He stopped eating over the weekend, was struggling to breathe and walk, and no longer had that big "Dozer smile," so we had no doubts by Sunday that it was time.
In his last 24 hours, Dozer got cooked chicken thighs--the only thing we could get him to eat--and we spent lots of time sitting with him, cuddling, kissing him, and telling him what a good boy he was.
An ultrasound on Monday morning confirmed that Dozer's heart was enlarged and failing, and we made the decision to help him go peacefully.
Dozer was a member of our family and a big part of our lives for over 13 years. He saw me off to work or school every day, through all of my degrees and careers.
He always had a big goofy smile on his face.
He was a friend to (or, in his senior years, he tolerated) countless foster animals and new pets.
Until he lost his hearing (from old age), he knew the name of each of his toys and would bring you any toy you requested. He could also put his toys away in his toy box, and open and close doors and drawers.
When spoken to, he cocked his head and listened carefully, made eye contact, and gave very appropriate reactions based on our tone of voice. I always felt like I was having a conversation with another human.
.JPG)
Dozer knew how to get hugs by being irresistibly adorable. He loved to ham for the camera.
Dozer was our beloved, and our hearts ache from his loss. We miss him more than words can convey.
Good boy, Dozer. Good bye.
 |
| Dozer 2000 - 2014 "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." |
