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
Nagi, please know that your millions of tears for Dozer are joined with the millions of tears shed by the world wide love we all have for you and Dozer. Our hearts hurt for you and your precious boy. You are not alone in your sorrow 💔🐾💔🐾
Dearest Nagi
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Dozer was such a beautiful boy who bought so much joy to many of us. He had the best life … thanks to you Nagi. And thank you so very much for sharing him with us.
Take all the time you need to heal Nagi. We won’t be going anywhere!
With much love and my best hugs xxx
My heart breaks for you Nagi. May your beautiful memories of Dozer comfort you & guide you through your grief. Sending you much love & hugs ❤️
I’m really sorry to hear about your baby Nagi. Sending you lots of love
Be gentle with yourself Nagi, nurture your broken heart, and cry all the tears you need — they help 💕
Dearest Nagi., Heartfelt sympathy to you. I know exactly the pain you feel today. We lost our beautiful goldie at xmas and it hurts.
.My heart aches for you with your loss of Dozer xxx
Oh Nagi
My heart is breaking all over again for you.
Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do.
They love us so completely, just as we love them with all our hearts.
It’s six weeks since I had to say goodbye to my boy Artie, a week short of his 15th birthday.
My heart is still broken, I hadn’t allowed myself to love a dog this much since I was a teenager, because I knew the pain of losing them was indeed heartbreaking.
I held his paw and him as he crossed to Rainbow 🌈 Bridge.
I know it will get easier, it takes time, before we can look at photos without dissolving into tears, but remember them with a smile and softness, and a chuckle remembering funny times.
Sending you strength and love 💗
Was so sorry to see this update in my inbox this morning, Nagi. Sending you love and hugs. God bless Dozer ❤
Nagi thank you for letting us get to know Dozer.
He knew how much you loved him and so did we.
Lovely memories always.
I’m so sorry! You’ve written such a beautiful tribute. I know he felt loved every second of his life, and that is all any being can ask for.
Am so sad reading this Nagi.
They truly are members of our family and the loss is unbearable. Know you did all you could and for all Dozers love, you too gave yours freely to him. The perfect match. He’ll be in the big playground in the sky now, watching over you and never really far from you. We’re all going to miss him.
Dozer was such a cutie and an icon!!
I loved how he was the taste tester!!! He will never be forgotten!!!! I am ten years old and our whole family is devastated and we have two dogs.❤️❤️❤️❤️🐶🐶🐶 🐕 🐕🦮 WE ❤️ YOU DOZER!
A beautiful tribute Nagi. I’d like to come back in my next life as your dog, Dozer lucked in big time finding you. 💔
Im so sorry to hear of Dozers passing, I know how hard it is to lose them my jack was 21 when he passed I cryed for days, but he is still with my in a little box by my bed (cremated) I will bury him some where nice one day in Tasmainia when we move there, chin up Nagi He was loved and had a good life
So sorry to hear the devastating news Nagi. Losing your best pet friend is the worst time in your life. It took me 2 weeks before I could actually face anyone. I miss our Bessie border collie so much but treasure the time she had with us. You were lucky and privileged to have Dozer and him you too. In time, when your heart heals, you will allow a new doggy friend into your life to make you smile again. Dont wait too long is my advice, they heal the black hole. Sending best wishes.
Nagi,
I am so very for your loss. The pain does not go away but it does settle into an fond soul affirming love.
Love to you and all the hearts that were touched by Dozer.
So sorry to hear of the sad loss of your most dear companion Dozer. Thanks for letting us know. Dogs are the most wonderful creatures, they do love you with all their heart. X
When God closes one door, he opens another.
May you find love again behind the door that is being opened.
Dear Nagi
So sorry for your loss.
You have had so many adventures and memories together which you both have graciously shared with all of us.
Grief is the price of love. Dozer remains with you and all of us through everything you do.
Cam
Dearest Nagi, so so sorry on your loss and no words can provide comfort. Dozer brought so much love to you and everyone, so thank you for sharing him with all of your fans, Much love, Pat