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
What an incredible life you gave him!! A dogs life like no other! He could not have had a better parent !
‘Grief is the price we pay for loving’ xxxxx
Nagi, I am so sad for your loss. May your memories comfort you now, and later, may they bring you joy.
I’m so,sorry for your loss Nagi. There really no words… sending you a big hug and much love at this very sad time xx
Dear Nagi, with all the pure joy of loving a pet, comes the almost certain knowledge that we are likely to outlive our pets. I know the hurt and pain feels like it will never be overcome but it will. It just takes time. Thinking of you during this agonising time.
My heart breaks for you. Dogs leave paw prints on our lives forever 🐾 Thinking of you and wishing you peace during this hard time.
What a lucky boy Dozer was to have you. Sending you hugs at this difficult time 💕💕
What a beautiful tribute to dear Dozer — thank you for sharing it, Nagi. You loved him so deeply and gave him such a wonderful life. My heart aches for you and the sadness you’re carrying right now, but I truly hope that, in time, the tears will gently turn into smiles as the happy memories rise to the surface. I promise you, Nagi… that day will come.
So heartbroken for you. Sharing your tears ❤️❤️❤️
RIP Dozer. Know that you were so very much loved and that you leave wonderful memories.
My heart breaks for you as I have been there. Dozer will always be in your thoughts, memories and in your heart. Sending you comfort hugs Nagi xx …RIP dozer. xx
They give us everything everyday, and they see us completely. We are so lucky to share time with them. May your heart and mind begin soon to heal and focus only on the beautiful shared life. The parting is beyond painful, but is of course the price we pay for the gift they give. Dozer gave all of us such delight, and he knew without doubt all the things you wanted to say. Xx
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Every dog leaves their own mark on your heart, one that makes you smile and makes you cry. Dozer was the bestest boy, and you had a beautiful life together. Thinking of you (in tears myself, remembering my beautiful woofies as well as Dozer) x
Dear Nagi, my heart goes out to you. I enjoy your recipes and have been following Dozer. I lost my first Lab Shadow at almost 14 in 1993, and while time helped,we still love him. There have been three more labs since then and we will never understand why they cannot live as long as us; every one leaves and the pain of missing them is so tough. We lost our 5th dog in October, a rescue golden retriever mix at 14 1/2 and her paw prints are still all over our hearts. The bonds of love are there. We adopted a red golden rescue three weeks ago and she has already captured us. We pray time will help you to find love again with another- I think Dozer would want that for you. Thoughts and prayers, Linda
So heartbroken for you. Sharing your tears ❤️❤️❤️
Hi sorry for your loss . I know how you feel . 3 weeks ago we lost our dog . Passing away in her sleep. She was 17 and on 15th Feb she would have been 18 years. She was beautiful.and Kind and loving dog . Always there for us. Loving the pats and cuddles. But she at rest now as like your dog her last few weeks were a struggle. But in her eyes she always said I am going on my terms . No needle please. Her gestures and eyes told us. . Wish we had more time
But in our hearts always .
Take care everyone who have lost their animals. Its a true loss but we also dont want them struggling. RIP all animalswe lost. X.
Dozer will always have a place in your ♥️ heart he will be with you forever
You never recover from the loss of a beloved pet. The memories and great love is what sustains you. You gave Dozer a beautiful life and he loved you in return. A bond that never breaks or is forgotten.
Sending you love Nagi.
Nagi, just know that you are not alone in feeling this pain. Dozer lived with you, yes. But through your generosity, he was a part of our lives as well. I still remember when his paw was caught in a hole and he was hurt, or the first and second times he went to doggy daycare, unsure whether he liked it or not, then recognizing his new friends. He was a part of our lives because of your generosity. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
I cannot stop the lump in my throat about you losing Dozer. But then I think of how your life was enriched by this gorgeous beautiful fur baby. 😔
My condolences to you Nagi. Dozer was a beautiful dog and it was obvious to see how much you meant to each other
Dear Nagi, just sitting in my car
and opened my phone and found
your final message of loosing your
beautiful and very loved “Dozer”
I now have uncontrolled tears running down my face, feeling your pain and sadness and just how heartbreaking the loss
of your companion is. So sorry Nagi