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

[Spiderwolf]

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 your loss. I’ve lost a number of dogs over my 66 years. It’s never easy. I hate it and feel for you. RIP THOR!! You were much loved .

Sponsored

 

[Dialtone]

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).

This is heart wrenching. I've lived with and owned GSDs since childhood. Absolutely wonderful dogs. I"m crying for you... and maybe little for me.

 

[LarryZiegler]

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).

My sympathies to you on your loss. Been there done that, so I know the heartache you are going through. Thor was a a beautiful dog as you have many good pics to remember him by.
Take care and reflect on the memories of this trip

 

[Jo.S.]

Sorry for your loss. Looks like you gave him one last great trip.

 

[Gotchaa]

We are so sorry to hear about your sweet Thor, may his adventures continue in doggy heaven!

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 to hear about Thor, I know how hard this can be. I lost a husky during Covid up in the mountains with no nearby Vet/urgent care available to the same cause as Thor. We had just finished a nice 10 mile hike on the PCT, and early in the AM he went quickly as I waited for the Vet to open. It would have taken me the same time to drive to the nearest urgent care, so decided not to move him. I didn’t even know a flipped stomach was possible.

I had already ordered the Bronco and was dreaming of days with the top off and camping (he would have been leashed camping though, this guy would be running wild hunting). Cherish the memories, know that he is in a good place.

 

[Bmadda]

My condolences, and our dog offers his condolences as well

 

[Tonka Bronka]

That is a huge loss, stomach bloat or turn is devastating and as you know, not everybody is aware of this hazard or the symptoms. You gave Thor a wonderful life and you need to take solace in that. That is what we do as dog lovers, give them the best life possible and remember them when they are gone. God Bless and thank you for sharing as that is also part of healing.

 

[Shifts And Grins Fab]

So sorry to hear about Thor. Looks like you guys were having an epic trip. I have a 6 year old shepherd so I totally understand the bond you two shared. They are amazing and loyal dogs.

 

[ElonMuk]

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your boy Thor. As some have mentioned he will always be watching over you even if he physically isnt here any more. Wishing you nothing but the very best

 

[Tomleo67]

sorry man! R.I.P. Thor

 

[JRMFFL531]

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).

What an adventure for your and Thor both! I'm sorry he has to leave you. And the pain that comes with the loss of your companion hurts like nothing else. And it's awful. But it sounds like he went out like a true warrior. He was on a quest with his best friend. Truly living up to the name Thor. I'm sorry once again. But thank you for sharing your story, and picture of Thor. Your Bronco is BA as well.

 

[kimmiemom64]

We are so sorry to hear about your sweet Thor, may his adventures continue in doggy heaven!

My heart is breaking for you on the loss of your sweet Thor. He was so lucky to have you as his human and you gave him such a fun and beautiful trip. I pray you find peace through your memories of him. Godspeed Thor

 

[bkirchhoff]

So sorry for your loss. I’m teary eyed typing this. Thor was a beautiful dog. And it looked like you were both living your best lives right up until that tragic turn. We had an amazing dog (Lizzie) whose stomach flipped. It’s never easy to lose a companion, but it’s especially scary and heartbreaking when it comes on suddenly like that does. Sending you good vibes from our pack today.

 

[DRC]

So sorry for your loss. Thanks for letting me know about this stomach issue so I can watch out for it. I pray you will get to see him again.

 

[1st 75th ranger]

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).

you both were so lucky to have that experience together the pictures i bet do it no justice
hes traveling with you still ...respect to you both and rip to your friend

Sponsored