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 so sorry, I know it hurts so much to lose your best boy…..sending you love ,❤️🙏🏻🤗. All my love, Gini xx
When you can, please tell us if there is an animal charity to which you would like people to donate in memory of Dozer.
My heart is breaking for you and your loss of Dozer.
Anyone can see how much you loved him.
The pain of his passing will stay with you for a while, but in time will lessen and you will be able to remember the good times and know that he had a wonderful life and a ‘Mum’ that loved him deeply.
Look after yourself, and remember that a great many people are holding you in their hearts at this sad time.
Sending hugs Nagi. Our furry friends are part of our family and they love us as fiercly as we love them. Part of that love is letting them go but Gosh it hurts. Be grateful for every moment you had with Dozer and in time you will smile with him again. Be at peace Dozer. xxxxx
RIP Dozer 😢😭😭😭😭🌈💔💔💔My heart 💚💛💙goes out to your mum and family..
Sending you love, Nagi. Thanks for sharing your beautiful boy with us.
I, along with about a bazillion other people want to thank you for sharing Dozer with us. I do confess that while I usually read the fine recipes, I ALWAYS checked to see how You and Dozer were doing. Blessings on his memory and all the many ways you touched our lives through sharing him with all of us.
Dear Nagi, I have been cooking your recipes for over a year! I lost my Isabel Flufferton a year and a half ago and was at a complete loss, beyond devastated. Your recipes helped me move on with a new interest! I have not gotten a new dog as no one could replace Isabel. I feel your pain losing Dozer and I’m so sad for you. I hope you find a light to help you move forward. My thoughts are with you! Thank you for all you do, your passion is deeply appreciated!
God bless you and your family on the loss of Dozer.
To dear Nagi, sometimes I think it might be even harder to say goodbye to a fur baby when they pass over the rainbow bridge than 2 legfed loved ones. Our fur babies are so totally reliant on their pawrents and to know that they can’t live as long as us, and with us, is the worst thing in the world. I think a lot of your fans love animals as much as you do and we can all see what a beautiful life you gave Dozer and what a beautiful gift he was to you. It takes a long time to heal from the grief that envelops you but it will get easier. You’ll never forget how he made you feel, but it will become easier with time and he’ll always be with you in spirit. My children and I have shed many tears for you because we know the heartbreak of losing a fur baby too. It still shatters me sometimes almost 10 years later. You’re in everyone’s thoughts. Much love to you and RIP Dozer. ❤️🐾💐
I’m crying so hard I can barely write. We have had so many beloved dogs in the past, that I know exactly how you feel….
I’m so sorry
Losing a furry family member cuts deep. I said goodbye to my Jess, a kelpie lab x, in 2005 aged 14.5. Would you believe I’m not fully over it so stick to fish. Hugs to you.
I’m beyond sad and broken hearted for you Nagi-I can’t stop crying-I loved Dozer’s updates in your blog. RIP Dozer 🙏
Stride for stride with your love and memories,
He runs on a long shore,
Scattering gulls to a summer sky.
My deepest condolences on the loss of beautiful Dozer. He knew he was so deeply loved and he will continue to watch over you from his heavely home. God Bless and take care.
Nagi, I am crying as I read this. I hope Dozer in his next life will go on to bring so much more joy to someone else who needs it.
Dear Nagi, I am so saddened by the death of your beautiful boy. Know that my prayers are with you….. Jill
Dear Nagi
So very sorry for the loss of your lovly furry companion.., I can feel a bit of your pain as I lost my furry baby too.. it is devastating and seems unreal.. itvis the littlecthings Dozer did which will make you smile through your tears.. He deserved the best and got you as his mom. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. Take heart and find strength my friend.. crying with you ❤️
She very sorry to hear about Dozer. The two of you in photos each month was beautiful to see, aside from him being such a beautiful did. His eyes just got me!
What a heart warming farewell letter you wrote. So sobs will come and go for a long time yet. You need to take care of yourself now as you mourn the loss of your beloved Dozer. The community is thinking of you. 💕💕💕
Dear Nagi, I feel your pain so deeply, that I have tears running down my face. Sweet, sweet Dozer knew how much you loved him and how much he loved you. God bless you both and take care of yourself sweet Nagi.