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
With deepest sympathy, Nagi. I loved reading your Dozer updates and seeing him in photos and videos. He is who made you who you are, and you will love again one day as that is what Dozer would want. The memories you created together will live forever in your heart. Such a good mum. Such an incredible fur baby. Take care of yourself as you continue to grieve. Thinking of you.
I’m so sorry . Your words of love were so endearing, I’m sure Dozer felt them in the heavenly air. You gave him a great life. You were the best friend a dog could ever hope for.
I’ve cried all the tears – my heart breaks for you.
Lovely words and beautiful pictures of the life you shared together.
Much love xx
Much love for you both xc
No words only tears. So sorry for your loss. He has crossed Rainbow Bridge and you will meet again. There is no love like the love we get from our fur babies, so deep and pure. 🩵
I am so sorry for your loss. Glad you were able to be by his side (and so was he). We love at the risk of heartbreak, and it’s so worth it. Sending condolences and praying for you in this extraordinarily difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear your beautiful friend has gone now. I’m here sobbing my heart out for you. Be strong.
I’m so sad to hear about our friend Dozier. About your ago I had to also say goodbye to our family member, blue. He was such a wonderful dog. They bring you so much happiness while they’re here but when they leave, it’s devastating. You are in our prayers.
Here I am in BC Canada crying along with you. Dozer was a very special boy who brought joy to many. Thank you for sharing him with us. Sending big hugs at such a difficult time.
❤️🩹😌🐾💫 The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge . When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here , your 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 friends are warm and comfortable . All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and strength , those who were hurt are made better and strong again , like we remember them before they go to heaven . They 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 shining , his body shakes . Suddenly he begins to run from the herd , rushing over the grass , his legs carrying him faster and faster , and when you and your special friend finally meet , you cuddle in a happy hug never to be apart again . You and your pet are in tears . Your hands again cuddle his head and you look again into his trusting eyes , so long gone from life , but never absent from your heart , and then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together .
Thank you, Nagi, for allowing us to your journey with Dozer. It lifted many of us on the tough days and even gave us hope. May we do the same for you, going forward.
I am so deeply sorry.
My heart goes out to you and your loss of your lovely, sweet Dozer. He will be missed by all
So sorry Dozer has left you,remember always you gave him the best life
Recently we lost our 3 year old Aussie terrier Keeper to a brain tumour.
However he will always be with us ,our car has Keeper plates ,all the door stops are dogs with his name attached and photos all over
Kindest regards.
Mike &Jennifer
♥️😢 so sorry to hear that you have lost your beautiful boy Nagi.
So sorry Dozer has left you,remember always you gave him the best life
Recently we lost our 3 year old Aussie terrier Keeper to a brain tumour.
However he will always be with us ,our car has Keeper plates ,all the door stops are dogs with his name attached and photos all over
Kindest regards.
Mike &Jennifer
Sending so much love and strength, Nagi xxx
Sitting here in Central Texas and crying my eyes out. I so loved seeing Dozer and you in all your posts. Not gonna lie, i always scrolled down to the Dozer section first before looking at your recipe. Hugs to you, and thinking of you and Dozer today and always.. ♥
I too am weeping, reading your loving words and looking at Dozer’s handsome face.He was a very lucky boy to hae such a loving, caring, special companion to share his life with.
Your tears will fade at some point but the memories of how special your time together was never will.
More than 30 years after the passing of my beautiful St Bernard, Samantha, I still think about her and feel the hole in my heart she left behind.
Allow yourself the tears and memories. dozer will always be a part of your heart.
Its heartbreaking 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