Dozer’s Last Ride

Today, we honor a true hero who wore no badge on his chest, only love and loyalty in his heart. With tears in our eyes, we share the passing of K-9 Dozer, faithful partner to Sgt. Erik Ramsland of the Massachusetts State Police.

Dozer’s story started far away, in the Netherlands, born April 14, 2004. Two years later, in June of 2006, he came to Massachusetts to serve and protect. He trained hard, graduating patrol school with other K-9s, then moving on to narcotic detection school. From the start, he was all drive, all heart, and all courage.

For over nine years, Dozer answered more than a thousand calls. He found lost children, located missing adults, tracked down criminals, and uncovered drugs that never made it into our communities. His work saved lives. His presence gave comfort. And his loyalty never wavered.

But Dozer wasn’t just a working dog. He was a crowd favorite at public demos, soaking up every hug and scratch from kids who adored him. He was gentle, loving, and goofy with the people who cared for him — but when it came time to work, he was fearless, determined, and unshakable.

As the years went on, Dozer’s heart was still willing, but his body began to slow. The jumps into cruisers got harder. The mornings started slower. In 2015, after nearly a decade of service, Dozer did something he had never done before: he refused to go to work. It was his way of saying, “It’s time.” He had given everything, and he had earned his rest.

Retirement for Dozer was pure joy. No longer chasing down suspects, he chased sticks. Every stick. Every log. He filled the yard with them like trophies. He napped in the flowerbeds, basked in the sun, and spent every night with his family. He wasn’t just a K-9 anymore. He was home.

Then came the fight he couldn’t win — cancer. The dog who never gave up, who never quit, found himself in the battle of his life. Surrounded by the people who loved him most, Dozer took his final ride in his cruiser to the Veterinary Surgery Center of Sturbridge. In the end, he left this world exactly as he lived in it — with his family by his side, wrapped in love and honor.

Dozer was laid to rest beside his fellow K-9, Wolf.

Rest easy now, Dozer. Your shift is over.
Your service changed lives, your love touched hearts, and your legacy will never fade.

Playtime forever, brave boy. You’ve earned it.

Quote : “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear fur and leave pawprints on our hearts forever.”

Acknowledged by : Massachusetts State Police