever it is time for her to go.
“We take on these animals, which means we're gonna take on their life and their passing," Robert told CNN. "To be there with them when they pass is the greatest gift you can give anybody," he adds.