This man's epic love story with his sick dog will move you to tears

When the Beatles sing, "All you need is love", one's mind usually goes to a pretty woman or a handsome man. But sometimes one thinks of a loyal friend, and there is no friendship more loyal than between a person and their canine.

A story which stole millions of hearts this week was one of an epic road trip undertaken by Robert Kugler from Nebraska in the United States with his adorable chocolate lab, Bella, who was diagnosed with cancer in May, 2015.

Yes, every tragedy has its silver lining, or at least, what we could make out of it. Robert and Bella are that odd couple that you see everyday in your city parks and roads, only to forget in a jiffy what they stand for. So, exactly when their world started collapsing around them, Robert decided to give Bella the best time of her life.

"They said this is the worst news I could give you; she had advanced osteosarcoma and it's already in her lungs so you need to either take her leg today or put her down," Robert told reporters.

Bella, only 9 years old, had her leg amputated and was only given three to six months to live. Robert then decided to give her a great send-off and make the remaining time the best she's ever had.

"I feel like right now this is my purpose. It's the chapter in my life right now is just exploring with my dog," Robert said.

That was it. They drove off to the sunset and undertook the quintessential American experience, propped by many a Hollywood movie, of course, Jack Kerouac novels. 

He began with a simple trip to the Marine Corps Ball in Chicago but kept going east.

Robert and Bella have now been travelling on and off since November last and are in no mood to stop.

Robert says he terminated his lease and is ready to keep tackling the United States in all its rugged glory.

As for Bella, "She's doing pretty awesome," he says.

Looks like this Bella's "swan" song is an all American road trip with her best friend ever, who didn't go all "cull 'em" on her.

So long, Bella. Have a good trip.