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
So sorry for your loss. Sending you much love 🥰
I also was sobbing, with snot running out of my nose, when I was holding my girl telling her she was the best girl a mum could have. Over 20 years later I can still cry over our last goodbye. May you always cry over him, and laugh, and smile. He’s still with you💔🐾🙏
me too! I am crying now remembering the day I lost my beautiful JD. I only really cry when I see someone who has felt the way I felt about my dog. most times I remember all the silly things he did, the character he was. best dog ever and crying is just caused I loved him so so much and he loved me fiercely. times like this when I see Nagi’s pain brings it all home and I bawl. I adore Nagi and loved her connection with Dozer. The fact she shared Dozer with us, We loved it but now we are all hurting. Just so sad xxxx
Yes, she is a generous person sharing food with those who need it, and her boy for all of us dog lovers.. my girl is getting an extra special dinner tonight🥰
Xx
Nagi, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your darling Dozer. Your letter to him made me cry … how loved he is. I’m sure he knew that, every precious moment that he spent with you. Sending love from NZ, Katrina x💜🐾
Dearest Nagi So terribly sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the lovely memories. God bless you and comfort you🌻
I lost my Benjamin Golden retriever on 8/5/ 25. I am grieving for him everyday. I am thinking of you
I’m so so sad to hear about Dozer. You gave him the BEST life a dog could ever have! Still, the depth of your pain is palpable because you loved him so much. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Dear Nagi
My heart goes out to you and Dozer at this extremely difficult time. The longer they are with us the harder it is when we have to let go. Cherish your memories with Dozer ❤️.
Much love Velko.
Words seem so futile in the face of such pain. But, I wish for you everything you need to heal during this difficult time. I feel this loss in my bones, like all pet parents who soul dog hard. So long beautiful boy, see you over the rainbow.
Such beautiful words for your best friend Nagi, they are always in our hearts. R.I.P. beautiful boy xx
So Sorry
So sorry for your loss. It was always a joy to see Dozer.
Rest in peace Dozer. You will be sadly missed by everyone ❤️😎
Sending u big hugs🫂🫂
hope you recover and can smile at dozer after a while💔
My heart goes out to you both. Losing our furry family members is never easy. Take comfort in your memories over the years. So very sad.
At least he isn’t hurting anymore xxoxo, he will be missed.
😭😥💜
Nagi, My heart goes out to you.
In my lifetime I’ve lost two dogs one cat and one bird. It never gets any easier but you are left with beautiful memories.
Dozer knew he was so loved. He loved you back for as long as he could. You are a special human and you had a special dog. Much love
Very sorry to hear this sad news.
He will be missed.
ust this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
In times of stress when I lose a pet, I always think of the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you.
So sorry for you loss, Nagi. I shed tears for Dozer, too. I loved how you shared him with us all. Our goldie, Rosie, has just turned 15 and we count every day as an extra blessing and dread saying goodbye. Thinking of you and sending virtual hugs. xxx
Dear Nagi
There are no words. Dozer was so lucky to have you as his mum. Take care as you grieve.