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
Nagi, I’ve often written of how everybody loves Dozer, but this is the most important message and I hope you read it.
Dozer is still with you in spirit — you can’t see him, but he is there. I have seen the spirits of almost all of my pets who have passed and this is real. You will probably hear or see him if you haven’t already. Much love from our home to you and yes, still to Dozer.
Dear Nagi,
My heart goes out to you. We will all miss the pictures of Dozer on your posts. We will all hug our fur baby besties a little tighter today and think of you. Hugs from Chantal & Snoopy in Alberta, Canada ❤️🩹
I’ve been where you are now Nagi. My heart is breaking for you. I will miss stories and pictures of Dozer. I never met you Dozer, but, I will miss you. Sleep in Peace my furry friend!
I’m very sorry for your loss, Nagi. Everyone of us knows how much you loved Dozer and how much he loved you! We are going to miss him too! The happy pictures of him!!!
My heart aches for you. Intense grief can make you feel as if your deep love suddenly has no where to go, like a butterfly in a little box, and your insides get replaced with hollowness. I’ve been there too, and I empathize with every fiber of my being.
I saw a Winnie-the-Pooh cartoon once where Rabbit says to him: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” We have to hold on to that, don’t we? You have my heartfelt sympathy and empathy.
I loved your tribute and thank you to your beloved Dozer. So relatable! Loved your posts featuring him, looked forward to it, and you can still put in photos of him, as he is still with us in spirit(not diminishing the heartbreak you have right now)
I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. Your letter to him was such a loving tribute to you both. He was your baby. 💙
I’m so sorry for your deep loss. 🩷
Dear Nagi, I am so sorry about your loss of your beloved Dozer. He was a true friend and companion. He will wait for you on the Rainbow Bridge.
With love,
Tatiana
I lost 2 beloved dogs in 2025. I believe we will be reunited with our pets again. They will be there waiting for us in heaven. That helps me feel better.
heartbroken for you
Thank Yu for sharing Dozer with us.
There are things only Nagi understand I get it and my heart aches for you.
Sending you strength & Love.
I’m so sorry for you Nagi I know how much it hurts. But, Dozer really lived the best life a dog could have. With a mom that has given him more than he needed. He’s finally no longer struggling and at peace. I feel for both of you, it’s heartbreaking.
I know I’m going to miss your updates of the big lug.
My Love & Hug to you Nagi. Dozer will always be by your side and heart. May the Lord Bless you with Peace during this time of grief.
So very sorry for your loss. Lots of hugs going your way.
Dear Nagi I have tears streaming down when I read about Dozer you beautiful boy. He is in heaven and will always be looking down at you in love and be by your side. RIP Dozer from Canada
One of the first things I would do when I read your blog was to see what Dozer was up to. Having being blessed by the love of a dog I know that their is no words to describe your pain. What he meant to you, you meant to him. Keep him alive in your heart and I am sure at some point your paths will cross again for love is eternal and you will carry on together. You and he are in my prayers
Sorry to hear about Dozer. I looked forward to your emails and news about things he was doing. It’s hard to lose a close member of the family. My condolences.
Hugs to you Nagi. I just lost my soulmate Tasha 1 week ago today that she passed over to the Rainbow Bridge. She was my 15 year old cat that was my soulmate, so I know how you feel. You gave Dozer a wonderful life. He gave you beautiful memories.
Those of us across the world who have followed you and Dozer from the beginning join you in your loss and grief. We will remember him and know he will always be at your side and in your heart. As he is in ours.