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 am shedding tears along with you. Years ago when I found you site it was Dozer tha attracted me, I always when to see what was going on with him, then I found out what a wonder site you have. I have been a fan of both of you for a long time. In my family we adopt older dogs that need lots of love and care knowing we won’t have them for years and in the the end when they can no longer function our job is to give them a comfortable and loving go0dbye It doesn’t ever get easier but there finally come a time when you cane stop crying and smile at how funny and loving they were. The sadness never goes away but the happy memories make you smile more and cry less. My thoughts are right there with you. I fell in love with Dozer as if I knew him.
Nagi I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is the hardest, especially after 14 wonderful years together. In my 70 years I have loved and outlived several wonderful dogs and I miss them all. But I have always gotten another one! Your heart will heal but Dozer will always be with you ❤️💔 My heart hurts for you. Take care of yourself ❤️
Nagi, I, too, feel as if I have lost a friend. I so enjoyed watching Dozer’s escapades. But I especially enjoyed the radiance on your face whenever you were with Dozer. Love like that is rare, and you were so fortunate to have experienced it all these years. May memories of the joy Dozer brought into your life— and the lives of so many others you were gracious enough to share him with— help to heal your heart. I will be praying for you.
Deep Condolences,
Peggy O.❤️
Hello Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer passing away. I know that he was an incredibly important part of your life. I’m so happy that I’ve got your first cookbook, with many pictures of Dozer in amongst your great recipes. I’ll continue working through your recipes as I spend time with my family, and I’ll think of you and Dozer as I do it.
Thank you, and I hope your grief isn’t too hard… Mick.
So very sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer bought a smile to many faces. Take care. 💕
Sorry to hear of your loss Nagi. Dozer was always there and dedicated to you sending you hugs and love
So sorry to hear about Dozers passing. He brought joy to me online as he has done for many around the world. He had a wonderful mum in you n having the gift if his life in yours has enriched so many. May you rest in peace in doggy heaven. Arohanui ( big love in Māori).
Thankyou for sharing him in life and in your grief. Xx
So, so sorry, I lost my gorgeous man recently after 58 years. I was left wth the most amazing dog, that we loved. I lean on my mate every day and in dog speak, we review the past , the present, and the future. Dogs are so important in our lives, everyone loved Dozer ❤️❤️
So sorry to hear Nagi, Dozer lives on in your heart forever. I lost my boy Angus 8 years ago and still have his framed photo by my bedside. He still meets me in my dreams. Go gently and know you are loved xx
Dear Nagi, I can only imagine your heartache. We have lost two of our dogs over the years and it is like losing your child. They are family and yes, they give you unconditional love and ask for nothing. sending you hugs at this very sad time
Dear Nagi,
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. I started following you years ago because of Dozer & stayed because of you both & the great recipes! He brought smiles to my face & I loved hearing about your escapades. Thanks for sharing your special bond !
Be more kind to yourself now …. It’s gonna take awhile……..I lost my bestest buddy of 16 wonderful years 2 years ago.
Hopefully, all these lovely, supportive messages are helping ❤️
Hugs & Love from the Pacific Northwest.
So sorry for your loss sending love and hugs xxx
I am so sorry about Dozer. But I wanted to thank you for sharing him with all of us. He was quite a character with a beautiful soul. And he was meant for you!
That is the most beautiful tribute to your darling boy… he will always be with you in the dappled light shining brightly .. your forever shadow. To say thank you to him the way you just did is healing beautiful lady… shining a light and love your way
Nagi, My heart is with as I know from experince losing your pet is very painful as they are a member of your family. Only a pet owner can understand your grief. I share your tears and sorrow but rest assured he will always be in your heart.
I’m so deeply sorry. After 14 years, the bond you shared is unbreakable. Dozer will always be part of you, woven into your heart and your everyday memories 💙
Dearest Nagi, I weep even as I write this for your loss of beautiful Dozer. What absolute joy & comfort you brought each other. Your words to Dozer had me blubbering mess. How deeply you loved one another. May the memories you’ve made & the photos you look back on, in time bring comfort and healing to your broken heart.
Sending you love and biggest cuddles. X
Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed visiting with you and Dozer on so many occasions and could feel the love you shared. Dozer may have gone on to heaven but he will be with you in your heart forever.
I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful Dozer. May you be comforted by all of those wonderful memories you shared with him. He knew he was loved.
I had tears streaming down my face reading this too. I always looked out for Dozer’s spot. So sorry for your loss Nagi.