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
Hi,
It makes me sad to read that Dozer is no longer with you. Reading your post made me cry. Thank you for sharing all times you spent with him through the years. I always looked forward to seeing what he’s been up to. You were a great loving mama.
My heart goes out to you at this time. I believe we will see our loved ones again! Dozer won’t want you to be unhappy for too long. So go through this as best you can and then live for Dozer! Take care! Maureen
My heart feels your deep loss. Let us now celebrate the wonderful life you both had together. Rest in peace Dozer ❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are so generous with their love and loyalty. I’m glad you could be there with him from beginning to end.
He was as much a part of our love for you, as you are. We Nagi-ites have been hooked by Dozer’s love of you and your cooking because it reminded us of our own. Big hug to you from SoFla and to Dozer in doggie heaven. So sorry for your loss. RIP Dozer.
God Bless You AND Dozer. Always.
Dearest Nagi, I am so sorry for Dozer’s illness and your pain in having to release him to go to his bliss. I am mourning along with you. I loved him too. He was such a GIFT! He blessed you and the world with his presence and his beautiful heart. I am saying prayers for Dozer and for you. I asked all of my departed pets to find Dozer, show him around, play with him, and to make sure he has fun. You will see your Baby again. In the meantime, know he will NEVER really leave you. He will love you forever and he is always, always by your side – loving you and protecting you. You will feel his spirit with you. So continue to talk with him. He will do his best to help you feel him there. Here’s something to smile about – now Dozer can fly! I love you, Nagi.
Nagi: we are share in the sadness and heartbreak of Dozer passing. Our pets are here for a short time but they definitely leave many pawprints in our hearts & minds forever. Take care.
Love and strength Nagi! I’ll miss Dozer too even though I just knew him through the lovely stories under each recipe.
Dear Nagi,
Dozer was an exceptional dog, and you were lucky to have him. Thank you for sharing him with us. For Dozer, it was heaven being with you while he was on this earth.
So sorry for your loss….
Kazzie
I am so sorry for you. We lost our dog 6 years ago and I still tear up thinking about her. I pray that you can always enjoy your many wonderful memories, have peace knowing you were a great “dog mom” and that, in time, there will be another puppy who looks at you with all the same kind of love that Dozer gave. God bless.
I started reading your posts when I saw you with your fur baby. I loved hearing about the Mischief he was getting into. Your love for each other reflects in everything you do. I know that you will meet again as you’re soulmates. He is watching over you now wondering what new tasty treat his mama is making now and how to pinch some of it.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Nagi. I’ve followed your blog for a while now & always look forward to seeing pics of your sweet boy. May your memories of him forever comfort you.
You two are blessed to have one another! I’m crying with you. Dozer is no longer in physical pain although it will take some time for you. Hang in there. Remember all the blessings that Dozer brought into your life so those tears are good tears. Sending virtual hugsss to you!
Thank you for writing and sharing your deeply felt tribute to Dozer. He was blessed to be part of your life, just as you were immeasurably enriched to share yours with him. Blessings from Idaho and prayers for this time of grieving to pass kindly.
I am so sorry Nagi
You are a generous soul and Dozer was sent from Heaven to join you
The love you shared with your faithful loyal companion produces more oxytocin than any other bond
But the price of love is grief as the Queen said
Dozer is released from his suffering
And is with you in spirit from his Heavenly realm
Go quietly until your heart begins to heal
Janet
Nagi, I’m so saddened to read of the loss of your Dozer. You were the best Mum to your sweet boy.
You were blessed to have him in your life. May Dozer RIP 🙏🏻💕
The pain of them leaving is so fierce it makes it difficult to breathe, but the gift they gives us again and again means over time when the pain starts to dim, the love and memories they left in our hearts becomes even more dear and can lift us up for the rest of our lives!
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing spectacular Dozer with us. I just lost my 19 year old special kitty and the pain is real.
I so loved your segments about Dozer – I had a Golden, Abby for 8 years and then she couldn’t walk one morning…Nagi, I will pray that your heart will heal over time.