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
Dear Nagi, I’m so sorry. Always remember, Dozer had a wonderful life by your side, you’re a fantastic dog mom.
OMG, I feel your sorrow. I still cry for my Mimi. They leave us too soon. I am so sorry for your loss. Be strong. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. We knew it was coming but it hurts us all so much. Take your time grieving but please consider allowing another dog into your life. You’re such great dog mom.
My condolences on the loss of your dear companion. Thankfully he will always be in your heart.
Nagi!! I’m so sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing the life of Dozer with us! He will be missed!
Sooooo sooooooooo sorry for your loss, Nagi. Sending you hugs and love.
Very sorry to hear about Dozer, Nagi. He looked like a gorgeous, kind, fun dog. He also looked very, very happy, so please remember that it was you that made him so happy!
Saying goodbye is the one, singe downside of living with a dog 💔
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I know that at this time, the pain and just missing him are a lot to bear. You know that you did everything you could for him. He’s with all the others, Pals, Buddies or whatever we call them, playing, getting into some mischief of all kinds, the things that made us laugh and smile from ear to ear.
I’ve been watching for years, seen him grow, seen you grow too. I know it is very hard, but with time, it won’t hurt so much.
With my deepest condolences,
Barbara
I think we have all shed a tear for Dozer but also for you . You did all you could for him. All I can truly say is that when I lost my dog Dodge that you can never replace. But that that it eases if you give another animal some of your love. I now have Louie. And he is nothing like Dodge but he helped me heal and it is so cool to give another animal a great life. You are amazing with what you do. So you pick yourself up , look in the mirror and youl see Dozer wouldnt want you sad. Go to the beach and lift your spirits. Its great for that! I live by a beach too in New Zealand. We are just on a roadtrip with Louie. You are so loved by us all. Stay cool because you are xx
I cried as soon as I saw the email about Dozer. I’m still crying as I write this. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Pepper (Pomeranian) almost a year and a half ago. He had a clotting issue and went to the hospital thinking they’d get it under control. He spent his last week in the hospital. I didn’t get to see him as much in the hospital because I thought he’d get better and come home. Unfortunately, he must have thrown a clot in his lung because his breathing went downhill and I had to let him go. I still cry thinking about how much I miss him.
I’m so so sorry for your great loss of Dozer❣️❣️❣️. May God bless you and comfort you in your grief. I surely know the tears of sorrow, sadness and longing that come when we lose our beloved pets.🙏🏻💘😘
Dear Nagi, I read your letter to Dozer with tears in my eyes. My poor girl, I can imagine the sorrow you feel right now. But know that you and Dozer were so very blessed to share the time you had together. RIP Dozer ❤️
Nagi, I had to brace myself to read this. Words cannot adequately convey my sincerest condolences. A bond such as yours can never be broken. That love lives on forever! Never doubt that Dozer is “always” with you!! He would never ever leave your side 💔
Dear Nagi,
I am truly sorry to hear of the very sad loss of Dozer.
I know only too well of the heart searing pain of loosing a fur baby.
It must be a great comfort to you to know that Dozer had THE best and happiest life with his caring mum.
So I’d just like wish you lots of strength to get through this unimaginable, painful time.
Sending hugs to you Nagi. xxx
So sorry for your loss Nagi💔Thank you for sharing your heartfelt letter 🥹. Take care x
My heart hurts with you. May your Dozer Angel help heal your soul so that you can some day pour out the same love on a new fur baby.
Thank you for sharing Dozer. Losing an animal friend is devastating. As a rescuer, I have lost many dear 4-legged’s. Your memories are precious and will help with healing. Dozer will always be with you.
I’m so very sorry, Nagi.
Being a past, present and always a fur baby mama, I feel your pain and heartache. I firmly believe that one day, when we leave our earthly body, we will cross the Rainbow Bridge with all of our fur babies. You will see Dozer again. Dozer was so lucky to have you for his mama.
I have walked in your shoes. Even those who had lost their own dogs Didn’t seem to understand just how devastated my husband, son and I were. From diagnosis to weeks after death I felt totally numb . 20 months on things are much better. We are finally looking at getting a new best buddy. The FB posts that pop up now make me smile and remember the happy times by the rivers and fields or just cuddled up on the sofa. I can’t imagine loving a new dog as much but I am sure I will. So very sorry for your loss .