Thor crossed over to join your loved ones there

[thoradopter]

It's taken me two days to post on the Rainbow Bridge. Thanks to all of you who responded in the Vet's corner.

On Monday, the indications on the sonogram that Thor had a large growth were confirmed by exploratory surgery. He had metastatic prostate cancer that had compromised his bladder and colon. There was no way to remove the tumor and leave Thor with the ability to perform normal bodily functions. So with many hugs and tears, we had to let Thor go. At least he was still anesthetized and unable to see the needle coming and we did not have to watch him slip away from being awake.

Now, some of the surprises of his last day. The surgeon estimated his age at 7 to 9 years on the basis of his organs and the tumor, nowhere near our belief that he was between 2 and 2 and 1/2. When we adopted Thor 13 months ago, the (kill) shelter told us he was 12-15 months old. Maybe they were basing that on his weight (90 lbs). Since he had reached only 100 lbs and still behaved like an adolescent boy, we had never thought he wasn't young. In retrospect, however, a metastatic cancer of prostate origin fits much better with a 7-9 year old rottie. And somehow, this gives us comfort that he had led a fuller life, even though we still are devastated by Thor's unexpected end.

Some positive thoughts. We were able to visit with Thor while he was undergoing diuresis for 3 days prior to surgery and the morning before he was prepped. Each time he was so happy we were there and 'sang' with Randy, my husband, as was his custom. He was in no pain, although he didn't love his urinary catheter. In fact, when we took him out on the lawn, he repeatedly kept trying to urinate. Also, he had a chance to sit out in the sun, something he loved to do at home. And just before we sent him in for surgery, he saw our car through the window and pawed the glass, as if saying 'Can't I go home now?'

We'll, I guess he is at 'home' now, joining all those who have crossed before him. At least he wasn't as young as we thought, had no pain, and was really without symptoms until the week before last, when we noticed he wasn't able to defecate normally and took him to the vet for an exam, and again last Thurs again for an x-ray to see if he had a bowel obstruction. We are thankful we could manage the exploratory surgery to find out what was really wrong, even though the x-rays and sonogram indicated cancer. We will be picking up his ashes this weekend and they will be on our fireplace mantle alongside those of Sammy's, our 9 year old rottie/GSD mix, whose loss due to hemolytic anemia prompted us to adopt Thor 13 months ago. We know Thor had a very happy last year of life with us- his eyes and smiles told us he really appreciated having a 'forever' home.

Linda and Randy

[Troy]

Linda and Randy, I'm very sorry. My sympathy to both of you.

[Atti's Mom]

Although I can't recall posting in the other threads, I have been following the posts and praying. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family!

[KatMc]

Linda and Randy,

I didn't realize you had only had Thor such a short time. If he was like Delia (I had her for 16 months), that's when his real/happy life began.

I'm so sorry it turned out this way, but glad there is at least some comfort in some of what you found out.

The 3 newcomers are together now, young, healthy and waiting on us.

Sincerely,
Kathy

[Bucky's Mom]

So sorry on your loss - there is never enough time - you have my sympathy- Lisa (Bucky's Mom)

[Burnsway]

Im so sorry for your loss.... :(

[calebmyboy]

I'm very sorry to hear of Thors passing. My sympathy to you & your family. You will be in my prayers.

[Vicki]

I am very sorry for your loss. I know we'll see them again, but it still gets lonely down here.

[WorkinDogz]

:( I'm so sorry for your loss. We never have enough time....never.

[Judi W]

How wonderful that you all found each other for the time he had left. Although they never stay long enough for our hearts, they always stay long enough to teach us. That is their gift which we are then able to pass on to others.
With love,
Judi

[Chaco]

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have a wonderful vet like we do---someone who truly understands the need to hug our babies and reassure them and let our babies reassure us.
I'm glad you were able to be with him as you wished.
We have the ashes of our beloved Chaco on our coffee table---we were amazed and pleased at the beautiful container they came in.
I'm sure Chaco gave Thor a welcoming smile--our rotts are so good at taking care of others!

[DianaC]

I am sure the 13 months he spent with you was the best time of his life and one of your happiest memories.

[Karyn]

Dear Linda and Randy - I am so very sorry to hear of your losing Thor. Your love and care gave him comfort and peace during his final year. God bless you. Thor now waits for you with the others.

[codglvr]

So sorry for your loss...

[Barbara Surplus]

Lisa and Randy,
How very sad for you to lose your lovely boy. It's a terrible sadness that we lose them so young and see them go through so much pain. It was a true blessing that you were with him at the end. These wonderful dogs are in our lives for such a short time but they do teach us so much more than we could ever teach them.
Blessings to you and yours.
Barbara