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
Dear Nagi,
.Sooo sad news….
Rest in peace wonderful Dozer we all knew you so well, we will miss you very very much.
Do take care dearest Nagi, you know your Dozer will always be by your side.
Bon courage…
Wow, what an amazing life you have had together with all those special memories. Our dogs have such a special part in our hearts and you love them all the more since they love you unconditionally. Obsidian (our Black Lab) and our thoughts go out to you. x
Awww I just want to send my thoughts, love hugs your way 😢… It is incredible hard to lose a pet, they provide so much joy and unconditional love that no human could ever give…Stay strong and just do take one day at a time. You will smile again, and will always have joy in your heart for being his fur baby mum. ❤️
Your tears are not alone Nagi – my sincere condolences. Know that Dozer lived the best life a dog could lead – he got lucky when he went home with you. Take care x
So sorry to hear about Dozer.
Our thoughts go out for you Nagi.
I am so very sorry for your loss!! I know how hard it is !!
We cry with you, we love with you. He chose so well
My heart goes out too you Nagi..thinking of you .
My deepest condolences. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with us <3
Nagi, how can our heart break and yet we keep living. Maybe our memories? My heart goes out to u. 💖
My sincere condolences to you Nagi. Know that he was just as lucky that you chose him as your family; your number one. He was loved unconditionally by you! xo Thank you for sharing him with is all. The love between you was palpable and authentic for all to experience (even in our darkest days) Hopefully my words and that of your community will bring you comfort in the days to come. Love, Hilda (Big hugs)
Thinking of you & your Mum & team Nagi at this very sad time. Dozer was a special boy. Thank you for sharing this snippet of the final chapter in Dozer’s illustrious life.
Rest in peace Beautiful Boy 😞💙💙
Hi Nagi. Sorry for your great loss. Grief is the price we pay for love. Grief takes as long as it takes. Don’t rush it or let anyone else rush you. It’s painful I know. But we your public hear you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Always remember that you were the best Mom and he loved you as much as you loved him. Big hugs
And thank you Nagi. Thank you for sharing this beautiful boy with us over the years and thank you for being such a wonderful example of love and of grief and compassion. You and he have brought his joy far wider than even a goldie could do without being in such a lovely and loving pair. Take care of you.
Dear Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear this news about your loss of your beloved Dozer. At the same time, I’m also glad that you had such a beautiful life together & were able to hold his hand as he left you. He was a truly wonderful friend to you – and such a good boy!
Sending you so much love Nagi. Dozer would have to have been the most adored dog in Australia. He had the best life – thanks to having such a loving mumma!
R.I.P dearest Dozer. A wonderful companion and loved by so many. Best wishes Nagi.
I come here for your great recipes but always enjoyed the bonus Dozer updates. If only dogs lived as long as us, a decade and a half isn’t enough! 💔
I’m so sad for your loss , you loved him deeply. I know the pain you are going through now, after my lovely boys beau , Ruben, sunny & shadow. Days will get better but you never forget the love they give us xxx