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’m so sorry. Dozer had the best mum and best life. Try think of the fun times. He will always be with you. Take care.
So very sorry, he was a great dog. The love of dogs is unbelievable, their intelligence, playfulness. Our Jack Russel also has those characteristics although, independent and leads the way, Chasing every bird that dares to land on our country property. Love bonds us together, thinking of you, take care.xx
I am so sorry, I had a dog too that I loved so much and know how you feel.
Nagi so very very sorry for you very sad loss i know what its like losing your best friend RIP Dozer
So sorry for your loss Nagi, my thoughts are with you. Rest in peace Dozer, you will be greatly missed. RIP.
Thank you, Nagi, for sharing Dozer with the world. He was so wonderful and I love the Life of Dozer section of this website as much as I love the recipes. Lots of love to you.
When you have been lucky enough to share a portion of your life with a loving dog, you “get it” – the immense sadness of losing that truly loyal friend.
So sad to hear this news. You gave each other the best thing there is to give—unconditional love!! I will always think of Dozer when I’m making one of your fabulous recipes.
I am so sorry for the loss. Anyone can see how much you loved him and how much he loved you.
So very sorry for your loss Nagi, Your Dozer was a beautiful dog human and he was very lucky to have a wonderful Mum like you for 14 years. Remember the good times. ♥️🐾
So terribly sorry to read of your loss Nagi. Dozer was a 1 in a million companion and a very good boy. RIP Dozer
Much love, Nagi. As you navigate life now, know that many people are grieving with you and remembering Dozer, and sending positive energy to help you through this time.
So sorry for your loss. Because of you, half the world must know your baby.
Because of you, dozer had the best life any dog could have had.
Dozer will always be remembered because of the children books.
I have a feeling dozer will always be with you, how could he leave an angel like you.
Nagi, thank you for sharing this post. I will soon go through a similar experience with my 13+ year old dog that’s beginning to ail. Your letter to Dozer helps me remember what to focus on over these next months, along with your words “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.” My heart goes out to you. 💙
So sorry fpr your loss!😰😰
I am so sorry for your loss dear Nagi.
He’s waiting for you over the bridge, just like all our darling doggos. He will remember and wait, no matter how long it takes, never in pain, never tired, never hungry. We all do our best to be worthy of their love.
Dear girl it was just like losing our beloved Ben when I read of Dozers passing. I wept for you, for Dozer and for Ben.You always miss them ,20 years on and we still grieve for Ben. Do choose another to love.xxxxx
Sorry for your loss. Start now with a Dozer II.
At the moment the pain and tears won’t stop. Just memories remain and they will become stronger your love will never stop and Dozer will wait for you patiently and lovingly at the Rainbow Bridge. 💜💜💜