Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Man takes dog dying of cancer on one last road trip across America

Bella, the three-legged dog, has traveled from Niagara Falls to the Adirondack Mountains

 

Rachael Revesz
New York
Thursday 14 July 2016 15:15 BST
Comments
Mr Kugler described Bella as his 'best friend'
Mr Kugler described Bella as his 'best friend' (Instagram / Robert Kugler)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

After doctors gave Bella just three to six months left to live last year, Robert Kugler took his three-legged dog on one last road trip across the country.

Bella, a nine-year-old chocolate labrador, has lung cancer and her condition is terminal.

Mr Kugler, a Marine veteran from Nebraska, told CNN: “I just didn't want her to be gone one day when I came home.”

After heading to the Marine Corps Ball in Chicago in November, the pair continued across the US in his Toyota 4Runner.

They travelled across states including Detroit, Kentucky and Ohio, checking out the sunset, Niagara Falls, monuments, museums and the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

Along the way, they stayed with friends or camped in his car, documenting his travels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

They are currently on the west coast of Florida. Mr Kugler is considering driving back to Nebraska to avoid the summer heat, which Bella struggles to cope with.

Mr Kugler also plans to visit Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks.

“Continuing to move and see the country is a good excuse to spend time with my dog,” he said.

Speaking about her death, he said: “Some days I'm completely prepared. I pictured her just swimming out to sea.

"But there's other days when I'm like, oh my God, I can't bear the thought of it."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in