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
Good bye Dozer. Although you could not be home on your last days, Nagi was your home and that’s all that you needed.
Dear Nagi,
The only thing I can say from the bottom of my heart: Strength!!
Dear Nagi
My heart breaks for you.
I was intending to write before your heart was broken by the sad loss of your beautiful boy and chief taster but now it is with the sadness of saying goodbye.
No one could have had a more loving and best friend than Dozer, may he rest peacefully.
Thinking of you and sending much love and hugs,
Sharon
Hi Nagi, so sorry I know how terrible it is, can’t read your post I’d cry to much, really really sorry 💕
Im soo sorry to hear about Dozer my heart breaks for you 💔
May God bring comfort to your heart during this time of your loss. My prayers are with you. May His grace and love bring you peace and comfort your soul .
Dear Nagi,
My Heartfelt Condolences for your loss of Family and Friend, Dozer.
I believe his Spirit will be near to you as life goes along. May His Soul Run Free Over the Rainbow Bridge, where those before him Celebrate Dozer’s Arrival. Till you meet again.
And tears are running down my face Nagi too. Dozer was much loved and admired. I don’t know how you managed to look after him and keep going flat out. He lived an exceptional life and will always be with you every step of the way. He will bring you peace and solace, there is no doubt about that. We will all miss him greatly. Jx
Oh Nagi I’m so very sorry you and Dozer had to say goodbye. What a lucky soul he was to have been so loved and cherished, and what a gift to have him in your life for so long. It’s never long enough, but what wonderful memories he’s given you. 💔🐾
You will someday realize that your love was definitely enough, you gave each other the true gift of unconditional love and support. You will always have that in your heart to guide you, especially during this difficult time. Be kind to yourself, it sounds like your Dozer would want you to smile in between all the tears you shed for him. May God bless you both.
Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. I still miss my dear ole lab, Annie who passed in 2018.
I love all of my pups (2 now), but she will always hold a special place in my heart, like your Dozer. Love and hugs to you from California, XOXO
My heart goes out to you. I’m a dog lover and I get attached to them. My condolences go out to you on the loss of your best friend.
Take care and thanks for sharing this story of Dozer.
Thinking of you Nagi. May you rest in so much love, Dozer 🩵
Your words are so beautiful, like a prayer for Dozer & shows what a jewel of a human heart you have. You will always dream & think of him, just as I always still dream of my beautiful little white poodle, Ellie. But, you were very fortunate to have had him to love. Lol, Rosemary
The tears flowed freely as I read this, both in sharing your pain and the memory of the loss of Tiny my Irish Wolfhound a couple of years ago. The pain does not go away, but it does become easier to smile and laugh at the memories and photos of our lost family members – because that is what they are. The tears will still come, but not in the flood that happens without warning in the weeks and months following the loss. And yes as time goes by, and the memories jump to front of mind as you visit places you shared with Dozer, you will be able to smile as the tears come. In those moments the love seems to outshine the pain, and the memories of joy make the tears less painful. my heart goes out to you.
My thoughts are with you Nagi. I hope that the memories of “better times” will help you during the weeks ahead. Sending love and hugs from Ashburton NZ
My deepest condolences Nagi, and may the pain ease soon and all the love and memories remain. Thank you for sharing you and Dozer’s journey with us.
So sorry for your loss and the pain you’re feeling. Thank you for sharing this time with us all.
RIP and safe journey.
I’m so sorry for your loss. We grieve as deeply as we love. Pleaae take your time. Hugs to you.
Dear Nagi, So very sorry to hear your sad news 😔😢
What a great life Dozer had with you – Thank you so much for allowing us to share Dozer’s life with you. RIP sweet Dozer 🐾❤️