I'm pretty sure the definition of Thumper is: Thumper is a fictional rabbit character from Disney's animated film Bambi (1942). He is known and named for his habit of thumping his left hind foot.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming...WOW, What a Ride!"