A Dog Named Beautiful: A Marine, a Dog, and a Long Road Trip Home

by Robert Kugler

When US Marine Rob Kugler returns from war he had given up not only a year of his life in service to his country, but he had also lost a brother in the fighting as well. Lost in grief, Rob finds solace and relief in the one thing that never fails to put a smile on his face: his chocolate lab Bella. Exceptionally friendly, and always with - you wouldn’t believe it - a smile on her face, Bella is the friend Rob needs, and they spend their days exploring nature and taking photos.

But then Bella develops a limp in her front leg. It’s cancer, and the prognosis isn’t good. Rob has a choice, either to let Bella go now, or amputate her cancer riddled leg, and see what the next few months would bring.

For Rob, the choice is a no-brainer, and instead of waiting at home for the cancer to spread, Rob and Bella pack their bags and hit the road. Life is short, but the road ahead is long and winding, and as they criss-cross the country Rob and Bella meet remarkable, life-changing men and women who are quick to make friends with this incredible three-legged dog. A Dog Named Beautiful is a book full of inspiration, hope, love, tears, and laughs. Enjoy the journey.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Dogs, Animals, Biography, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart-warming book about the love of a man for his dog. When ex-marine Rob discovers his lab is dying from cancer, Rob decides to take his dog on the ultimate road trip around the county. I highly recommend this to any pet lover

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this beautifully written memoir, former Marine sergeant Rob Kugler pays tribute to his dog, Bella - his best friend, companion, and soulmate.
It’s a story of family, adventure, friendship, love, loss, and hope that you won’t soon forget.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a Nonfiction Autobiography. I really wanted to like this book. Really!! I like dogs. I like Marines and other armed forces personnel. I like adventure. But this wasn't my favorite. It wasn't even in the ball park. But I will say, this was very sweet.

However, this reminded me of a 10 page paper I had to write on Edward Albee's "American Dream" during my freshman year of college. It was a traumatic experience. If I had started this paper at the beginning of the semester, like everyone else, I could have done this paper on a play that didn't activate my gag reflex or give me the heebee jeebees. But I waited until the weekend before it was due to get started on it and the only resources available were for this play....because NO ONE wanted to touch it with a 10 foot pole.

Anyways, I kept thinking of this play every time he referred to himself as daddy. Sorry.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

”What this entire trip has led me to is a freedom from expectation. I’m not defined by a job or title or degree or city or place in life. I can be and do many things, and it’s possible to keep defining and redefining who I am. This journey has been about finding purpose, finding what matters, living in each moment, understanding what it means to love. Bella led me on a healing journey along a long road home where the healing happens slowly, along the way, little by little, bit by bit. And sure, there’s more healing to come. But at least for today, I am on my way.”

