I held his paw and slept by his side for 14 days in hospital. But it turned out, all the love in the world wasn’t enough to save him. Thus begins the final post on Life of Dozer.
My dearest Dozer,
You came into my life in my arms, holding you protectively. And after almost 14 years together, I held you in my arms protectively again as I said goodbye.
I was sobbing so hard, I forgot everything I wanted to say to you in our final moments together.
So I started writing this letter to you, to say all those things.
I wanted to reminisce about our wonderful times – the thousands of visits to the dog beach, all the wonderful food we sampled together, the cuddles, the neck-scratching-sessions, our road trips.
I wanted to thank you for spreading the joy that is you with readers all around the world, for happily coming along with me to meet readers at events, book signings, fund raisers, lunches, dinners, not to mention TV shows, photo shoots, and my gosh, we can’t forget our stint on Play School!
But as I sit here, typing away with tears streaming down my face, I realise that’s not what I want to say to you.
What I want to say is thank you.
Thank you for giving me your whole heart.
Thank you for giving me your unconditional loyalty.
Thank you for loving me just as I am, for all my flaws, for never caring what I weigh, what I wear, what I look like.
Thank you for always being there, my one constant through the good and bad times.
Thank you for making me smile, even on the hardest of days.
And thank you for trying so hard to stay with me as long as you could, fighting to heal until your very last day. I will never forget how deep you had to dig to find the strength for your rehab walk on our final morning together.
I know that one day, I will be able to look at photos of you again without sobbing. And I know all this pain I am feeling is because I loved you so fiercely and completely, and I wouldn’t trade it for a second I got to spend with you.
But right now, four days after saying goodbye, it feels like the heartbreak will never heal, like I will never smile again.
Rest in peace, my darling Dozer. I will never forget you, and I will never stop loving you.
Love,
Your mum xoxo
Thank you SASH
To the vets and nurses at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH),
Thank you for the extraordinary care, skill, and kindness you showed Dozer. Every moment, from the medical expertise to the gentle reassurance and cheering him on, meant more to me than I can say. Knowing he was in such capable, compassionate hands gave me comfort during the hardest days. I will always be deeply grateful for everything you did for my beautiful boy. – Nagi x
I am so sorry for your loss. This is such sad news. Rest in peace Dozer xxxx
So very sorry.♥️♥️
Nagi. Please know that Dozer passed over the rainbow bridge, is not in pain anymore,is playing with the other pals he sees, and will be waiting for you when your time comes. Unconditional love is the most difficult to lose, but he is still with you and will be in your heart forever. I have been in your shoes. It will get better. Much love and healing, Lucy
I’m very sorry.
So sad. Sending love
I was one of many rooting for Dozer to spend one more day at home with you. I am so sorry for your loss, we never ever forget the ones we loved.
Dear Nagi,
Your heart will always be a little bit broken. That’s the price of loving him so much but he left you his whole heart which will beat with yours always and help you heal. They touch us in so many ways and ask for nothing yet give all. To have had that love with Dozer is a precious and wonderful thing. I wish you healing and comfort
Hi Nagi, please except my condolences on your family’s loss. I’ve been following you and Dozier for quite a while now. To the point where even though we’ve never met I feel that the bond we create with our beloved pets connects us all in some way. I lost two of my best friends in a five month span last year ( Jake and Dexter ) Jake passed first and then Dexter which aside from all he had gone through with his health issues I feel ultimately losing Jake was what broke his heart and will to go on. It’s been said that “ Time heals all wounds “. Although that may be true for physical wounds it certainly doesn’t apply for emotional and psychological wounds. If anything time only softens the pain. There are some that somehow never seem to grow that attached to their pets ( Which I will never understand ). Even after 30 years I can look at a picture of my first dogs or hold their ashes and still start to tear up. I always found it hard to get her the strength to adopt another dog because of the thought of going through the loss again is overwhelming. Yet the silence, the emptiness and warmth they bring to our home is unmatched. By bringing another pet into one’s home is not to replace who we recently lost because they are never replaceable. Instead we do it to fill a need that is missing from our lives and theirs. Life does go on and many believe that if and when you do take in another pet. That pet was sent to you by your previous one to help fill the void and heartbreak.
So sorry. Dozer was definitely your heart dog. My heart dog died 4 years ago and it still hurts. Try to concentrate on Dozer is healed now and running. He will be waiting for you at The Bridge and what a reunion that will be. RIP Dozer.
Dear Nagi, my heart dropped in I my chest as I read the title. The words you expressed to your loving Dozer. are like poetry. No one could’ve ever said it better than you. I grieve Dozer‘s loss and wish you peace and strength during the time it takes to heal. I was very blessed to share in his life through your writings and beautiful photos. Thank you so much for sharing Dozer with us. Like my own dogs, both past and present, I will never forget him or you. Be at peace, Dozer. Wishing you more peace and healing.
With love, Pam from the Bay Area of California, USA.
As a pet mom of multiple pets, I’ve been here many times and I understand the pain. He was so loved by you and had a wonderful beautiful life with you. Please take time to grieve and heal. He will always be with you. We just can’t see them anymore once they transition but they are always here with us. Many hugs to you
Dear Nagi,
Let me carry a little bit of your sadness as you learn to live without Dozer by your side. The love he gave you made you who you are. He was lucky to have you to love him so. Be certain that you made his life worth living, and cherish the memories.
Angélique, Wyoming USA
Dear Nagi. I am so, so sorry for your loss, your heartache, your grief. My heart goes out to you.
Beautiful Dozer will always be remembered with love by us all. Love to you. x
Dear Nagi,
I am so very sorry for the loss of precious Dozer 😞 I’ve loved reading your recipes along side the beautiful pictures and life updates of you both. You could feel the love pop off the page in your beautifully written words and the precious photos you shared with us all.
I know it cannot be easy, but I hope you are able to find some solace in the fact that Dozer probably had the best fur mom this world could give ❤️
Rest in peace Dozer 🙏🏽
Sending lots of love & hugs ❤️
Leena xx
I am so sorry for your loss! We have all come to love Dozer through you.
I am so devastated for you. Dozer was an incredible dog and a son to you. Pets are family to me and losing them is as hard as losing a human. They love unconditional and they make you happy all the time. I lose my Oscar a black lab 10 years ago and I still think of him. Best dog ever.
My pray is for peace and comfort for you. When I get to heaven I am going to find dozer to get a face kiss.
A river of tears for your very special boy.. I hope he meets up with my wonderful Goldens, Mazie and Penny.. ❤️❤️🐾
My heart is breaking for you! 💕 Love & peace to you, your family & friends 💕💕 I, too, understand the joy & heartbreak of loving dogs 🐕 💕💕
Rest in peace, Dozer. I’m very sorry for your loss. We have so enjoyed hearing of his adventures but truly know he’s in doggy heaven! Xoxo
I am so sadden by your beautiful Dozers passing. I had tears as I read what you said about him. I felt like I knew him. I always enjoyed your pictures and postings of him. And yes,he loved to eat. It will be lonely without him but I’m sending you prayers to comfort you 🙏.