TOLEDO -- You saw him on News 11's noon newscasts for years as our "Ask the Vet" expert, and he treated thousands of patients at Shoreland Animal Hospital. Dr. David Thornton lost his valiant fight with cancer on Saturday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 56.
For years, Dr. Thornton was the face of News 11's "Ask the Vet" segments. He fielded every question imaginable about pets' health, even as his own health began to fail. His familiar smile will be remembered by the newsroom -- a smile that was contagious for the entire News 11 staff.
Diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Dr. Thornton went through several rounds of treatment, including radiation, chemotherapy, and a clinical trial with an experimental medication. When he talked to News 11's Melissa Voetsch in February about his disease and the treatment, he described it this way. "A condition called 'm.e.n. 2a medulary thyroid carcinoma' is the disease that's manifesting itself right now," said Thornton.
At the time, he told us his cancer had spread, and there were no more traditional medical options. "We've been taking portions of it out for the last 15 to 20 years. It's just gotten to the point where it's non-resectable. It's no longer a surgical event now," said Thornton in February.
Dr. Thornton told us he found courage for that part of life's journey in the souls he had spent his life treating. He drew strength and peace from knowing that his treatment could help find a cure.
A celebration of David Thornton's life is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2006 at the Ottawa River Yacht Club, 5844 Edgewater Drive in Point Place. Family members ask that people come as they are, and share photos and memories from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to any of the following charities:
- Heartland Home Health & Hospice
3450 West Central Avenue
Toledo, OH 43606 - Toledo Area Humane Society
1920 Indian Wood Circle
Maumee, OH 43537 - CaringBridge.org
A service for families, providing web sites to keep them connected during illness - Natural Resource Defense Council
- Nature Conservancy
Before establishing Shoreland Animal Hospital in 1983, Dr. Thornton practiced for 5 years in Hartford, Connecticut and Canton, Ohio specializing in emergency and trauma care. He earned his DVM in 1976 from the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, and a bachelor's degree in Biological Science from Baldwin-Wallace College.
Thornton had to sell his part of the hospital in October in order to focus on his health and his treatments. On his web site on CaringBridge.org, he called the day "bittersweet," writing about it this way:
"Barb has already mentioned the sale of Shoreland Animal Hospital after 23 years in the Point Place area. I am confident that Dr. [Shawn] Brown will continue to serve both pets and their people with the same dedication that we have always endeavored. Thanks to all of my loyal staff and clients for your trust and support. The true measure of my success is in the many loyal friends and relationships that I was privileged to form with many of you and your pets. Your continued caring and concern in this time of trial gives me the strength to keep going. Thank you all. Doc Dave"
During his life, he had many pets of his own, including 3 cats named Willie, Moe, and Curley. He was also surrounded by wild animals outside his home in Erie, Michigan.
Thornton was a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Toledo Veterinary Medical Association, and a Board Member of the Toledo Humane Society.
He will be missed.