I knew this book was going to be a tearjerker, but goodness, I cried A LOT. Heartbreakingly beautiful, A Dog Named Beautiful is a story about unconditional love, an unbreakable bond, and realizing what matters most. Not only was Kugler’s relationship with Bella admirable and inspiring, but seeing how people came together to support their journey made my heart so full. I enjoyed reading about their adventures together and how Kugler found his way. A lot of his words hit home for me personally as we lost two fur babies to cancer last year - I definitely got choked up and relived those last days while reading about his experience. Kugler’s love for Bella was (and is) so beautiful - such an intimate and powerful story that I’m glad I had the chance to read. Plus, Labs will always have a special place in my heart.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dog Named Beautiful by Rob Kugler is the true story of Rob Kugler and his chocolate Labrador named Bella. Bella has cancer and this book tells of her final road trip across America. It is a time of bonding, of loving and of making the most of the time that Bella had left. “We can’t stop death… but we can change the way we live.” Rob Kugler is a caring, loving owner who wanted to make Bella’s last months memorable for her and for him. He wanted Bella to truly live. “When life isn’t all about yourself, it’s actually much easier to live.” Life was about Bella and celebrating all that was good.
Bella did not let cancer get her down. After all she did not know she had it. She lived life with gusto, vigour and enthusiasm in spite of losing her front leg to cancer. “The cancer is eating away at her body but it is not dimming her light.”
Rob Kugler intersperses Bella’s story with his story. His life was not always easy but the reader sees his bond of love with his family, his willingness to always help others and his huge love for his brother Mike who encouraged his dreams. We hear how life as a marine involved sacrifice again and again, as well as the bond with those who served with him.
We all have regrets and guilt. It is important to not “focus on what you didn’t do, [but] focus on what you have done and have yet to do.” Life is for living – for watching sunsets with those we love. “Live the moment rather than capture the moment.”
The bond between the author and Bella is clear to see. “She can make me a better me.” Bella rescued Rob Kugler from himself. She gave him a focus and a purpose. She taught him so much.
I loved the inclusion of colour photos. It was wonderful to see beautiful, brave Bella enjoying her life and clearly loving her owner.
A Dog Named Beautiful was such a wonderful read but oh dear me, did I need tissues – and not just once either. I did not know Bella but through Rob Kugler’s words and pictures, it felt like I knew her, and now there feels like a Bella-shaped hole in my heart.
Thank you Rob Kugler for introducing me to Bella, for showing me her personality and her love for you. Bless you and may God bless Bella until you meet again.
I will leave you with a final word from Rob Kugler about Bella:
“She loves me unconditionally: when I am broken, when I am sad, when I am angry, when I am wrong, when I have failed.”

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Thank you, Flatiron Books, for this advance reading copy of A Dog Named Beautiful.

This is a really sweet and inspirational story about a man and his beloved dog who, against all odds, lived much longer than anyone predicted while an aggressive cancer consumed her lungs.

Kugler shares bits and pieces of his life with the reader, providing insight into the person he had become and the impact that his precious dog had had upon him. While he had endured some heartbreaking loss and traumatic experiences, he continued to strive toward being a better person and he largely credits Bella for his accomplishment in that area.

He managed to tie a lot of his experiences with Bella into little phrases of hope and life lessons, which I really enjoyed. I also loved the affection he expressed for Bella and the personification he attached to her.

While there were some areas that dragged a bit for me, overall, this was a very touching book that I felt allowed me to really be a part of Rob and Bella’s journey.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book as a giveaway. To be honest, it took me a long time to get into it and I had to really push through the first 50 pages. While the overall story is a nice idea, the language used and the way it was written just didn't seem to appeal to me. Not quite what I was looking for, but may be a good fit for someone else!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noel Fitzpatrick often says that the bond between a human and a dog is one of the strongest in the living world. If you doubt that-and I certainly don’t- please read this book. The true story of an ex-Marine with depression and PTSD, and his chocolate lab Bella who has osteosarcoma will change your mind. Bella has 3 legs and 3-6 months to live but her spirit is indomitable. The pair set off on a road trip around the USA to fill her remaining time with love and adventure. And how! Warning-read this remarkable memoir with a large box of tissues close at hand!

[Kelli V Spann · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.”
― Orhan Pamuk, My Name Is Red

There are so many things we can learn from dogs. To live life ~ full out. This story, that of Bella and Rob, is of how one dog can change the trajectory of a life and teach us all the importance of living life to the fullest, no matter what we are handed. The goodness of Bella, the Beautiful, is as big as her heart. She had plenty of reasons to lose hope, but never does, and influenced all those who were blessed by her presence. I laughed and cried, was inspired and am better off for having read her story. Kugler’s uplifting and heartfelt story reveals the transformative power pets can have.

Read the audio, narrated by the author

Recommend 🐾✔️🦴

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful memoir of a man and his dog on their last road trip. Very heartfelt

[Jamie (jamies_shelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you flatiron books for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars
Release Date: May 7th, 2019

This was such an incredible book! When I first got it I was a bit nervous. I've had two dogs in my life, and both of them have passed due to cancer. So as you can imagine, this is a subject that I was nervous to read about because I knew it would really hit home.

