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 lost my last dog a year or two ago, so I know what you are going through…thoughts and prayers to you…
*****
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Gorgeous. Thank you
My deepest condolences for your loss of your beloved Dozer. Losing our pets is one of the hardest things in life. Your memories will make you smile again when you think of him!
My heart goes out to you Nagi x
What a beautiful boy! He looked so happy and so well loved. Take care and be gentle with your heart as you recover. Thank you for sharing with us.
Dozer didn’t need to hear you say those things. He knew them and felt them because you were with him and loved him through it all. Hugs.
All my thoughts are with you and Dozer.
The pain of losing a furbaby is always a struggle, but losing your soul animal is something that takes a long time to come to grips with.
Sending you strength and love during such a difficult time. Just remember, Dozer is not gone, he is simply on the other side of the bridge waiting for you to cross and then you will be together again.
Dear Nagi, we were so sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing and send our love and sympathy to you. You were both very lucky to have each other and a wonderful life together. It was evident how much Dozer was cherished and thankyou for sharing him with us. Know that Dozer is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge ❤️
your recipe is helping me a lot, cooking is made easy with tasty results thank so much
So sorry to hear about Dozer. It’s clear after reading your letter to him, he was loved by you so much❤️ he was so lucky to have you as his best friend. 🥹
Nagi,
Thank you for sharing your heart. The good ones always take a piece of our heart with them.
Hugs and prayers from Idaho, USA
I am so sorry Nagi! He was such a darling dog! I loved watching Dozer in all the videos! He reminded me of my sweet Yellow Labrador that we had to put down 20 years ago. My prayers are with you! It is so heartbreaking to lose a family member!
Sorry for your loss of your woffy 🐾😇
Love your recipes I cook for a families every week so I look to yours every time
Delicious easy and healthy
Take care of you
Patsy 💋❤️🌺🌺
Tears streaming down my face I read your moving farewell to your beloved Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us over the years, our hearts go out to you, Sue and Pat the Dog
Dearest Nagji,
My heart is broken for you. Just know that Dozer is waiting for you by the rainbow bridge. Thank you for sharing him with us through the years. He was amazing, as are you..
He will always be part of you, and he will be remembered in all our hearts.
Goodbye Sweet Dozer
My heartfelt sympathy Nagi.
As I read your beautiful words to Dozer tears are rolling down .
He gave you so much joy and you gave him the best life and love.
Time will heal but Dozer will remain forever in your heart.❤💕
Nagi, Thank you for sharing your never-ending love, your laughs & your tears. I shared both with you over the years & today, especially the tears.
Time will make this better, but trust me, you will never forget Dozer & the love you had for each other…ever.
I was sorry to hear about your lovely dog. I am crying right now. I always enjoyed seeing both of your pictures. My dog is lying next to me right now. Just keep thinking about all the loving times you had together. He will never leave your heart and thoughts.
Nagi, I’m sitting here reading your post and crying my eye’s out. I feel your loss and know how hard it is to say goodbye to our furs and especially Dozer as everyone loved him but most of all YOU. Thinking of you at this very sad time, treasure the memories, take care xoxo
Ohh Nagi, I’m so sorry about Dozer.