Farewell Dozer

There are some wolves who are friendly from the start, eager to make friends with their human caretakers and easy to build a loving friendship with. There are others who are more elusive, hiding their true selves and keeping up a protective barrier. Then there are a rare few who may not show affection, but aren’t afraid to show their true personality, to let you get to know them and love them for who they are, for their independence, and for their true selves. Dozer was of this category. Though he never let anyone touch him, we loved him deeply. Our hearts were broken January 2024 when we had to say farewell to our dear friend. We will miss him but we are so grateful to have had an opportunity to know him throughout this life.

Dozer arrived at the sanctuary on a cool autumn day. He was only a year and a half old at the time and he had never been taught how to interact with humans safely. He was a strong willed, independent soul, especially in his youth, and he was always filled with fire. As he aged, he developed a calm, curious presence and yet he had never learned to show affection for humans, which we respected throughout his life.

Shortly after his arrival at the sanctuary, Dozer met his true love, Ginny. The two were a feisty couple, often seen bickering and grumbling with each other, and even escalating at times. Yet they were also sweet with each other. Dozer would often poke at Ginny with his nose to encourage her to play and she would encourage him to sniff her back but only for a few seconds until she would remind him that she was still in charge. The two lived happily together for 9 years at the sanctuary. Dozer adored his Ginny and was devastated after she passed away. He was truly never the same without her.

Dozer aged over the years, though he remained strong and kept his feisty personality throughout. He met his second companion, Rumor, some months after Ginny had passed. The two enjoyed playing, though they could be rough with each other at times, just as he and Ginny were. They maintained an on-again off-again relationship for about a year, sometimes needing a bit of space and sometimes getting along very well.

January 2024, our hearts were broken after one of Rumor and Dozer’s scuffles resulted in a more serious injury. Dozer had been struggling to eat and appeared to be very uncomfortable. We were able to schedule an appointment for the vet to come out to examine Dozer’s mouth. We had hoped for a brighter outcome, but our hearts sank as we heard the results. X-rays revealed that Dozer’s mandible was fractured in two places on the right side. The fracture was exposed through the gum line, which also exposed the root of his carnassial tooth. Due to the nature of the fracture it would have required a surgical fix as well as removing the carnassial tooth. This was devastating news. The recovery from such a surgery can be difficult for a young healthy animal, but due to Dozer’s age and health he was not a good candidate for surgery. Dozer was 12 years old and was already suffering from a decreased body condition, partly due to the arthritis and spondylosis he was already dealing with. Due to Dozer’s injury, temperament, and age, the only decision that would ease his suffering was to say goodbye to our dear friend.

This was not a fatal fight between Rumor and Dozer. Rumor did not give Dozer a fatal injury. Wolves and wolfdogs are strong and injuries can occur during arguments. However, Dozer’s injury was not the only factor at play. His age, health, and decreased body condition limited his chances for recovery from injury. It would have been a very difficult road for him and would have resulted in prolonged suffering for what may have been the rest of his life. Losing Dozer from such an accident has been a heartbreaking blow. These decisions are never easy, but in the end we have to make the choice that is best for each animal in each situation.

Farewell Dozer, it is so very hard to say goodbye old friend. Run free with your true love, Ginny! We will greatly miss your fiery spirit and your soulful eyes. You will always be in our hearts.

IN LOVING MEMORY DOZER OF SPEEDWELL
Born EST. May 2012, Rescued November 30, 2013, Died January 13, 2024