I actually start blubbering at my desk when I have to write stories like this so make sure you've got some tissues nearby because someone is chopping onions.
When his dog was diagnosed with cancer and given three to six months to live, Nebraskan Robert Kugler decided to take Bella on the journey of a lifetime as one last farewell.
In May 2015, black lab Bella had to have one of her front legs amputated due to the advanced osteosarcoma. Robert had the choice of putting her down right away or removing a leg, according to WOWT.
With only three legs, Robert decided to take Bella around the country for the last few months of her life, rather than simply go looking for a job now after he'd finished his marine veteran training.
First they went to the Marine Corps Ball in Chicago before heading to north-eastern United States and then shooting down towards Florida.
Robert was eventually called to help a veterans' organisation in Kansas City as part of him leaving school so he had to cut the trip short for a few months. But, with Bella still chirpy and full of life, he hit the road as soon as he could.
He told Mashable, "When the chance came to give a bud a ride to North Carolina, I decided to finish the southern route and make it to the Keys, which we did!
"I feel like right now this is my purpose. The chapter in my life right now is just exploring with my dog."
Robert lost his brother in Iraq in 2007 and his older sister in a car accident and says seeing loved ones lose their lives so early only gives him a different perspective on life.
Apparently Robert has terminated the lease on his home, put all his stuff in a barn and is continuing his journey around the US until Bella's disease catches up with her.
"Bella is doing pretty darn awesome."
You bet she is.
If you want to follow the rest of Bella and Robert's story, you can do so on Instagram.
Words by George Pavlou
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All images credited to Robert Kugler Facebook
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