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
Sorry for your loss Nagi. Take comfort in the joy his existence brought to the world and give thanks for the memories that exist thereof ❤️.
I am so so sorry to read your post about Dozer. Your animals all become like our children and we even speak to them as if they are human. I found out beloved cat BB outside on the grass she was dying in my arms I took her to the vets so I do know your pain. Take your time to heal, Send hugs, kisses and prayers to you all the way from Te Aroha New Zealand
Nagi!! Dozer was an amazing dog and an amazing food tester! I’m Praying for you! Rest in peace Dozer! You will be missed! I hope that this doesn’t affect your cooking Nagi!
Am so sorry for your loss, will miss seeing dozer in your shots love jac and smrga
Nagi – thank you for sharing Dozer with the world! May all the joyful memories you have of him bring you some easing of the pain. I know there is nothing worse than looking at lonely toys around the house.
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi! Dozer was an amazing dog! I hope you feel better!
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi! Dozer was an amazing dog! I hope you feel better! I’m Praying for you!!!
so sorry for your loss Nagi
but wow what a wonderful life you gave Dozer
He was so lucky to have you
remember the happy times
big hugs to you
Such beautiful words Nagi, my heart is broken for you. That painful sadness of losing a member of our fur family is really rough. Thank you for sharing Dozer’s life with us, your bond with him and memories will remain forever. Virtual hugs ❤️🩹
Nagi sending all my positive thoughts to you. I had to put my 14 year old cat to sleep yesterday so I’m broken hearted for you & me. Remembering them with love
Nagi, I was sobbing as I was reading your beautiful tribute to Dozer! Remember the beautiful life he has had along your side. He couldn’t have had a better mum! Thinking of you xx
I’m sorry for your loss. Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts forever!
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us over the years. Condolences to you an all of yours & Dozers extended family, from Christchurch, New Zealand. You will be so so missed Dozer 😢 at least we all had the opportunity to share your life ❤️ 🙏 ♥️
Nagi, I’m so sorry for the loss of Dozer. Your loving bond is something to treasure. I treasure mine. These bonds never fade.
Sending you hugs. The pain is devastating but it is the flipside of the great love you shared. Hope you will welcome another fur baby into your heart in the future.
Dozier You will be so so so missed! My heart is aching for you Naggi. You will see him again one day. Fly high our sweet sweet Dozier thank you for being here
How do you manage to spell both Nagi and Dozer’s names incorrectly?
I am so very sorry to hear about Dozer. It is so hard to lose someone we love so dearly. Sending peace and love from Michigan USA.
My heart is breaking. Lost my baby last year. Thinking so much of you.
I feel your heartbreak Nagi. Dozer knew he was loved and your constant presence will have given him comfort. The last thing he heard was the sound of the voice he loved the most. The last thing he felt was your loving embrace.
You will able to move on and I hope have room in your life for another dog.
Kia kaha
One of the ironies of life is that the most painful grief stems from the greatest of love. Know that Dozer’s spirit will always be with you and that you will always have his love. His love was unconditional in life and it continues on unabated and unconditional. His love was his first, his final, and his everlasting blessing to you. And yours to him.
Wow I cannot stop crying too,,I have been through this so many times with my own German Shepherds and around 30 cats,,the Love you share with your Loved animals is so special,,something that no human can give you that devoted Love,, as you get older the heartache is still there but bareable,,I learn’t especially with dogs to get a puppy when your current dog is older..Your older dog loves having a young playmate to enjoy and you to cuddle when it comes to this time,,I can see Dozer up there with Jesus running around with his new doggy friends chasing the butterflys and other beautiful creatures in Heaven,,he’s Renewed and forever Painfree ,,Loving Heaven ..Lots of Love and Hugs to you Nagi a beautiful women that we all have the privilege to know via the internet. Kind Wishes from Lynn in Christchurch New Zealand..
Remember your Dozer keep him in your heart he will always love you and inspire the goodness in many