The way this book handled this subject was beautiful. It really allowed you to feel the emotion that Rob (and everyone who faces this) goes through. Reading about it, it was almost like I had written it myself. The thoughts that Rob had were so similar to my own that it was almost cathartic to read this and see that I wasn't alone in what I went through.

That being said, this story was so much more than a book about a dog with cancer.

This was a book about Rob rediscovering who he was and taking his life back. What he went through in life is so hard, and seeing the truth of it written out on the page was great. I applaud him for writing about his vulnerability and pain. Seeing his journey was incredibly inspirational and it makes me want to pack up and go on a self-discovering road trip.

This was also a book about man and man's best friend. He completely captured what it's like to be a dog lover. The way he spoke to Bella, is exactly the way I spoke to my own pups. Dogs aren't just pets, they're family. And Rob portrayed this flawlessly.

I absolutely loved Bella, and it made me wish I could've been someone who met her and was changed by her ever present smile and loving attitude. But through this writing, I really feel like I did meet her.

Even years later Bella is positively impacting people's lives and I thank Rob for sharing their story.

[C.J. Bolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man. What a story! So relatable for me personally as well. I listened to the audiobook, only reason is because it’s narrated by the author and the tones in his voice and his true feelings can be felt as he’s reading it. It’s like sitting in a circle listening to a guy share his life story with you in person. So cool.

Rob; a Marine, nature enthusiast, and dog lover, shares his story of a cross country trip to visit all 50 states with his chocolate lab, Bella. You ever hear the phrase, “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” This book epitomizes that. The highs and lows of a man with his dog. Rob also talks about his family history, upbringing, and his time in the Marines and how that all played a factor in some of the mental struggles he was having.

The thing that truly touched me the most was his ability to describe his emotions. His articulation and description of his joy and love but also his pain and sorrow. His dog was always a constant for him. I love that for him. I can relate to that with him. doG —> God, coincidence? I think not.

[Sher (in H-Town) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartfelt story of a man and his dog adventuring around the country after his dog gets a terminal cancer diagnosis.

I really struggled to appreciate the writing and tone at times.. too sappy, sometimes Whiney and a bit preachy. The language felt fake and far too unrealistic.

Themes of unconditional love by animals, travel and adventure, the military community, family, struggle, suicide and depression... there’s a lot the author wanted to share and the story felt like something he wrote for personal catharsis rather than authorship.

There were a lot of really sweet descriptions of the bond between human and dogs... A lot of hopeful tales about community and the kindness of strangers.

The “daddy” and “baby girl” sentiments really irked me (in fact entirely creeped me out) and I almost DNF the book several times. I also found the need to champion fire arms esp in the hands of mental illness frustrating.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate labs will always have a special spot in my heart due to my first dog Mia, so no surprise that I read about 10% of this book through tears. Should've expected that from the start.
Cut to now traveling around NW Ohio on the weekends with a hound named Scout, this book was all the more relatable and enjoyable and uplifting and inspirational and everything else you want in a weekend hammock read with a dog at your feet.
Just make sure to keep a bandana within reach.


And to Rob, thank you for your service and for sharing your story. Less of a thank you for making me cry. Although it was cathartic and we all need that once in a while. I'm now dehydrated and need to wash my face.

To anyone who has known a dog or ever seen a dog, even if only in pictures, read this book and pet a pooch, you will feel better for it

[MJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book. The marine himself acutely had an extremely interesting life of which I would love to read more about; however he was not the main charter. His dog was the focus point of the book which is totally acceptable, but the way in which he wrote about the dog was repetitive and often boring. The way he spoke for the dog I found slightly off-putting. I do not recommend this book, but it does get two stars because the sections about the marine were fascinating and enjoyable.

[Onceinabluemoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf, just didn’t work for me, was more his autobiography and Psychological problems then I cared to read about, I am sure the story is there but I was not interested enough to continue...

