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
My heart goes out to you. The love of a dog is given unconditionally. It is very special. It is unlike anything else. Know that Dozer loved you with all of his being.
Dear Nagi
So very sad for you
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. We fellow dog lovers totally get what you’re going through right now. It was always so lovely to see him in your books and online posts. Not only were you blessed to have such a devoted companion, but he was equally blessed to have your love. Take care Nagi .
He had the best life. I feel for you
😔 My heart hurts for you. I wish our pets could live as long as we do. ❤
Immense, heartfelt love to you as you remember your wonderful times with Dozer which will be with you forever.
Dear Nagi, I am truly sorry for your loss of your gorgeous boy, Dozer. Just heartbreaking when they leave, their time with us is never long enough 💔 Dozer will be on that beach at the bridge, where he will wait till you meet again 🌈
Sending hugs n love to you Nagi, may your angel Dozer, visit spiritually and be forever in your dreams. What a wonderful life you both shared 🐾🏖️🪽xx Kelly & Ralph
Dear Nagi, the price of love is this.
Dozer was a very lucky dog to have found you, he had the best mum.
“I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart) by e.e. cummings
We are all so sad he has gone but so glad he was here.💋💋
💔 when you lose a child it is hard,but every morning think of one beautiful memory and hold on to it.🩷❤️💙💜
I feel your loss having lost one I loved as much. All dogs go to heaven so Dozer must be playing with my Buddy.
I am so sorry to hear Dozer passed. I know he was your comfort and your buddy. It is so hard to lose our furbabies especially when they have been with you for such a long time. I am sure you have many wonderful memories you will hold on to.
We too have an old girl dealing with some health issues and worry everyday that she will be gone . She is my hubby’s girl. We lost her sister a few years back to cancer. It was heartwrenching for me because it was my girl.
I know it will take time to heal. I cried when I read Dozer was sick and I cried again when you lost him. What a wonderful tribute you gave. May all your memories bring happy thoughts to your heart . Warmest Regards, Emma
SO SO many hugs xxx
I’m crying with you. So so sorry for your loss 😭
Nagi you brought tears to my eyes. We know how much you loved Dozer but only time will heal your broken heart. You are amazing.
So very sorry. It’s so hard.
Grief is the price that we pay for love, and our fur babies leave an indelible mark on our hearts and our lives. It was extraordinarily clear how much you loved Dozer. Rest in peace Dozer. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Nagi, since I’ve signed up to your website I have loved Dozer so much. A wonderful golden dog. My heart feels for you as the loss of a pet is never easy. 🥰
Oh Nagi, I know what a huge hole Dozer’s death has left in your heart and how much pain you are suffering right now. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a beloved animal and they wheedle their way into our lives so nothing ever feels the same when they are gone. What a wonderful life you had together and Dozer died knowing how loved and protected he had been since you came into his life. My heart breaks for you.
I am crying with you… and for the dogs I have lost, and thinking about my current dog leaving one day. Their love is so special, and it is so incredibly hard to lose them. Thinking of you! Be patient, it will be a very long time before things will feel a little better.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us!