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
My heart aches with you dear Nagi … Dozer was such a gift in your life, and enhanced all of ours too … he was so lucky to have you as his human mum … he will always be in your heart never to be forgotten xoxoxo
I’m sure I am not the only one who also has tears streaming down their face reading this. Nagi, he was SO loved, and had such an incredible life with you. Memories that will be cherished forever.
Having been thru the same experience I know how hard those early days without them are – the silence, the routines that are no longer. I pray for you – that each day will be a little less painful and have a spot more joy, and that in some small way you can be comforted by how many people both here in Australia and across the world are crying with you.
Much love xxx
Our special four legged companions know how to steal your heart, if only their lives were longer!
RIP Dozer
God bless you both. My heart aches for you.
So sad. 😞 – If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. RIP Dozer.
My condolences to you Nagi. May your wonderful memories with Dozer give you warmth & comfort during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry Nagi. I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Wishing you much love and hugs. RIP Dozer.
Sending love and hugs. Eventually it does get easier with time. Take care x
You have so many wonderful memories with Dozer. Hold the happy ones close. Do not let the sadness of his passing be your memory of him. Allow the ache, but smile at the memories. Bless Dozer, he is in a similar place but on legs made young again. I say similar because surely heaven could not be better than Nagi.
Hi Nagi
What a sad time this is for you especially since Dozer wasn’t ’just a dog to you but your trusted companion for 14 years. I also had to say goodbye to my baby when he was 14 & it was the hardest thing I have had to do in my 77 years.
Dozer would have known your unconditional love for him as you knew his for you. A partnership like that never dies but merely gets put on hold for a while. You will both be in my prayers tonight.
Zena
I am so very sorry sorry for the loss of your best Pal Dozer.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
❤️💙💕XX NZ
He was one lucky Dozer, and you were one lucky Nagi. They never leave, always in your heart. 🐾 ♥️
I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful, loyal companion. Our dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family, and the love they give is something truly special. I know how much your heart must be hurting right now.
I hope you can find some comfort in the memories you shared, the happiness you gave each other, and the life filled with love that you created together. That kind of bond never really leaves us — it stays in our hearts always.
Thinking of you and sending you so much love during this difficult time.
😘
So sorry to hear about Dozer Nani my heart goes out to you rip Dozer xx
So sorry for your loss, I know it is heart breaking…
Have followed you and Dozer for years…
Will be sadly missed…love to you..xxxx
So sorry for your Loss. My heartfelt condolences.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
I have loved seeing beautiful pictures of you and Dozer and hearing so many delightful stories. Know that you are in the hearts of all your readers, world wide.
Navi,
I sorry for your loss, and I know you are hurting. But also remember that Dozer is no longer hurting and he is in a better place. And just think of all the mischief he is getting into as he waits for you to meet up with him again!
Take some time for yourself and when you are ready you know where to find all your RTE friends.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with all of us.
Mike
My deepest condolences. I am with my number 6 Golden Retriever. My heart goes out to you. A beautiful book for you to heal. The Invisible Leash by P. Karst and J. Lew-Vriethoff
It’s a book that will make you feel better and cry too.
Dozer crossed over the rainbow.
I’m so sorry. May the days ahead be filled with sweet memories.
Dear Nagi, sorry for your loss, it’s never easy losing one of our beloved pets, sending you big hugs from South Africa, RIP Dozer lots of love Julie