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
So very sorry for losing your best friend, sending healing vibes
Dear Nagi,
So sorry for your loss, It’s so hard to say goodbye,
Take care xx
Hi Nagi
Bitter pain, unconditional love. To be valued forever.
Chtis Harris
Oh Nagi, saying goodbye to our fur kids is always heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing beautiful Dozer with us through the years. Sending all my love
Well after reading this… I have decided Uber eats tonight. Love you and your recipes- I know the love and pain of loosing someone precious. Xxx all the love to you and hoping that each day gets easier for you. Xx
Nagi, condolences on the loss of your beautiful Dozer. Thank you for the stories, the photos, the chuckles and for sharing them all with us. You couldn’t have loved and looked after him more, and he knew it.
so sorry to hear about Dozer He tried his best to stay with you as long as he could. I always read about him before the recipes. He was much loved and will be missed Sorry for your loss.
I actually couldn’t finish reading your letter Nagi, tears are too heavy and I have small children wondering why I am so upset. We love you Dozer and we love you Nagi, you are surrounded by all our love at this sad time.
It gets easier and you will talk with everyone about home without sobbing. He did well for a Goldie and that’s tribute to your loving care through the years
Nagi, the old saying, it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved it all!
Just treasure your beautiful memories of the last 14 years and live with that in your heart, it will keep you strong knowing that dozer is there with/for you. Stay strong.❤️
So so sorry Nagi, Dozer was such a beautiful soul. Love and hugs xox
My heart goes out to you, Nagi. I know this pain firsthand. Hugs
All those beautiful words you wanted to say to Dozer but couldn’t, he already knew Nagi. It is obvious from everything you did together that he loved you just as deeply. Grief is the price we pay for loving so much but you wouldn’t change it for the world.
There are no words really, just ….. 💔😭
Love to you and Dozer Nagi! You gave him the best life a dog could have. Thank you for sharing him with us, the whole world!
For my Brownie I put together a book of our life together. Maybe when you’re ready that might help you. I still look at my book and marvel at my Bubbie dog. You have so many great photos and memories of Dozer.
Sending you love and prayers during this tough time. Take time for your grief and celebrate his life too.
I am so very very sorry for your loss. ❤️ Dogs are magical and having one to call your friend is priceless.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, what a sweet tribute.
Dear Dozer – our furry families are those who love us unconditionally and we in turn love them completely. Let yourself grieve and then in time you will smile at the memories you and Dozer made together.
My heart breaks for your loss of your beautiful Dozer. I lost my Golden boy several years ago and I was in pieces for so long. He was so very special.
I love your recipes but really you had me at Dozer! I cried hard when I heard the news and again when I read your letter to Dozer. Dogs are special angels, no kind of love is so unconditional. Take care sweet, Nagi, take all the time you need to grieve and know Dozer was so loved.
It’s the hardest goodbye. I knew you were the best kind of person by how much you loved that exceptional pup. Thinking about you as you heal and sending lots of love.
Take care,
Tracey