Epic road trip, but had to say goodbye to my German Shepherd before we made it home

[Newbie]

Thor suddenly became very ill

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[rayhil67]

That Sucks! Sorry for your loss. When i seen this thread I really debated on weather to read at work or not, as expected It choked me up

 

[Poppavein]

Damn, that sucks ass.
I always feared rolling my Labs over from one side to the other because this could happen.

 

[userdude]

My condolences for your loss. Never is a good time, but at least he was with you.

 

[TrailDust]

So sorry for your loss, Thor looked like a good boy! I lost my Dobermann the same way, his stomach rolled, I was lucky enough to be by his side when he had to leave as I'm sure you were. One of the hardest things we have to do as pet parents, but always know he had a great life with you.

 

[Donkeygyrl]

That tore me up to read that,I live in ca and my mom who is 94 lives in fl the only way to go see her was to take our dog buddy Bruno on a road trip.
We have now done the 4300 mile trip 3 times and honestly my biggest fear is what you expirenced,bloat or distension is a real killer vet told me it 80% fatal . One time a past gsd got it and I administered simethocone and it relieved the gas and he was okay .
So sorry for your loss I really feel for ya.

 

[Blue Lightning]

I'm still processing everything, and this is not the post I was hoping to share. I had meticulously planned my first camping road trip with my dog and Bronco. We were having the time of our lives, and he was such a strong, healthy, great dog. Everyone we encountered love saying hi to him. At 8.5 short years of living together, we had so many firsts on this trip.

Unfortunately on our 2nd to last night on the trip when we arrived at our motel, Thor suddenly became very ill. I thought he may have been motion sickness, as we had a rough day of driving in blizzard conditions. He had a rough night, struggling to keep down water, with no appetite and desire to go on walks. I extended our stay at the motel so he could rest, and by morning with no progress I was searching for nearby vets for urgent care. His stomach flipped (apparently common for larger chested dogs, I had never heard of), and his spleen was enlarged, amongst a nasty fever. They were shocked he was hanging in there as well as he did. He was such a tough dog. How quickly and unexpectedly everything had turned. I was not prepared to say goodbye, and have not been well.

He was my soulmate, and we were never separated. I adored him since I had him, and dedicated my life to making his the best. I am lucky to have so many wonderful memories with Thor, truly a special dog.


With that, I'd like to share some photos of our trip. It was about 3,500 miles from Austin, TX, up Big Sur, and back. The Bronco performed phenomenally, and my lifetime gas mileage went up almost 2.5 mpg (living in the city has equated low smiles per gallon).

So sorry for you loss but at least you guys had an amazing trip before he did pass!!

 

[mbc15]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[RockyMTNBronco]

I'm so very sorry, I lost my white shepherd at the end of January, I definitely know how you feel. Shepherds become such a big part of your life, it seems. More than other other breed I've had. What a trip for him though, epic cross country run with his person. You gave him a great life and I'm sure he knew it.

 

[gmannerino]

I really appreciate the kind words and support. Love this great community.

 

[ChaseG]

I'm so sorry you had to lose your pup. I lost mine about two months ago (seen in my picture), it's so especially difficult when you don't see it coming. I'm glad you got so much 1:1 time before he passed, looks like a wonderful trip.

 

[TXBronco1313]

Man this sucks big time and I wish I had something to say other than so sorry for your loss. Take care of your Bronco because I’m pretty sure Thor loved every minute of riding shotgun in it

 

[JimL]

Man I am so sorry. Dogs are the best companions and their love and loyalty are pure. I know the hurt a couple times over, and I am dreading that day when Maxie leaves us. I pray for comfort for your heart.

 

[FleshTuxedo]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Thor seemed like such a cool puppers.
I am sure he loved the last chapter of his life seeing new places, meeting new people, sniffing new scents and all with his best buddy.

I always hate hearing about dogs crossing the rainbow bridge

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