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
Dear Nagi, I really didn’t want to read this post because I knew it would make me cry. But I knew how much strength it must have taken for you to write it, and it gave me the strength to read through my own tears! You were a wonderful mum to Dozer, and I’m 100% positive that he knew how utterly adored he was. It’s a credit to you, and the care and devotion you gave to his wellbeing and happiness that he was able to stay with you for so long. ❤️
so very sorry to hear of your best friend and family member Dozer passing. You gave him the most wonderful life. you will forever be connected to him
I truly feel your pain. Thank you for sharing your beautiful dog with us all. May he rest in peace 🥰❤️love Valerie
Oh noy sweet darlin. I am so very. Sorry!!! Rip Dozer, say Hello to Capt Rhett Butler when you see him
I love your letter to Dozer. I have always thought about the two of you and always said to myself how devasted you would be if you lost your boy. You might not feel up to reading all these comments but please just copy and paste them in a folder so you can read them when you do feel up to it.
Dear Nagi,
I know this feeling, and its always brings my tears flow. As for our dog… the grief is not a sign of weakness nor a sign a lack of faith…it’s the price we love for love.
As loving you always from the bottom of my heart..sleep peacefully and watching you dearly Mum from above.
Justine & Jack
Very hard time for you Nagi, I truly feel for you. Dozer will always be in your heart xxx
Dear Nagi,
I am so sorry. Dozer and you made me smile every day for a long time. I could feel the absolute love you had for each other from all the way up here in Canada. Fourteen years. You were blessed to have found and had each other. Nothing anyone can say will ease the pain you experience as you navigate this new reality, but I know we all, that is, the world, wish you comfort and peace. Be gentle with yourself.
Hi Nagi,
It was truly wonderful that Dozer was in your life, It was meant to be. He is in your heart forever.
Marlene Canada XXX
Our dogs give us so much and you have explained it so completely. Dozer had a wonderful life with you too and you gave him so much. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time and it will get better slowly. xxx
A beautiful, beautiful letter to Dozer, thank you Nagi.
I am so very sorry Nagi – stay strong and treasure the memories you made with Dozer. Words are often inadequate at a time like this, but for what it is worth, you are very much in my thoughts….
I’m so sorry to hear this news Nagi. We always checked on the life of Dozer. We feel your pain. God bless you in this time of grief.
we have done this heartbreak a number of times and still we do it again and again our lives are not the same infact empty without our special friends we are now into eight months of another special friend named Lacie a beautiful golden retriever Millions of followed your story with dozers ill health in recent times thank you for your love of him paul
What an absolutely raw, real and love drenched letter you wrote to your beautiful boy. Thank you for sharing it and bringing Dozer into our lives. He had a presence about him that always when I saw a photo of him or heard what the pair of you got up too bought a smile to my face. I’d love to say that the pain gets easier but it’s more you somehow learn to put one foot in front of the other again and live to honour their memory until the day you both will meet again.
Much love to you at this hard time.
Rest now beautiful boy. Xxx
May he cross the rainbow bridge as the dog we have all grown to love. My condolences Nagi
I am so sorry, Nagi, that your special boy is not physically with you. Having lost my sweet pets, I know your heartache. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all these years. Holding you both in my heart and prayers.
So sorry Nagi. Glad your boy Dozer isn’t suffering any more, that’s the only thing we can be glad about. God bless you and Dozer always 🙏💖
All my deepest condolences, he was loved globally for the happiness he brought everyone. Prayers are with you beautiful Nagi
Through my tears I send you so much love, Nagi. Feeling your pain and thinking of you during this unimaginable difficult time. Dozer will live on in all of our hearts. He is a super special boy. Thank you for inviting us to share his lifetime of joy, laughs and tears. Much love to you wonderful lady💜