Kugler - A dog named beautiful: the true story of the labrador who taught a marine to love life again

While back in my hometown for Memorial Day, I captured this photo of me and Bella. She had just been diagnosed and I feared we wouldnt have much time left together.Bella and I spent hours admiring the artistry amidst Detroits abandoned buildings.We made friends with the local residents of Put-In-Bay, but enjoyed the peaceful quiet of the island during winter.Taking in the sights and sounds of Niagara Falls. Powerful and beautiful, they reminded me of Bellas strength and grace.Bella staking her claim as queen of the land on one of the several hikes in the Adirondacks.Hiking in the Adirondacks, I was in awe of Bellas ability to navigate the rocks and tree roots on three legs.Bella plowing through deep snow in New Hampshire.The first sunrise of the New Year in Acadia National Park. Bella and I nearly had the park to ourselves.Bella always had her head out of the window while we drove, but sometimes she pushed the boundaries and snuck her leg out too. Arcadia National Park.The top of the famous Rocky Steps at Philadelphias art museum. The Amor sculpture seemed to welcome us to the city of brotherly love with open arms.Every morning at Onslow Beach in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Bella and I would wake up early to see the sun rise across the Atlantic Ocean.Bella and her new buddy Gabriel in what Gabriel called Bellas house.After a romp in the Atlantic. Tybee Island, Georgia.At a water rescue course, Bella insisted on being a part of the action.Bella was in heaven leaping in the shallow waters of Bonita Dog Beach, Florida.After swimming, Bella would always roll in the sand and make herself look like a chocolate sugar cookie.On a carriage tour of historic Philadelphia, Bella was more interested in the giant dogs with hooves than she was a history lesson.Bella was good at making friends. At the beach, everyone had their own ball, but of course all three Labs had their eyes set on the same one.Bella found her new happy place on top of a paddleboard. It quickly became her favorite pastime.On our trip to the Dakotas with my nephew, Chandler, Bella had many chances to explore the vast open spaces.My absolutely favorite sight Bellas happy face out of the rear window, smiling as her ears flapped in the wind. Red Feather Lakes, Colorado.While getting treatment in Colorado, we spent a lot of time exploring off leash, allowing Bella to choose her own adventure.Bellas happy hop, captured amongst the changing aspens along the wooden trails at Wilderness on Wheels, Colorado.Bella and I were so in tune. If I said Look at that! shed know exactly where to direct her gaze.Guanella Pass in Colorado. Bella was as beautiful as the surrounding scenery.As treatment continued, Bella and I shared many of our closest moments at Lee Martinez Park, Colorado.We formed a close community not only with the veterinary staff, but with friends we made while simply walking down the street.When we arrived at Four Seasons Veterinary Clinic, Colorado, we learned it would be Bellas last night.