[Jennifer DeFrancesco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snuggled my four legged baby extra long after reading.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good, sweet, entertaining story. A lovely tribute to his dog. Full of heart, topics about family, friendship, love, loss, adventure, and more. I really enjoyed this memoir. 4 stars.

[Yvonne (go.for.a.walk.chuma) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine Reise, die berührt

Der 1982 geborene Robert Kugler hat schon vieles im Leben gemacht. Er war Staff Sergeant bei den US Marines, hat als Schauspieler gearbeitet und war selbstständig mit seinem eigenen Unternehmen, heute ist er Fotograf und Autor – vor allem aber ist er ein Mann mit großem Herz. Und dieses legt er in diesem Memoire schonungslos offen. Wie viele andere wurde auch ich auf den ungewöhnlichen Roadtrip, den Rob und Bella unternahmen, durch die Medien aufmerksam. Durch Zufall las ich einen Onlineartikel darüber und folgte Rob dann via Instagram. Dort teilte er seine Erlebnisse mit der Welt, schrieb lustige und nachdenklich stimmende Zeilen unter seine eindrucksvollen und lebendigen Posts. Seine Hündin Bella berührte die Herzen der Menschen – so auch meins.
Als Rob dann beschließt, seine Reise auch in Form eines Buches zu teilen, war für mich klar, dass ich dieses gern lesen möchte. Als mein eigener Hund nun nach mehr als 12 Jahren verstarb, war für mich der richtige Zeitpunkt für die Lektüre gekommen. Ich wusste natürlich um den unvermeidbaren Ausgang von Bellas Geschichte und mir war auch bewusst, dass ich nochmal Tränen vergießen werde aber ich wollte mich in meiner Trauer um meinen eigenen Hund verstanden fühlen und wer könnte meine eigenen Gefühle wohl besser in Worte fassen, als ein Mann, der seiner totkranken Hündin zuliebe quer durch Amerika reist?

Doch Rob macht die Reise natürlich nicht nur für Bella, er macht sie auch für sich. In seinem Buch wird deutlich wie verloren er sich fühlt, wir erfahren die Gründe dafür nach und nach, erkennen den empfindsamen Menschen hinter dem knallharten Marine. Seine tragischen Verluste und Selbstzweifel prägen ihn, werfen ihn immer wieder aus der Bahn. Er ist rastlos, rennt seinen Träumen hinterher, will es anderen recht machen und ist deshalb unfähig, einen Ruhepol, innere Zufriedenheit zu finden. Nur sein Labrador Bella erdet ihn und als er erfährt, dass sie aggressiven Knochenkrebs hat, bricht erneut seine Welt zusammen. Eine Amputation kann ihr Leben um einige Monate verlängern und ihr die Schmerzen nehmen, doch ihre Zeit läuft ab und Rob muss sich entscheiden, was er mit dieser wenigen verbleibenden Zeit anfängt. Und so beschließt er, endlich Taten folgen zu lassen, packt sein Leben ins Auto und lebt seinen Traum: Alle 50 Staaten seines Heimatlandes bereisen. Immer mit dabei seine geliebte Hündin.

»My Beloved Bella Girl. My Co-Pilot. My Adventure Partner. My Heart.«

Robs Reise ist spannend und interessant, seine persönliche Geschichte bewegt und die Liebe zu Bella ist einfach herzerwärmend. Auch wenn die Lektüre an der ein oder anderen Stelle etwas holprig erscheint, so habe ich die Geschichte insgesamt sehr gern gelesen. Nicht nur aber vor allem, weil sie wahr ist und ein Zeugnis der tiefen Liebe und Verbundenheit eines Menschen zu seinem Hund. Ich habe mich in so vielen Passagen wiedergefunden, insbesondere seine Trauer konnte ich absolut nachempfinden und teilen. Und auch wenn die Geschichte bezogen auf Bella traurig endet, so ist sie insgesamt doch lebensbejahend. Bella hat Herzen bewegt, Menschen zusammengebracht und ihrem »Daddy« gezeigt, worauf es im Leben wirklich ankommt. Von ihr konnte er lernen, durch sie konnte er wachsen. Rob hat seinen Frieden gefunden, seine Mission erfüllt und ist endlich angekommen – am Ziel seiner Träume aber auch bei sich selbst.

