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
Vale Dozer. RIP. Stay strong Nagi, You & Dozer will meet again.
I’ve heard that dogs are sent to earth without wings so people wouldn’t know that they are angels.
Nagi, sending you condolences, love and best wishes. Your beautiful Dozer rests in peace, and you have love from around the world xxx
Dozer thank you for always bringing joy. One of the hardest thing s in the world saying goodbye to a beloved friend.
Nothing anyone says makes it any easier it’s like your soul has been ripped from you
Remember all the fantastic fun times I’ve gone through this a few times in my life with my boys vowing we never do it again
But doing it again,
It will get better and you’ll always have the memories and I can guarantee he will be waiting for you
Dear Nagi. Sending you love and strength in this very hard time. I lost my beautiful girl, Molly, 4 years ago just before her 15th birthday. I thought the wrenching grief would never end. But it did. Now her memory brings me joy. You and Dozer were so blessed to have each other. Wishing you peace when you are ready. Go well sweet Dozer.
I’m sitting here sobbing with my beautiful golden Lab knowing one day this will be me & hearing you talk so openly about it is amazing they aren’t just animals they are family.
❤️ Leah & Daisy dog xx
Dear Nagi,
I am so, so sad to read your e-mail & understand how much you are hurting & grieving. Your care & love were without limits for your dear companion. Be gentle on yourself & give yourself time. Love & hugs from NZ. Bless you Dozer for all the wonderful memories. Rest in peace.
Such a great Mummy to an amazing boy
I’m so sorry Nagi. He meant so much to you and all your readers. I too am weeping while I type. I have been with you both since 2017. Take your time to grieve.❣️🐾
Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. I am crying right with you. I know the pain you are feeling right now . But you loved him with all your heart, anybody could see how much you loved him and how much he loved you. Keep all your memories close to your heart, Dozer will always be with you.
So sorry for your loss
Dearest Nagi, I wanted to send you my heartfelt condolences. I know you will be devastated, and probably for a while. I’d like to say how wonderfully special Dozer was and I know you’ll always have him in your heart. Thanks for sharing him with us.
I’m so very sorry. They take so much of our heart when they go.
Biggest hugs to you 💔💔
Your beautiful boy. My heart breaks along side you.
So sorry to learn your beautiful companion passed away. He would have felt your constant love till the end. So sad for you.
Nagi, Thank you.
The two of you were kindred spirits – you both provided a brand new dimension to cooking, to your recipes and your two fabulous cook books.
How honoured and lucky we all were to share Dozer with you Nagi.
RIP Dozer – Hugs and smiles to you Nagi 🤗😊
I feel so much for you and am tearing up as I write this.
I lost an adored creature – she had an unusual and incurable syndrome – a few years ago.
I now have a beautiful animal, rescued from a backyard breeder who enjoys loving care.
But my memories of my beautiful Charlotte are always with me. All my love
🌹❤️
I understand you. I had a dog from I was 8 years old until I was 21. I am now 84 but I still miss her and tink of her very often. If you have a good dog you will always miss it when its too short life is over.
Nothing anyone can say can make you feel better at this sad time. Go forward, heal in your own way and at your own pace. Your loyal readers will be in the background thinking of you. Lots of hugs to you x
I hope you believe in an afterlife. I do and I know that Dozer is there and you will see him again. Thanks for sharing Dozer