After Hulk Hogan’s Death, His Loyal Dog Thunder Stopped Eating for Days
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In the days following the death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, friends, fans, and family members have been grieving the loss of a man whose charisma, larger-than-life personality, and decades-long career left an indelible mark on American pop culture. But this week, another loss shook those closest to Hogan to their core — the passing of his faithful dog, Thunder, in a way so moving that witnesses say they will never forget it.
According to those close to the Hogan family, Thunder — a powerful yet gentle American bulldog who had been Hogan’s constant companion for more than a decade — stopped eating immediately after his owner’s death. For three days, the normally energetic dog lay quietly inside the house, occasionally glancing toward the back door as if waiting for someone who would never come home.
“Thunder was Hogan’s shadow,” said family friend Rick Morgan. “Wherever Hulk went, Thunder was there — in the gym, at the beach, even backstage at wrestling events. They had this bond you can’t put into words. You could see it in the way Thunder looked at him.”
The Morning Everything Changed
On the morning of the fourth day, something shifted. Witnesses say Thunder rose slowly, his gait unsteady but purposeful. Without prompting, he padded toward the backyard where a bronze memorial statue of Hogan had been placed — a tribute set up by close friends in the days after the wrestler’s passing.
“He just stood there, staring at the statue,” said neighbor Lisa Hernandez, who had come over to check on the dog. “It was like he understood what it was, like he knew that was his way of saying goodbye.”
What happened next left everyone in stunned silence. Thunder, who had barely moved for days, walked right up to the statue, placed his head gently against its base, and stood there motionless for nearly a full minute. Then, without warning, the dog collapsed.
“He didn’t struggle, he didn’t cry out,” Hernandez said through tears. “He just… let go. It was peaceful, but it was also the saddest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Moments later, Thunder passed away.
‘He Died of a Broken Heart’
News of Thunder’s final moments spread quickly through Hogan’s circle of friends and fans. The reaction was overwhelming — thousands of people on social media began sharing stories of pets who had grieved for their owners, with many calling Thunder’s act “the ultimate sign of loyalty.”
One longtime friend of Hogan put it simply: “That dog died of a broken heart. He waited until he could say goodbye, and then he followed Hulk to wherever he was going next.”
Veterinarians say it’s not uncommon for animals to experience profound grief after the loss of an owner, sometimes to the point where their health declines rapidly. “We’ve seen this before,” explained Dr. Karen Ellison, a Clearwater veterinarian who has worked with the Hogan family in the past. “It’s called the ‘broken heart syndrome’ in pets — extreme emotional stress can affect the heart and immune system, especially in older animals. Thunder’s passing, while heartbreaking, was a reflection of how deeply he loved his owner.”
A Bond Forged Over a Lifetime
Hogan first adopted Thunder as a puppy nearly 12 years ago, during a particularly difficult period in his life. Friends say the dog brought stability and unconditional love to the wrestling icon, who was known to take Thunder everywhere from charity events to training sessions.
“They’d go on morning runs along the beach, share burgers after shows — Thunder was part of his brand in a way,” said Morgan. “But to Hulk, it wasn’t about image. That was his boy.”
The two weathered Hogan’s ups and downs together — health scares, media controversies, and personal losses. Through it all, Thunder remained a constant presence, often seen resting at Hogan’s feet during interviews or playfully tugging at his shoelaces before workouts.
A Dual Farewell
The Hogan family has announced plans for a joint memorial service later this month, honoring both man and dog. The ceremony will include fans, friends, and wrestling colleagues, with the pair’s ashes to be buried side by side on Hogan’s Clearwater property.
“Hulk wouldn’t want it any other way,” said a family spokesperson. “Thunder was more than a pet — he was family. They belonged together in life, and they’ll rest together in death.”
Fans have already begun leaving flowers, wrestling memorabilia, and dog treats at the gate of Hogan’s home. Others have shared old photos of the wrestler and Thunder online, often accompanied by messages of gratitude and love.
One fan wrote on Instagram: “They say heroes live forever. Well, sometimes the heroes have four legs. Rest easy, Thunder.”
A Reminder of Love Without Words
For many, Thunder’s final act has become more than just a touching footnote to Hulk Hogan’s legacy — it’s a reminder of the deep, unspoken connection between humans and animals.
“Sometimes the strongest love doesn’t need to be spoken,” Dr. Ellison reflected. “Thunder didn’t have words, but his actions said everything. He didn’t want to live in a world without Hogan.”
As the wrestling community continues to grieve the loss of one of its most iconic figures, the image of a loyal dog pressing his head to a statue before quietly slipping away has lingered in the minds of those who witnessed it.
“It was like watching a final chapter close,” Hernandez said softly. “They were together until the very end. Now they’re together again.”
In the world of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan was a champion many times over. But in Thunder’s eyes, he was something even greater — his whole world.
And as the story of their unbreakable bond spreads, it’s clear that in life, as in the ring, the truest victories are measured not by titles, but by love.
