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
So sorry to hear of your loss, it is so clear to see how much he was loved and you should be proud and happy about the time you spent together. You gave him such a great life. RIP Dozer.
Dearest Nagi
Our hearts break with yours, with the loss of darling Dozer. We have journeyed with you for years, especially in the past months, sending silent prayers. Go gently in the minutes, hours and days ahead and know you are loved by so many. Dozer will be by your side always. Our Labradors Daisy (9) and Wilma (2) send lots of loving slurps.
Vicki & Simon
I am so sorry to hear this. Don’t be sorry you are so sad. It is tribute depth of love and to the life you had together.
I am so sorry for your loss Nagi… sending you all the love and strength at this terribly difficult time 😔💗🙏🏼
I’m so sad for you. What a horrible experience to go through. Hold on tight to all the good memories. Run free Dozer.
I’m not sobbing at all – what a beautiful tribute.
Sending you much love Nagi and RTM family
One day, only you will know when, you will suddenly realize that what once brought tears will now bring a sweet smile, perhaps even a giggle.
Oh Nagi, what a beautiful letter, it made me cry. Dozer will aleays be with you❤️
It’s heartbreaking knowing how much you’re hurting right now Nagi. I hope all the beautiful memories of the time you spent with Dozer will help heal your heart ❤️
So sorry💔💔💔😭
Hi Nagi, thinking of you and beautiful Dozer. My daughter and I love looking at all the beautiful Dozer photos on your website and in your books. He will always be loved and remembered.
Sarah and Lucy x
Thinking of you x
So truly sorry Nagi, have beennglued to your Instagram. We love our fur babies beyond comprehension, they are the fullest, purest. most loving, gentle souls. Sending u much love from Dorset, xxx
We were so sorry to hear such sad news. Our hearts go out to you and we know just how you are feeling as we went through the same last year with our beautiful boy xx
I have cried reading your posts prior to Dozer finding his place in fur heaven and sobbed reading this tribute to him as I look at my old 13 year old fur baby. As your heart breaks try to smile recalling memories together, Dozer always seemed to be happy making you happy. My heart is breaking for you.
I loved reading Dozer’s antics and reading your recipes. I am sorry and heartbroken for your loss. 😭
Our thoughts are with you ❤️.
My heart breaks for you – I have been there many times – it never get easier. Each (rescue) fur baby is so special and brings a unique connection. People who have never experienced the animal connection cannot understand – it’s special and the pain of losing them is so devastating! Please focus on the wonderful, fulfilling life Dozer had – despite how short it feels in human years. All dogs should be so lucky to have had the life Dozer had. You were an amazing fur mum – let that be your comfort. Go rescue a new baby in honour of Dozer. Sending love and hugs xxx
Much love from Portugal.
♥
It truly is a pain like no other. I am so sorry for your loss 💔