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 just want to give you a big hug. There’s nothing else you can do when someone’s heart is broken. Dozer will always be with you, don’t doubt that for a second. 💗
Thinking of you 😢❤️
Dozer will forever be in your Heart. His memory will live on.
💔💔💔
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’ve long admired you and your work, and when I saw the news, it moved me deeply. As a dog owner who has also lost a beloved dog, I truly understand how profound this grief is, I even found myself in tears remembering my own loss. Dogs give us a love that is pure and unconditional, and losing them leaves an emptiness that words can’t fully express. Please know you’re not alone, and I’m holding you and Dozer in my thoughts.
That’s so so sad.. I have had golden retrievers.. Still have 2..when they leave us it’s so hard. They are our best friends. Take care lots of love Lynn
You gave him everything and more. He did the same with you.
One day you will indeed laugh and tell stories of his antics. For now, nurse your broken heart.
He was very special.
So sorry for your loss Nagi, hope you are doing well. Rest in peace Dozer, you will be missed
I send you my heartfelt condolences. I loved reading how Dozer was such a huge part of your life and I smiled when there was a photo of him by your side. Always loyal and present.
I have a Golden Retriever called Suki. They are very special dogs, with the biggest of hearts, eagerly, wanting to share their lives with you.
I feel for you in your loss, but let those wonderful memories you shared, repair that feeling of grief and loss.
RIP Dozer.
I have loved reading about the impact Dozer has on your life. The good times and the rough times. I know that he is missed, but I pray that you will soon be able to think about him without tears and that all the lovely memories will bring you smiles. You’ve shared your love of Dozer with all of us and we will miss him greatly as well. God bless you.
I’m sitting in my car crying over your loss of darling Dozer . Your wonderful memories will keep him alive in your heart . My heartfelt condolences
Dear Nagi
My heart is aching for you! So deeply saddened to hear of Dozer’s passing and the heartbreak you are experiencing at the moment 😢 The loss of a loyal companion leaves such a hole in your life and your heart that words can’t describe. My thoughts are with you at this very sad & difficult time. Kim ❤️
RIP Dozer.
My deepest condolences, Nagi on the lost of your best friend/family member, my tears are flowing as I know how heartbroken you are. Thank you sharing. Hugs from Canada.
Dear Nagi
My heart is aching for you! So deeply saddened to hear of Dozer’s passing and the heartbreak you are experiencing at the moment 😢 The loss of a loyal companion leaves such a hole in your life and your heart that words can’t describe. My thoughts are with you at this very sad & difficult time. Kim ❤️
Nagi take heart knowing that Dozer will be waiting for you on the other side of the Rainbow bridge.
Rest easy dear sweet Dozer. 🌈🐾 Mum will need some time to heal but she will never forget you and nor will we! We have pictures in our cookbooks! When mum is ready she will give us more to cook and you will smell it all from doggy heaven 💜💙
Dozer will be very missed by all. I am so sorry for you know how long you have had him losing a dog is very very hard. Sending love 💜
Oh tearing rolling down my eyes …as is your wonderful community…we are all grieving with you…he bought so much joy. Sending you hugs..
You are doing what I did when we lost our Goldie Harry. I howled when he died Couldn’t look at photos for a long time but I typed a eulogy like you. Tears down the keyboard.
It’s intense and heart shattering pain this grief But it will ease but by bit.
And let it take its time.
You have so many memories. And photos. But I still miss the tactile moments of stroking that soft fur, nuzzling into his soft silky face.
Thank YOU for sharing him with us.
My heart breaks for you. You were both so lucky to have shared such a wonderful life together. He will be there at the rainbow bridge waiting for you, one day xx
So sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing and the heartbreak you are going through. If ever a dog was loved, it was certainly Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us. My thoughts and well wishes are sent to you, along with healing hugs.