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 is breaking as yours is.
what amazing beautiful memories you have to recall on. Bless you Nagi and RIP sweet Dozer.
Arohanui ki a korua, ko Nagi, ko Dozer. Haere rā Dozer, Moe Mai ra! My deepest condolences to both you and Dozer, Nagi. Goodbye Dozer and sleep the long sleep. I hope you can see a way through this painful time, Nagi as it is so hard to lose such a loyal and faithful friend. My best, Prue- a dedicated admirer of both of you- you make the world a far better place.
Nagi I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. I lost my dog a couple of years ago and there isn’t a day I don’t think of him. I even slept with his soft toy up until recently.
You can only think how lucky Dozer was to have you as his mum, and I am sure he knew it.
My heart goes out to you.
Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family and your Team of fantastic chefs and food creaters. The loss of your furry food producer must hurt you deeply but be thankful you did everything you could for him. We have to accept that the lives of our pets are just not as long as ours, so sooner or later we have to part company, which is always very sad.
Be brave and cherish all the wonderful times you had for the past 14 years.
Your dedicated followers offer you all the support, thoughts and prayers they can give to you during this difficult time.
Thank you for caring so fantastically for him. He had a tremedous life.
Fond regards,
Colin
Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
So sorry for your loss. I hope you can take some consolation in knowing that Dozer lived his very best life with you
Dozer was fortunate to have had your love and you were fortunate to have had his. Treasure the memories forever. Your heart will mend ♥️. For now I send you a warm embrace. RIP. Dozer.
He knew you loved him and that was all we can wish for. ❤️
Rest in peace Dozer. You have touched so many hearts over your thirteen years. Nagi you will eventually be able to smile in remembering your precious boy. Two and a half years we lost our Jack Russel one day before her sixteenth birthday We miss her every day but can now smile in memory of her. You also in time will be able to do the same. Thank you for all the posts of yourself and Dozer
Dearest Nagi
I know how heartbroken you will be after losing the gorgeous, remarkable Dozer. I feel your pain & that is a real physical pain. Time will ease your grief. Until then I send hugs & love 😢💔💜
So sorry to hear about your loss. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him xx
I am so sad; my heart is broken for your loss. Dozer had the BEST Mum who loved him so much! Dozer will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge!
My deepest condolences to you.❤️
Our hearts cry with you Nagi. Dozer was and still forever be loved by many. Run free sweet boy xx
Beautiful words Nagi, l am so very sorry for your loss and thoughts are with through this very sad time
I am writing this with tears pouring down on my face. I know how you feel very well. We lost our lab,Mandy and I still hear her nails walking on the tike. Even though we have 4 other four legged kids, they don’t replace the one we lost. I know we’re going to see her again one day. There’s nothing I can tell you that’s going to make you feel better or take your pain away. He will always be in your heart and one day the sad tears will turn into smiles as you think of him and all the love,happiness and joy he brought to you and the world. Love you. Rest in peace sweet boy. You left your paw print on so many hearts 💕
So sorry to hear about Dozer, I can understand how heart broken you must be feeling, he was a truly wonderful dog. I loved the way he would cheekily appear in your photos enjoying tasty nibbles. Unfortunately dogs aren’t blessed with enough years. I hope you find comfort knowing you gave him a wonderful life.
Very sad , sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself ❤️
RIP Dozer xxxx what a wonderful life you gave him Nagi. A very lucky boy. It will get a little bit easier every day
I cried so much reading your beautiful tribute Nagi. You and Dozer lighten our lives in a way no one else could. Your beautiful boy will be remembered forever – love you both, sending hugs and deepest aroha from nz
It’s always heartbreaking when a family member dies. It doesn’t matter how old they are, it matters that we can no longer hold them with love.
I’m crying so hard right now, I can only imagine the heartbreak you feel, dear Nagi 😭😭 I’m so very sorry, it’s the most difficult thing in the world when we lose our babies. Rest well sweet Dozer, we love you so much 💔