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
Such a beautiful love story…my heart is sending your heart all the love in the world…
You gave him so much…he was a lucky boy when you became his Mum, he couldn’t have had a better life…hoping you find comfort in that. Love to you Mum…you did great
I kept checking back to see how it was going. I am so sorry to hear of your sweet boy’s passing. There are no words, just understanding.
Dear Nagi, my heart hurts for you. So many of us have been where you are but that won’t comfort for you in these raw days. I don’t doubt for a moment that your love and commitment made Dozer’s final days bearable. You will dream of him. Maybe you’ll think you see him coming around a corner, or hear him from another room. And you will find a new “normal”. He touched your life, and together you touched ours. Thank you for sharing that sweet boy. He must have seemed like Australia’s dog, but in fact he was loved well beyond Oz. We’re still in the grip of winter here in the US but when spring comes, I will plant carnations (my favorite flower) in honor of Dozer. Much love!
Nagi, I am so sorry. Sending love from Canada.
Oh Nagi,
All of our hearts are breaking along with yours. Dozer was, is and always will be loved by you and us. You’ve lost a part of yourself that in time your memories will fill back in.
Dozer know that you will be missed by all of us. RIP
Again, I have tears in my eyes for you Nagi! The pain of losing a beloved part of your family is so devastating. I always looked forward to your posts especially on Dozer and I have kept all of them so that I can look back and smile at all his photos. I pray that each day will get better for you and will look forward to new posts from you! Take care of yourself Nagi! Dozer was one lucky doggie and you were one lucky and doting mom! You will see him again across the rainbow bridge! XXX
Dear Nagi, Please know that many of us are grieving along with you over Dozer’s passing. I will miss the wonderful stories and pictures you shared with all of us in your newsletters and Delicious Tonight. May you find peace and comfort in knowing how many lives he touched. He will live on our hearts.
I am so very sorry. Rest in peace Dozer..
I shed tears with you.
Sending you virtual hugs and understanding. ❤
That was so beautiful. What a huge tribute to Dozer.
Much love and peace to you.
—djs
Sending you the biggest of hugs x What a terribly sad time this is. In time you will have your cherished memories with your beautiful Dozer For now just take it easy xx
I am so terribly sorry for your horrible loss Nagi. I cried when I read your post and my heart is heavy for you. You were such an amazing mum to Dozer and he was so lucky to have you xx
I am so sorry for your loss, Thank you for sharing Dozer with us, His joy for life (and food) were matched only by your love for him.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful boy. Take care xx
Dear Nagi,
So sorry 😢 to hear about Dozer. Rest in peace, sweet Dozer, you had a great mum who adored you and you brought us all so much joy!
Just read your heartbreaking tribute. Crying so much. Sending hugs from the UK. x
I am so sorry for your loss, Nagi. I pray that God holds you close to comfort you and give you peace… and that, with time, your tears of sadness can be eclipsed by sweet memories of your beloved Dozer.
I have been down this road of loss many times and it’s a sad time. But like you I am grateful for the joy each dog gave me and take solice in the memories.
Nagi, My heart breaks for you. I know it is devastating to love someone who loved you unconditionally. You two were perfect for each other, what a wonderful life he gave to you. 💔💓