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
You are inspirational. Your embracement of life can’t be separated from your embracement of death. You meet both with beauty and courage. As a dog mum of a 14 yo Dood, I anticipate his passing while trying to savour his presence, every day. Their little lives leave such huge holes, but embrace the loss. That is honouring him.
Nagi, I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of Dozer. I have followed you for years and always loved seeing what he was up to and how he lived his best life. Sending you many prayers during this time. Losing our fur babies is never easy! Hugs from Chicago!! ❤️ 🌈
God bless you all xx
So beautiful .😍
Oh Nagi, my hearts breaks for you.
I’m so sorry. Sending you lots of love and hugs. There is nothing greater than being there with them in the beginning all the way through to the bridge. He will always be with you.
Nagi, dear. I cannot express my sad sentiments better than those noted by your precious response from Candace K. But hopefully it be comforting to realize that you & Dozer have incredible love & support from your many devoted viewers/fans. Sending warmth & peace.
Perfectly said.. Perfect tribute to Dozer. We will miss him deeply, but never as much as his Mum.. Thank you for sharing him with us. 💔
Hi Nagi….it is the hardest part of owning a pet & I think owning a dog is the hardest. My heart goes out to you at the moment 💔 ❤️. I have been there 12 times over my life & currently have 2 greyhounds, so will be there again. Thank you for sharing your pain & memories. And your wonderful recipes. 🥹💔❤️🩹❤️
I feel so sad for you Nagi for your loss. But I would just like to say what pleasure I got from
Dozer. All your photos and stories. We will all miss him.
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Love Sue
I’m so sad for you, Nagi. My rescue dog, Annie, turned 9yo just the other day and she has given me joy and love for the 3 years I have had her.
I truly hope that I leave this world before her, as I don’t think I could bear life without her.
I hope you can continue on without your Dozer. Lots of love to you.
Oh, Nagi, I’m heartbroken for you. I’ve read your posts several times, crying right along with you. Dozer felt and knows everything you wanted to say. Thank you for sharing incredible Dozer with us and letting us be a part of your lives. It’s been the greatest love story! Thank you. We are all carrying your grief with you. We feel it deeply. Sending love and hugs to you, Nagi.
My very deepest condolences to you and your family. May you feel all the love that surrounds you during this difficult time.
I am so so sorry for your loss. Dozer will live on in your heart forever. You will feel him every second of your day. Sending love and hugs your way.
Dear Nagi,
I am so sorry for the loss of your furbaby, Dozer. May your pain be short and your memories long….
Chris
So sorry to hear about Dozer, having lost our little furbaby last year I feel yr lossx
There are no words… I’ve felt the pain you’re feeling. It does get easier as time passes… but we never forget…
I am so sorry for your loss. I couldn’t stop crying reading your post I also lost my Kelpie to cancer and it took a while for the silence to go away but hold on to the bond you shared.Dozer was far more than a pet They are a family member and a friend. My heart is with you and thank you for sharing Dozer
So sorry for your loss. A phrase which doesn’t start to capture how it feels
While the instant tears eventually dry, he will never be far from your heart.
So very sorry to hear this. He will always be in your heart. Animals have a very special way of giving love unconditionally. Hugs. xxx