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
I am so sorrry for your loss. I lost a boy now4 years ago and every time I look at his last photos I start sobbing, so I understand how you feel. My love to you and to the beautiful loving and unique Dozer. A big hug
Sending all my love and hugs, Dozer was a gem and so very loved by us all, he’s with my Mum now in heaven, she will keep him safe along with all my babies until we are all together again.
Thinking of you Nagi and if I was there I’d probably say to you…
Your favourite chair is vacant now
No eager barks to greet you
Nor softly padded feet to run
Ecstatically to meet you
No coaxing rubs,
no plaintive cry
will say its time for feeding
You’ve probably put away his bowl
and all the things you won’t be needing
But you will miss your little Dozer
And you could never measure
The happiness he bought you
The comfort and the pleasure
And since God put Dozer here to share
in earthly joy and sorrow
I’m sure there is place for him
in Heavens bright tomorrow.
Vale Dozer xx
Our hearts break for you Nagi 💔
I feel for you. I’ve been there. It is so very hard to cope with the loss of your special loved one. My deepest condolences xx
Heartbreaking.
Much love Nagi.
Ah, my dearest darling Nagi. Crying as I write this too.
Know that Dozer could not have been loved more, that was plain for all to see.
We love you too Nagi. XXX
Emma
Dear Nagi, thank you so very much for sharing Dozer’s life with everyone. My heart breaks for you, so sad and so sorry that you have lost your beautiful boy. 🌹
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our beauty pets never life long enough.
❤️❤️❤️
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby. I understand your pain. it is unbearable. Your message was beautiful and I loved reading about Dozer when I searched up your recipes. Thank you for sharing both.
Goodbye old lad.
Sincere condolences Nagi ❤️
💔
Dearest Nagi.
How devastating that you have lost your Doser.
I wanted you to know that I firmly believe that his energy/essence still lives on.
Although you cannot see him he will stay with you until he knows you are ok and then moves on.
Take care of yourself and remember him forever as you will.
I still remember my beloved ODIE and ZAC. And BLACKIE.
My life is now with MAX and I dread the thought of losing him one day too.
SO SORRY your heart is shattered. All my love to you x
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers for you Nagi during this beyond unbelievably sad and difficult time 😢 May beautiful Dozer rest in peace and know you have been beyond everything he could have ever wanted in life – an incredibly devoted present loving doggo parent and committed to giving him the most happiest busiest active and well nourished life ever! Dozer was the very best dog and he has blessed all who have visited your website, read your books or followed your socials with immense joy. Thankyou for sharing your deep love together with the rest of us 🙏 xx
I have just read your email I know exactly how you feel, Animals are so loving to their owners when treated well.
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful soul.
We lost our 14yo dog a few years back and while it may feel like the world is caving in and that you will never smile again, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
For now, hold on to your grief because it means that there was once a place for love to rest. Take time to heal, take time to grieve, take time to love.
Sending you all the love. I know Dozer has now made a lot of friends over the rainbow bridge, including our Elsie girl.
Dear Nagi
Please – always remember that Dozer adored you as much as you adored him.
Sending love and hugs ❤️
Dear Nagi,
It’s normal to be heartbroken – Dozer is a beautiful dog. I lost my 14yo BF 47 days ago to be precise – I miss her with all my heart. I feel your pain. But one thing is for sure – you will have wonderful memories of Dozer – your special, loyal, always giving companion and best friend. He was a lucky boy to have you as his mumma. With you, his life was complete.
Take care, SueS xx