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. Ghost hugs!!
Dozer will leave a paw print on your heart. I’m so sorry for your loss and the grief you are feeling. Try to remember all of the good times and I hope your heart heels soon, though I know it will take time.
My deepest sympathies Nagi. Thank you for sharing Dozer over the years — we felt your love vicariously through our computer screens!
He was lucky to find you and you him. Our family is truly sorry for the loss of your best mate. 💔
My deepest condolences. Can’t imagine how hard this must be, thank you for your generosity in letting me share in this memory of love and sadness.
Oh Nagi,
I am so sorry . Dozer was beautiful, smart and loyal, and he cheered us up too.
I believe that our babies are playing and running together in Heaven.
We will see them again.
I am crying with you. Sending you hugs honey.
Hi Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss. It was so adorable how you always included Dozer in your blogs. The loss of a pet is the same as for a human, it hurts just as much. Although you’ll feel lost without him, celebrate his life every day. Praying that God will give you strength and resilience through this tough chapter in your life. Lots of love from South Africa.
Heart broken for you.
Look after yourselfxxx
Dozer was one privileged critter. A life full of adventure. Loved by its owner, followed by thousands. Many of us thinking of the two of you these days, many hoping and praying. And many sobbing with you now, including me. It feels so unfair when our loved ones go and we stay behind.
I hope you’ll find some healing and strength in your fabulous work.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Know your pain. Lost our Pip at near 17 years of age. I trust your photos and memories will bring you joy as ours as done.
Oh Nagi, so much love in these words to your beautiful Dozer. The goodest boy. What joy you have had with him, and up to his last moments, you were there for him. He would have felt so safe and loved. I don’t know if you like poetry. Mary Oliver has a collection called Dog Songs that gently celebrates the joy and sorrow of loving and saying goodbye to our dogs in words I could never find.
There’s no words that can ease the sorrow, but when our beloved Bruce passed, a good friend said this, that helped: don’t cry because its over, smile, because it happened.
Dozer was beyond special – thank you for sharing him with all of us ❤️
no use saying “I know what you are going thru” but I have. It is never easy to say goodbye to a soul mate. Time heals, memories are always there, sounds you hear in your house remind you of your soul mate. They will never forget the love you gave, the joy you gave them. That is all I can say
Offering you all my love & heartfelt understanding dear Nagi.
I have walked the path you’re currently walking and your pain, loss & despair is utterly devastating and crushing. I send you my love & my support.
Rest easy precious, beautiful, charming, loving, loyal & irreplaceable Dozer. We love you and we miss you.
🐾♥️💔♥️🐾
I am so sorry Nagi. I was crying reading your post. I know how hard it is to lose a loved pet. He is watching over you as he plays in doggie heaven 🥰
So sorry & sad Nagi, he will always be with you 🧡 R.I.P Dozer,
So sorry Nagi, big hugs to you. RIP Dozer xx
Hi Nagi, my family and I are very sorry about your loss. You are in our prayers. Keep strong Beautiful Nagi!!!
What beautiful words you wrote for your boy.
Thank you Nagi for sharing Dozer’s life with us.
He will be missed by all.