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
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. I truly believe that God allows our furry friends in Heaven. I’ve got several now that I believe are waiting for me. I pray for you Dear Nagi, for comfort and peace in the days, months and years ahead. It will get easier, I promise. Thank you for sharing Beautiful Dozer with us. He will be missed until we meet him in Heaven.
I have tears running down my cheeks after reading your loving tribute to Dozer. I’ve loved reading stories about Dozer because they reminded me of my golden retriever who died 22 years ago. There’s something very special and irreplaceable about a golden when he/she is yours. The sorrow won’t always be this consuming or as sharp; but it will remain. One day you will dream about Dozer and when you awaken it will make you happy instead of sad. Sending you strength and understanding across the miles
Oh Nagi, my heart aches for you, I am so sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved fur baby, Dozer. Sending lots of hugs and prayers for comfort and healing.
This is heartbreaking, losing a beloved pet is one of the saddest things ever. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dozer is at peace now, hopefully you’ll find comfort in knowing he’s no longer in pain.
Nagi,
My sincerest condolences on losing beautiful Dozer.
Reading your note brought tears to my eyes knowing how much you loved and treasured that wonderful boy.
Take time out and don’t worry what people expect of you as you grieve, we all know loss and something about our 4 legged friends really hit home when they are gone.
You gave Dozer the best life and I’m sure he is being kept busy over that rainbow bridge with our departed boys, Cody,Teddy 1, Bear and Teddy 2.🌈
So sorry to hear about your beautiful boy, such a precious soul, these wonderful parts of our lives aren’t here on earth long enough, love to you beautiful Dozer xxx
I am crying with you Nagi. Dozer like my Mimi is family.
You have good memories and heaps of pictures to share and enjoy. Life is not complete with out your best mate!
Love to you Nagi, reading this broke my heart. and reminds me of my beloved JD. He too was a gentle giant, who loved me and loved his food. and it still hurts ten years later but he was loved by me and my family and he loved us so so much. It hurts because you had an amazing bond. Its not fair, we only have them for such a short time but they shape our lives and are never forgotten. Love you and am sending you a huge hug. He will always be in your heart xxxx
Sorry to hear about your beloved dog, Dozer. May all your treasured memories comfort you.
so sorry he will be forever in your heart
Felt every word, beautiful words full of love one day you will smile when you think of Dozer, sending heartfelt love your way 💞
Nagi, please look at this link, when you feel up to it. In all my sadness of losing my Siddy Husky who was 13 too!, this gave me some comfort. Hugs to you xxx
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e2vijs5i6t9HS8CluQusaO7A
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. The pain from losing a beloved pet is almost unbearable.
My first dog died when I was 17 , 50 years later I have only now got another dog to live out my last years with.
This is so so sad Nagi – we send you all our love and good wishes to you.
Sending you so much love, Nagi. I can almost feel your Ouch. He will always be with you. We all love you Dozer.
Dear Nagi
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know the feeling. You both had an amazing connection. You can see the unconditional love. He will always be with you. RIL Dozer x
Aloha from Maii. My heart goes out to you. Take care, Nagi. You’re the best dog mom
😢
Nagi. Although it feels insurmountable at the moment, this deep grief will gradually abate & you will begin to remember all those happy times, & his dear face, without feeling that the world has ended. The sorrow when you’ve lost an animal-child, is incredibly deep & real, & so many animal ‘parents’ are by your side in thought right now. Hugs from a fellow animal mum who has experienced exactly what you have, too many times xxx
Thank you for allowing us to share in such a private moment. We are all thinking of you and want you to heal from such a profound loss. Take care of yourself and don’t even think a moment of having to worry about responding to us. We are all here, whenever you are ready. Hugs ❤️
The price we pay for love is very deep grief. Thank you for sharing Dozer with your global family. I have no doubt you will both meet again. Much love/aroha from NZ.