Fazit
Besonders für Hundemenschen ist »A Dog named Beautiful« (OT) eine lohnende Lektüre, die vielleicht an der ein oder anderen Stelle etwas verklärt anmuten mag, aber insgesamt durchaus lehrreich, unterhaltsam und spannend ist. »Bellas letzte Reise« ist inspirierend und regt zum Nachdenken an und ich bin sicher, dass sich jeder, der dieses Buch liest, in die lebensfrohe, tapfere Bella verlieben wird, denn »sie verbreitet Glück und Inspiration.«

[Jessica White · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I loved a dog with all my heart once."

That quote sums up this entire book.
I was 15 pages in and sobbing into my pup's fur about unconditional love.
I have never loved anything as much as I love my girl, Sophie.
We've been together almost 4 years now and I would give anything to keep her in my life forever.

Rob Kugler and his furbaby Bella set off on a 3-6 month road trip to soak up the time they had left together. It all happened right after Bella was diagnosed with cancer....in her lungs that spread to her leg. The best option to give her a little more time was to amputate her leg. That's right, Rob had a 3-legged pup with more gusto than any other dog he'd ever seen. I mean, sure he was out almost 2 grand, but it was worth it to spend some more time with his girl.

It's such a touching story about a man and his dog.
But for Rob, it was more than that. He was lost for a very long time but he found himself learning life lessons from Bella. He found himself through her. He spent countless days wondering if he was giving her the best life imaginable, especially with everyone asking him if her quality of life diminished after losing her leg. But honestly, it made her stronger. Which in turn made him stronger.

Everything in this book made me cry.
Everything in this book made me hug my dog.
Everything in this book was so relatable.

In January, we had a run in with our pup.
Sophie woke up and could barely stand.
I carried her outside for her morning potty break and she got sick and just collapsed.
I ran inside stressed, telling my husband to grab the keys. We needed a vet.

Mind you, we live in South Korea, with vets who barely spoke our language.
The first vet we could find said "Heart failure, emergency. Go to this vet for surgery, immediately."
The next vet said, "Emergency surgery. Her uterus exploded."
They set to work on my baby while we sat in the waiting room, covered in poop and vomit, and just cried. Within the hour, we were told there was a 30% chance she would survive the surgery given her age (she's 10ish).

A week later, we got to take her home.
She made it.
Sure, we were out 2 grand, just like Rob...
But we knew our pup needed us and we jumped on the chance to help her.

This review and pics of my precious pup can be found at A Reader's Diary!

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my what a wonderful book. I an having a hard time typing because of the tears in my eyes from the ending. It had three elements close to my heart.
1. A military vein running throughout - I am a retired officer.
2. It was largely based in Nebraska where I live.
3. I love dogs with my heart and this dog truly captured my heart.

[Morgan Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelf for many years, as a gift from my dad. Wow! I love a good memoir. I balled my eyes out at the end
Ps. Have you guys downloaded StoryGraph yet? I only have 2 friends over there 🥺

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you.

Hands down, the best book I've read in a long time. I haven't stopped ugly crying long enough to compose my thoughts. I think I'm going to go snuggle with my pups for a while while looking through the blog and pictures of Rob and Bella's adventures.

[Andrea McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tear jerker! And not just the dog parts - a powerful story about a wounded warrior, his sweet full-of-life dog and how their lives intersect.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This former marine embarks on quite an adventure with his dog. There are a few good life observations tucked throughout this story.

