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 to read about your final goodbye. You did your best for him, as did SASH
Dearest Nagi. Like so many others I feel your pain and have oh so many times. Our fur babies love us unconditionally and as their love is unbreakable our pain is unbearable when they cross the rainbow bridge. Dozer had a wonderful life with you but sadly his time had come to leave. The pain will never stop. I still cry over all my losses at the anniversary of their crossing but those that leave us are always in our hearts as everyone will tell you. The memories will always make you sad but you will be so happy you have them. My heart, as does many others, go out to you. Sleep peacefully Dozer until you wake on the other side.
Oh Dear Nagi,
I’ve been where you are and I can’t express how deeply I feel for your loss. It really is unbearable…but the only thing that would solve this would be to never have had Dozer at all, which of course is never an option. It does eventually get liveable but you never ever forget how much love you shared. Your’s and Doze’s love was so obvious it made everyone feel it loved. i wish there was something we could all do for you. What’s really wonderful is how much time you spent with him. Me too, with my Bud, so you know you got as many precious moments together as possible.
You have a champion angel watching over you. I hope you can smile again soon.
Thinking of you and Dozer.
Thank you for giving Dozer such a wonderful, loving home. I wish you love and peace as you remember him.
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your precious Dozer,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know he was so very special to you! I hope you find comfort in knowing you gave him the best life and one day soon your memories will make you smile.
My heart hurts for you. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts. Healing thoughts and lots of virtual hugs from me to you Nagi🙏💕
Tears are falling around the world for your loss. It is such a terrible thing to lose your best buddy. Hang on to the memories and he will be watching over you until you meet again.
It’s is do hard to lose our Furbabies. My heart breaks for you. Dozer was a great companion to you as you were to him. Remember the LOVE and FUN TIMES. They will be with you forever. RIP dear DOZER. 🐾❤️🐾
Dearest Nagi:
I’m so sad to learn about Dozer’s passing. Sweet angel! Our pets are our family. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
I will miss your stories Dozer. Wow what a life you have had! One lucky dog miss you.
Rest in peace beautiful Dozer
Mum gave you a wonderful life.
Also you gave her the same.
You are swimming on the waves!
I will miss you so much and I love you and Mum.
My heart breaks with yours…I know my day is coming with my two fur loves and have cried many tears over the ones before them. Dozer loves you and will want you to find another furbaby to love you until you see him again. Dozer is not alone…a new adventure awaits as he meets fur friends at the bridge…my husband John will be there to scratch behind his ears and tell him he’s a good boy…Love you Nagi…Dozer will always live in your heart…Sending you hugs…Susan
Dear Nagi, only those who have known the love of a pet will get how distraught you feel on losing your beloved Dozer. Your tribute to him says it all. Your dog’s unconditional love is unparalleled and I know the loss of his love and presence is like no other. In time you’ll be able to look at photos of him with joy, and you’ll remember and even laugh at the good times, although always tinged with a little sadness. This is the price of love but I’d pay it a million times over in the case of my own dog Kai who I had for nearly 17 years . Though losing him was one of the biggest losses I faced (even more than some humans!) I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved. Take care of yourself Nagi. This will take time. Sending you love from Ireland x
Nagi, I’m so sorry about Dozer. Your tribute to him was wonderful and you were such a good mom to him. He’s running on the beaches and eating treats in heaven now. I’m so sorry for your loss!
Precious Nagi… I feel like he was my Dozer that passed and my heart is breaking for you. Through your words and pictures, I knew your boy and so loved who he was and who he was to, and for, you. May our collective prayers bring you peace as you start a new journey in life without him by your side. God speed, sweet Dozer…
Hi, Nagi!. I know & feel your pain of letting & saying good bye to your best friend. I don’t know the circumstances with Dozer. Sable was 15. I saw that her way of life wasn’t the way I would want my life to be. She was deaf, Almost completely blind. This was no way for a dog to live by. Also very frail. it’s ok to never forget but the pain will subside eventually, well almost You’l always feel the loss of your best friend. Forgive yourself for crying cause Dozer is looking down at you saying she was my best friend tooooo…
I am just sobbing now. I understand the love we share with our furry friends and I loved watching you And Dozer for the last few years. My heart goes out to you now for his loss. I am so so so sorry. We all loved him.
So sorry for your loss. The only time they break our hearts is when they leave.
Dear Nagi – I send you my deepest condolences. Dozer was your world, your everything. I know that feeling very, very well. I hope you find peace and comfort when your heart begins to heal. May his memory be a blessing to you always. D.J.