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 read your story about Dozer & it brought tears to my eyes.
Dogs are always there for you; a love that never dies. Totally reliable & always there for you. Unlike a lot of people!
My heart hurts for you.
Dozer had a great life.
XO
So-o-o sorry to hear of dozer’s passing !! I know, they can rip our hearts out. 😔💔, bless u girl, time will heal,, promise. 👍😃
Dear Nagi, feeling the weight of your love and your grief for the loss of your special boy Dozer. Hoping for sunnier days ahead.
My heart aches for you and the loss of Dozer. The pain never goes away, but all the wonderful memories will always live. We lost one our dogs and cats within 3 weeks of each other. It’s been a little over a year and it still hurts. May all the memories bring back your smiles.
I only just found out about Dozer’s passing on reddit this morning, and all I can say is I’m so sorry for your loss. Our pets are as much family and people are.
Dozer will always be remembered here and he brought joy to SO MANY people everywhere.
Lots of love from Adelaide,
Lisa
Dear Nagi, sharing your pain and sadness..Dozer had the best mom and food any pup could hope for. Thank you for your recipes .. sending love and hugs from Tiny On CA
We said goodbye to our 14 year old chocolate lab on February first. Sending you love and healing. 💕
I just wanted to say I’ve been following your website for years. Your website is the site that taught me how to cook. And I’ve been enjoying reading about Dozer with each of your many recipes.
My deepest condolences to the loss of your beloved furbaby.
Hi Nagi,
I’m so sorry for your loss of your (pet) baby. As soon as I saw ‘in memory of Dozer’ I started crying.
I feel your pain, but know that things will get better in time.
Lots of love,
Malini 💚
My greatest condolences Nagi, I am very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing you Dozer love with all of us. Take care
You loved him and he loved you back, every day, every hour, every minute and every second for 14 years. Nothing will ever change that, not even this parting.
Stay safe in your healing, he’s right beside you. ❤️🌹
Nagi, my heart breaks for you knowing the pain you are feeling. Dozer had the best mum in the world and the life you gave him was as special to him as it was to you. Your tears will turn to smiles of happy memories. Sending you love, hugs and peace from Scotland xxxx
It was heartbreaking to find out that Dozer passed. I broke down and cried after find out this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. You were both so lucky to have each other. Dozer could not have found a better owner. RIP dear Dozer.
Nagi, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I hope your memories of your beautiful Dozer help comfort you through the difficult days ahead. Your loss is profound – people will tell you how to grieve. Ignore them & follow your heart. Sending love from Wisconsin.
Omg I am crying like Dozer was my boy. I can feel your pain, Nagi but we know he has crossed the rainbow bridge and now he doesn’t suffer anymore. He loved you so so much. You were an incredible mom.
I’am sorry for the loss of your beloved dog
I’m confident that one day I won’t have to cry every time I see pictures of you. And I am aware that all of this suffering I am going through is a result of my intense and total love for you, and I wouldn’t swap it for a moment I could spend with you.
Oh sweet Dozer, you are watching down on us, sending so much love to you Nagi ❤️ feels like we all grew up with Dozer through your updates
Nagi, the pain of losing your heart dog is almost too much to bear. I get it – I lost my Daisy two years ago, and am still not fully over it – but in some ways I don’t really want to be.
You should comfort yourself with the knowledge of the loved, loving life you shared. That was your gift to Dozer, and his to you. Take care.