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
Earlier today I read about Dozer on your Instagram post. I was in tears then as I am again now! Completely heartbroken 💔 for you as I too know how this feels. My wonderful Mum and my two beautiful Jack Russells all passed away in the same month. Sending love and strength to you Nagi at this extremely sad time ❤️
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Beautiful 😍 😢❤️ my girl was 14 also and after 3yrs I still say love you to her in the morning and love you when I get home
My heart goes out to you, Nagi. Losing one’s dog is the worst emotional nightmare.
Take care and when your heart mends, please think about taking on another fur-baby
Wishing you all the nurturing love and comfort as you mourn your furry soulmate’s passing.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
For Dozer
So sad, holding you and Dozer in my thoughts, your earth angel is now your guardian angel, hugs
So very sorry for your loss Nagi
No words will make you feel better. Sending love and hugs
You were both really lucky to have each other!
My thoughts are with you on the loss of your trusty companion – I know how much you are hurting right now, and hope that as the days go by all those wonderful memories will sustain you. Jude
Beautiful words Nagi, alway so hard when a beautiful family member passes, they just don’t have the years we have. I’ve lost 4 beautiful boys now and until I have another in my life I cry non stop, you will know when the time is right and have another beautiful companion who gives unconditional love to you.
Big hugs. And licks from Ziggy.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us for so many years, he was a beautiful boy who was loved by so many people around Australia and all around the world. There are tears of sadness as we all say goodbye to our much loved, favourite part of our recipe inbox story. Thinking of you Nagi, sending you lots of love and hugs. Run free Dozer, we will all miss you xo
We made Nagi pancakes in honour of Dozer for breakfast this morning. You and he are firm faves in our house and we have your books open every single day. So we talk about you both as if we know you and are friends of ours! I am so sorry for this huge loss. Lots of love to you and the memory of Dozer xxx
I’m so sorry, Nagi. You both loved each other deeper than the deep blue sea and stronger than the brightest star.
I will light a candle and burn incense in Dozer’s memory even though the smoke from the incense makes him sneeze. “Oh shoot, Karen, (ah-choo) how many of those dang incense you gonna burn?” “For you, my dearest Dozer, one…,only one.”
With all our love and gassho (with prayers), late Farley 🐶, Kazu 🐶, Benjamin 😸, Gracie 😸 and me, Karen 🙇🏻♀️.
Sorry to hear you lost your buddy Nagi. He was no doubt a star of this blog in his own right and now star in the night.
I am so sorry to read the sad news about Dozer, I was lucky to see Dozer at the State Library he was so sweet but obviously needed to rest on stage. You have so many happy memories of him, you are allowed to be sad for as long as it takes. Sending you a virtual hug. Liz xxx 🥰
Oh Nagi, I’m so sad to read this and all us Dozerites are shedding heartfelt tears with you. All I can say is, Dozer didn’t need to hear how much you loved him, he just needed you to be there beside him and you were there. He unquestionably knew how much he was loved xxxx
I am so sorry Nagi. Know that all our love goes with Dozer and most especially, to you, Nagi. I know it’s awful losing a 4 legged member of the family. Farewell Darling Dozer 💔
Dear Nagi, my family and I love your recipes and you have become part of the family through our meals. I am so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Dozer in your pictures. Our condolences
We feel your loss and pain in every bone in your body. No words can and unfortunately no amount of time will heal you. The only thing that happens with time, is that you learn to deal with the pain. The one who says, time heals, has never ever felt this type of pain. Dozer felt your love every second of his life, well done and thanks for being an awesome mu to him.