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
It is a big lost, but he really left a print in all of us. It was lovely and sweet to see him in your post, news and cooking books. Thanks for sharing Nagi, take care.
Love to you Nagi. So very sorry.
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
Oh dear Nagi. Thank you so very much for sharing Dozer with us over these years. It was very obvious how much you loved him. He was a very lucky dog to have had you in his life, and you to have had him. To me it feels as though I have lost my own, as I know first hand what it is like to lose a beloved pet. Take a while to grieve. It will become easier, but he will never leave your heart. Stay strong. XO
Thank you Nagi for sharing your love for your best friend Dozer. I’m sorry he has to go. But if he could I believe he would , because his loyal love for you is genuine . I lost my loyal protector sometime ago too but she remains in my heart always. No other can take her place in my heart. It’s okay to cry because it’s healing. Don’t worry about feeling different when you wake up next morning. The void is real . It will get better. Time is yours to take . One day at a time. You will in time be able to enjoy his memories . Take care .
Sending love and hugs at this sad time 💖
I was crying and crying while reading your post … You have been so good to Dozer… rest in peace Dozer
It is never easy ! Dozer was so loved – he will also always remember you.
It is always so lonely without your best mate but perhaps there is another one just around the corner who needs you too ! My sympathies to you .
Nagi, listen to me, I know exactly what you are going through, I lost my 13 yr. 4 month Goldie almost 3 months ago now. He was my world, my loyal companion and support system. I would love to speak with you…please make contact. I have followed you two for years and everything you write is just like I feel and would write. Old Goldies are the best, so wise and accepting, you are blessed to have had each other. Don’t cry that it’s over, smile that it ever happened in the first place ❤️
So sorry for your loss of dozer
Wonderful loving caring both of you.
You will find the courage and strength to carry on
Many hugs for you. May your memories live with you forever. I know he will be in your heart. He knew his mama was with him and he felt your love to the end.Bless you
Its heartbreaking to lose a much-loved pet … been thru’ it several times with my beautiful cats … my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Nagi. So sorry.
Dozer has crossed the famed rainbow bridge into a glorious realm of endless treats and robust playtime enjoyed with all the toys he favored most and in the company of fellow four-legged playmates that will stay with him through eternity. Each and every one of them so dearly loved.
While we were tearfully saying there he goes …. they were joyfully saying … here he comes.
I have family members there too and I hope Dozer will meet them, time permitting, they would love him so.
Godspeed, Nagi.
I’ve so enjoyed hearing about Dozer over the years. Hearing about your last days with him, my heart breaks for you. It’s been a year since I had to say goodbye to my furry companion of 17 years. I remember how difficult that time was. I’m thinking of you and send my sincere sympathy. 🐶💔🐾
My heart is absolutely breaking for you right now, Nagi. I can’t imagine how you must feel right now. Dozer was like family to all of us. I want you to know that Dozer felt every last bit of the complete and fierce love that you hold for him, and you’ve gotta know that he loved you back just as fiercely and completely. Take all the time you need to heal, and when you’re able to look at photos of you two together again, you’ll smile knowing that he’s healthy, pain-free, and splashing around at the beach in doggy heaven. Take care of yourself. ❤️
Dear Nagi,
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. It has been such a beautiful privilege to see the love and fun shared between you. 💕
Beautiful words for Dozer. I hope you start to feel better soon.
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Dozer. He filled your life with so much love and you his.
Your letter to Nagi was very touching. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Nagi, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.