Remembering Bella

(all these photos, and more, can be found on Rob's Instagram and Facebook pages.)

Here is a story of love and devotion between a terminally ill dog and the man, a marine veteran, who loved her and spent her last months taking her on the journey of a lifetime.

Here is the story of Rob and Bella.

Over a year ago, doctors gave Bella, diagnosed with terminal cancer, she had a leg amputated because of bone cancer and the cancer had spread to her lungs. She was given 3-6 months to live. Rob decided to take Bella with him on a trip to Chicago so he could spend as much time with her as to spend as much time with her as he could. It didn't stop there, next thing you know, they were an epic journey around the United States together.

As word spread, Rob and Bella became internet sensations. 

They were even featured by several news outlets.

Here's a story about them on CNN:
Man takes his dog, dying of cancer, on one last, epic road trip

and the Telegraph:
Man takes terminally ill dog on farewell cross-country road trip​

and even the today show
His dog was given months to live, so this man took her on a cross-country trip​

He gained thousands of followers on his instagram, facebook and twitter accounts.  People from around the world were following the journey of Rob and Bella.

Rob and Bella traveled the country

Thursday, October 27, 2016, Rob took Bella on a ride, not knowing it would be her last.

Video of Bella's last ride.  Click here

That night Bella's breathing became labored and, as Rob snuggled in next to Bella at the vet, he posted to his instagram followers that that the end was near.

Click here to read Rob's post

Sadly, Bella passed away Friday, October 28 with Rob by her side. Through the sheer force of Rob's love, Bella lived much longer than the vets thought.

On Friday, October 28, 2016 Rob posted this picture of Bella to his instagram/Facebook

Click here to see Rob's message

and wrote:

Goodbye my Love. Thank you for never abandoning me...never judging me...never giving up on me... Thank you...for Loving me with every beat of that beautiful heart. Now go, become one with all...dance in the wind, flow in the ocean, and give warmth to the hearts of all you've touched...for your Love is now eternal and immeasurable.
To my brother Mike, sister Charity and all my grandparents... give this girl some tummy rubs, would you? For all the spirits young and old who were brought to the other side far too soon due to some type of ailment or disease that took you before your time... welcome this girl as I'm sure she's greeting you with a wagging tail.

 R.I.P. sweet Bella.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob at this difficult time.

Fly Bella, Fly!

For more, you can visit Rob's

instagram page CLICK HERE,

his Facebook page, CLICK HERE

or his website, RK Life Illustrated, CLICK HERE