
A Dog Named Beautiful
A Marine, a Dog, and a Long Road Trip Home
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Narrated by:
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Rob Kugler
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By:
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Rob Kugler
About this listen
This program is read by the author.
An uplifting and unforgettable story of a US Marine, his extraordinary dog, and the road trip of a lifetime.
When US Marine Rob Kugler returns from war not only had he given up 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 an audiobook full of inspiration, hope, love, tears, and laughs. Enjoy the journey.
©2019 Robert Kugler (P)2019 Macmillan AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
"This sweet story honoring the bond between animals and their people is a must-read for fans of A Dog Called Hope and Travels with Charley, and anyone open to a good, cathartic cry.” (Booklist, starred review)
What listeners say about A Dog Named Beautiful
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- Amazon Customer
- 06-21-24
Bella truly is a Beautiful Dog!
For anyone who has ever had a Pet they Loved Dearly, this Story of Rob and his Beautiful Dog Bella will Touch your Heart and Tug at your Emotions as well. There is such a Special Bond between a Person and their Beloved Pet. Losing a Beloved Pet is always Heartbreaking. However, the Journey which you experience together is Priceless, and, is always worth it. I have experienced the Love of many, many Beloved Pets in my Life and I cannot even describe the Peace, Joy & Love that I have shared with each and every one of my Fur Babies. Thank you Sweet Bella for allowing Rob to share your Beautiful & Loving Spirit with the whole World!
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- Jami
- 12-08-22
Loved this book
This is a book about a man’s love for his dog and about the man himself. We go on adventures with Rob and Bella, cheer them in and cry with them. I wish I had encountered them on their great adventure when they were in my area, as I would have loved to meet them! I listened to the audio, read by the author, which added to the experience. I also had the print book so I could look at Bella’s pictures.
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- Kim Piatt
- 12-01-22
Beautiful story
Recently loosing my baby girl, I was not sure if I could get through this story, but it actually helped me, and I’m glad I purchased it. This is beautifully written with absolute love. I connected to it on many levels. Thank you Rob, for putting your heart out there and giving us this story about your baby girl, Bella! God bless!
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- Tony
- 06-23-20
Inspiring and heart warming
A terrific book and Rob’s reading of his own story is both entertaining and full of passion. As a veteran with my own lab mix that has helped heal wounds of war, I applaud his honesty and openness. This story brought great comfort.
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- Placeholder
- 07-18-23
The book isn’t about Bella
The story is about how the dog helped him get back to life. We were around Kuglers where my husband used to teach and I wonder how they were related. A great story.
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- MamaMia
- 07-18-19
Highly recommended! Great debut Rob Kugler!!
"A Dog Named Beautiful" is an inspiration to all who have struggled in life & found a way to overcome.
It's a engaging read that you won't want to put down.
I couldn't recommend this book more! It's not just for dog lovers... this story has the power to inspire everyone.
Rob Kugler, your story is a testament to the true meaning of love.
You've got this!
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- Adam & Kristin
- 07-24-19
Amazing
It is an amazing story. The way the author describes his journey, and the “why” behind it, make you feel a part of that journey. He is very relatable, and I became emotionally attached very early into the read. Additionally, the authors reading and voices used were excellent. I highly recommend!
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- Connie K.
- 09-12-22
A dog story
If you are a dog owner or like dogs you will enjoy this book. I love this book & hated to have it end.
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- Sam Reames
- 01-24-23
What a wonderful journey
For all dog lovers! Who can’t relate to that amazing, simple yet complex love we share with our best friends? Thank you for sharing this story!
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- Barbara corn
- 02-03-24
the love he had for his dog
loved this book. wonderful how they went on a last journey together. heartfelt and well written
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