[Brian Stamschror · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought out the ugly cries

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author can skate pretty close to the edge of maudlin at times but this is an excellent book on the meaning of love between people and between a man and his dog...very uplifting.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely fear that no words in any review can do this book justice. Regardless, I'll give it the good 'ol college try.

The pain Kugler has to endure multiple times is heartbreaking. He, somehow, always had the strength to fight for the good or have someone's back (ex: the flag). Parts of his story resonate with my story and I may or may not have cried multiple times... I admit to nothing. Kugler does not write a long depressing book making people cry; rather, he shares his story and the lessons that come along with it. He mentions depression, but somehow, he always seems to have an uplifting perspective.

There are a few things that earned the all elusive 5 star review from this picky reader.

Firstly, for those of you that do not want to read my entire review (sometimes I'm guilty of this), there are pictures. Very well taken pictures of an adorable dog. So, if you ADD a bit and need a reading break, PUPPY PICS!

Second, his ability to weave all of his losses together and show that grief is not cut and dry. Is he grieving about Bella? Maybe? His brother? Maybe? Is he missing something else in his life? Maybe. He reminds you that grieving one will bring up the other. Human beings are extremely complicated and he weaves it all together beautifully.

Third, his insanely intense bond with Bella. True dog people are the best people. He treats her so well and she had such a wonderful life. Dogs are such innocent, kind, and beautiful souls. They deserve all of the love in the world and it warms my heart to hear of such a beautiful bond.

Fourth... Kugler just all around seems like a genuinely good person. A dog is lost, he cares for it and ensures the dog is returned to the owner. Someone needs anything at all? Kugler will show up with a plate of anything. The desire to help others and do good in this world is easy to relate to.

Fifth and lastly... wait i said a "few" how did 5 happen? That is when you know a book is good ;) Bella - What a beautiful spirit. She is inspiring just on her own. Having 3 legs and yet she has adventured more than most other dogs (and perhaps humans). Always carrying a smile. Always loving, meeting new people, ready to play, and up for adventure.

11/10, do recommend. Just, bring tissues.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel so heartless not liking this book! I mean, it's ok? I even like dogs? But it just seems rather... plain. I read this as a recommendation, so I made it a book club read... but it so ain't my style (not a bad thing). Very sentimental. The most interesting insight was ah, about how he (and his mother) felt more.... let's say comfortable? hm... able. Allowed? to grieve over the dog, Bella, than over their brother/son who had died in service. And I understand it! It's almost like the loss of a person is... too big? Too complicated? Especially with the death of someone in the military. Like, Americans are pretty weird about death anyway, but man we are SUPER weird about soldier deaths. A president (!!!) who tells a widow that her husband "knew what he was getting into," people who refer to the tragic death of a young person as a price or a sacrifice. Super weird. Like we expect them to die? And it's only the... what, the budget sheet of what makes America great? Uh. I don't expect them to die. and I don't accept it. It pisses me off, to tears. My husband teases me that basically the only thing that makes me cry is dead soldiers. I can't stand it. Dead soldier stories to me are like, dead dog stories to... um, normal people? And now I am making myself cry.

https://laist.com/2019/12/04/grief_is...

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Dog Named Beautiful was the February selection for an online book group I'm in. In this day, any sentimental book that puts a dog center stage is pretty much guaranteed 5 star reviews. In defiance of that, I really must say I disliked this novel. A lot. This book was incredibly repetitious with page after page of the same narrative with only the setting changing. I found myself speeding through sections because there was nothing new.

What most annoyed me, however, was that Rob made himself out to be incredibly self centered and a irresponsible mooch. Couch surfing for 18 months is parasitic behavior of some youth, and instead of searching for way to not be a burden on everyone else around him, he set up crowd sourcing and sponged off total strangers by playing the "poor me" card whenever he needed anything. He's an adult, ferpetesake. He let the dog splash around in delicate tidal pools and chase wildlife off lead in parks with leash laws. I felt for the family, though, and suppose indulging his every whim helped him deal with his loss. The only saving grace, in my opinion, was a very cool dog.