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
Who’s cutting onions? I’m sobbing here. Not knowing what to say? That’s the good thing about dogs… You don’t need to. Dozer knows he was loved and basked in that every day. Hugs and take care.
So sorry for the loss of Dozer, my heart goes out to you. I always loved reading your posts and stories of him. I will miss him and your stories.
So sorry to hear, so many years together & such a beautiful doggie.
It is so, so hard to lose such a special friend. ❤️
Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet and best friend is never easy. Take all the time you need. Vale Dozer
My sincerest and deepest condolences. Dozer is with my Sam now and I’m sure that they are playing and happy. Until we see them again.
My eyes are hurting from holding back tears. The bond you shared with Dozer was truly beautiful. Losing someone so dear is incredibly painful, but it’s also a testament to the love and wonderful time you had together. I sincerely hope you find some peace in your heart soon.
I started reading this, but couldn’t continue because I’m bawling my eyes out.
Sending you much love Nagi.
Feeling with you.
Shedding tears with you.
Thankyou for sharing Dozer with us all.
How wonderful that he was with you in his life.
My heart breaks with you on the loss of your fur baby Dozer. My hearts been broken several times over many years so I know how you must be feeling. Please know your in the thoughts of many whose lives you and Dozer have touched. Love and hugs
Jeanette
Dear Nagi, how special is the life and love you shared with darling Dozer. Beautiful boy, rest in peace xxxx
Goodbye darling boy, shedding tears for you Nagi, I’ve been there & it’s the worst feeling in the world when we have to say goodbye to our babies. Take care of you Nagi, the pain will linger for a long time but, with time, you will smile again when you think of him. xo
I always loved scrolling (in the old days!)/tapping first to see what Dozer was up to before I read the new recipe. It was always a mood booster, sometimes I laughed out loud, always his antics brought me a smile…
Nagi – I have no other words – but please know that the silence and stillness carries the thoughts and prayers of all who love you. (Favourite quote -Dawn Dais)
Thank you Nagi so much for sharing him with us.
So sorry for your loss, reading the beautiful letter you wrote to Dozer had me in tears. RIP Dozer
My thoughts are with you Nagi. Dozer was such a beautiful fur baby. May he RIP over the rainbow bridge. I cried reading your letter to Dozer, it was heartfelt, beautiful and showed the love you felt for him. Dozer was one of a kind. May his memory live on, may your heart heal so the pain of your loss is not so acute. Take care of yourself Nagi. Dozer I will miss your antics that Nagi always shared with us. Xo
🌈❤️🌈🐾🐾🌈❤️🌈 sending you love and light Nagi to get you through these darkest days ❤️ you will never forget Dozer but hopefully you will be able to remember with a smile on your face and just a tug on your heart xx all of us are holding your hand and holding back our own tears xx thank you for sharing your letter ❤️
Nagi I know what feel right now.
I lost my best friend to a dog fighting ring.
All I got back was a badly mauled American Bulldog.
It is difficult to move on but remember all the good times you shared. It helps.
RIP Doser❤️
So so sorry for your loss of dear Dozer.
Sending hugs ❤️to you, Nagi.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us he became the second dog in our household. Thank you for sharing your unimaginable grief and allowing us to grieve with you. All pet owners know we only have limited time with our pups/cats/others, but we wouldn’t change it for the world. He was loved and he knew it, you let him go in peace and dignity. Now you should take the time to grieve and cry hard ugly tears, because you deserve it. We look forward to hearing from you when you are able.
Dearest Naggi my heart breaks for you having to say goodbye to your precious loyal boy, I have so loved all your posts….rushing to the end ofvyour post to see what Dozer had been up to. We are going to miss him so much.Rest In Peace beautiful gentle funny boy. You had the best Mom in the world. Lots of lovevto you Naggi all the way south africa xxxxxx
Only those who have been loved and loved in return just as strongly can understand the pain through which you’re going. And it never goes. Crying with you now but it’s 14 years later for me. I’m so very very sorry Nagi.