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
So sad for you Nagi.
He had a beautiful life.
God bless.
My deepest condolences! What a beautiful dog Dozer was and how lucky you both were to experience such unconditional love. Even reading your post all the way from Los Angeles, and never having met Dozer in person, I can feel the love. Much love and strength!
So very sad to hear your news. His spirit will always be with you and you gace him an amazing life. Rest playfully Dozer. ❤️🩹
I am so sorry, Nagi. Dozer bought joy to so many, including me. Sending you lots of love.
My sincere condolences to you. I say this as I too wipe away tears. What a beautiful life you shared together, and the joyous moments will be forever etched in your soul. I’m sure he will be watching over you from above with love and happiness for the life you shared, until you meet again. Rest easy Dozer 💕
Dear Nagi,
The pain will eventually become sacred memories, and the love never goes away; that is their gift to us.
This poem brings me a little bit of comfort and I know we all grieve differently but often the most healing thing for a broken heart is another furry neck to cry into.
Before I go
Before I Go
Before I grow too frail and weak,
And all that’s left is peace in sleep.
I know you’ll do what must be done
To end this fight that can’t be won.
I don’t fear death as humans do,
So let me try to comfort you.
Come, let’s take a quiet stroll
And share some time, soul to soul.
No need for words ‘tween you and I,
No need to say a last Good-bye.
We’ve grown so close in mind and heart,
It seems so cruel that we must part.
Be sure I’ll sense the pain you’ll feel,
Without me walking at your heel.
The days will seem full of despair,
Your “Sunshine” simply won’t be there.
In time the pain will slowly wane,
You’ll think of me and smile again.
Now take me where my needs they’ll tend
And stay with me until the end.
Hold me close with soft Good-byes
Until life’s bright light has left my eyes.
The final sound I need to hear
Is your soft voice upon my ear.
Your loving face will fade and dim
As the rush of heaven closes in.
And when you start your journey home,
I’ll be right behind, you are not alone.
Anon.
I cried when I heard the sad news of Dozer passed away. I know how u feel, unfortunately I experienced that pain more than once. The loss never fade only it gets easier to bare
Such a heartfelt poem I am sitting here having read Nagi’s post with tears rolling down my face and can only imagine the grief she must be feeling.
Dozer was a beautiful soul and had the best life with his loving mum.
I cried when I heard the sad news of Dozer passed away. I know how u feel, unfortunately I experienced that pain more than once. The loss never fade only it gets easier to bare
I’m sorry to hear that you have lost your Dozer, Nagi. What wonderful memories you have of him though, to get you through the hard times.
Truly sorry and heartbreaking to hear the loss of Dozer .
We loved to see and hear of all his updates…
Take care Nagi ❤️❤️.. we grieve with you .. what a precious companion he was to you ! Much love and hugs ..
Can’t stop shedding a year with you God bless and thinking of you
Sending so much love Nagi. The kitchen won’t be the same without its golden shadow, but Dozer’s legacy is baked into everything you do. Wishing you peace as your sadness slowly turns into gratitude for a life so well-loved. He was truly the world’s most cherished taste-tester.
Nagi, we don’t know each other but I felt your pain upon reading of your dear puppa. I find it hard to think about. I felt comforted in your Ode to Dozer when you said Thank you. That’s all we can do for our beloved pets after they go. They are so so important and give themselves so so freely. I send this with great sympathy to you dear Nagi. We don’t know each other but I feel a smidgeon of your pain.
i’m so so so very sorry for your loss :'(
You both were part of my life the last few years while i tried your wonderful recipes and watched your beautiful loving relationship with your Dozer
My sincere condolences.
I feel your pain Nagi, I have been through this 3 times. The hurt never leaves us. I try to remember all the fun and love. God Bless, Dozer, run free darling.xxxx
Dear Nagi,
Those of us who have lost a loving dog know the unbearable pain you’re feeeling. You will hurt for a long time, and then there will come a day when you will remember Dozer tears in your heart but a smile on your face. Deepest condolences and may you heal well.
I’m so sorry – it’s the absolute worst to lose your fur baby ❤️❤️
Nagi, I’m writing through my tears too. As a dog lover myself I felt the love you shared with Dozer. He was so so special. You were the very best mum. Grieve and be at peace. Sending hugs.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer. Sending you love and positive energy.
Dear Nagi – For those of us who have loved and lost dogs, and I’ve lost seven in my lifetime, the heartache–and I say this with all honesty–can be greater than what we feel for another human. Why? For all the reasons you loved Dozer, and for the faithful, unconditional love he devoted to you…which, by the way, had little to do with the delicious treats you couldn’t resist letting him enjoy! It takes time and you think you’ll never quite recover, but you will–and you’ll smile and feel the warmth of Dozer’s spirit forever. Thinking of you!