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
Feeling sorry for you Nagi, my dog is also my best friend my soulmate.
RIP dear Dozer 🫶🏻🐾
So very sorry to hear about
Dozer.
I am so sorry
I was 18 when I lost my first fur-baby. She was 17 and we’d been together for 15 years. I still remember the day my family picked her up as well as many other days significant to us. So many beautiful memories. And of course that last sad memory. I think I know pretty much how you’re feeling. Commiserations Nagi, there is nothing any of us can say to make this any easier for you. Eventually you’ll be able to look at your photos without bawling your eyes out. Until then be consoled knowing he loved you just as much as you loved him.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lean into the grief which is the love you shared. Let people take care of you as you travel this journey.
I am so sorry Nagi. He loved you too, and you made a great life for him.
The death of a pet is one of the hardest to bear. They are our constant, loyal, loving companions and the loss is great. Sending lots of love and hugs from Canada.
Dear Nagi,
As I read your amazing tribute to Dozer, I was struck by all the love and loyalty he gave you without fail mirrored what you gave him also without fail. Thank you for sharing your love for each other with all of us.
lovingly yours,
Shelagh
I lost my dog a few months ago, and still feel guilty. He had a good life, but we want them to never get sick or old. You gave Dozer so much love.
Hugs💕🦋🌹
Losing any life is sad! I feel your devastation. I thank your Dozer for supporting you to be who you are. He enabled you to give to us. He was really something else! RIP!
I am so so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with us. Your love for him was obvious and you could tell he loved you back just as much! Praying for you during this rough time. Sending you hugs across the world. ❤️ 🐾
Oh my heart breaks for you Nagi 😢. Dogs give so much unconditional love and take a piece of us when they pass on. I am sure Dozer knew how much he was loved by you.
Deepest sympathy
Thank you for being dozars mum my heart breaks its 5 in the morning as I read this tears rolling down my face I know how you feel thank you for sharing your memories and for being dozars mum
Dozer was one of the special ones. I can feel your grief and absolute pain. Nothing can prepare you.
Knowing that Dozer’s life with you was exceptional. and that you were with him to the end would have bought much comfort to him
I asked my beloved dog for a sign, a few days after she died, as I simply couldn’t have gone on and she sent one that was so extraordinary, it so confirmed she was okay. It was 30 years ago now, and to this day I still can’t listen to Brown eyed Girl without crying. I miss her, but I know she is okay.
You have had the privilege of a very special dog, and he a wonderful loving caring owner. He had wonderful experiences, and lived such a full life. Try to remember what an exceptional time he had. x
Dear Nagi,
I totally understand the love that you and Dozer had for each other.
Our pets bring such joy to our lives and we animal lovers give them so much of our hearts in return.
It really hurts to lose them and it is terribly difficult to have to say goodbye. Our hearts feel like they are being torn out and broken into pieces. Big hug to you and to Dozer too as he finds Oceans to romp in as he travels in spirit xo
Grief is the price we pay for loving, and being loved, unconditionally 💦🩵 Vale Dozer 🐾
Nagi, your love for Dozer could not have been any stronger. The proof in that is by the fact that your sweet boy gave you almost 14 years of his unconditional love. And I have no doubt that you gave yours back in return. You both were very lucky that you had each other. I understand how you feel though when you had things you wanted to say that didn’t get said. Two years ago we lost our precious girl and to this day. I still hope she knows how much I loved her. Give yourself time to grieve. As time goes by you will have times that thinking of Dozer will make you smile and times you will cry, but that’s okay because it will just show that he will always have a very special place in your heart. I wish all dogs could be loved as much as Dozer was. I am hoping that the dozer section on each of your recipes remains in place because it did bring joy to so many of us and right now, we might shed tears when we see it. It is still heartwarming to see what a happy dog he was. And I think we all need a little Dozer in our life. 🤗❤️
What a beautiful tribute to a sweet boy. Thank you for sharing it. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I signed up for your emails because of Dozer. We had recently lost our 12 y/o GSD and had decided not to get another dog as seniors. Dozer helped me deal with my grief over Chester plus, I got access to many great recipes. What a win, win situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will miss you , Dozer! RIP