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, Thank you for sharing your sorrow with us. This is a tough time for you and you have many, many, loving kindred humans, here to support you at this time.
I never met Dozer but through You, through you we all got to know him, and loved him from afar. Many, if not All of us, join you in sorrow and release at this time. We love you, support you, and love Dozer – even though we have never met – and That’s Amazing!
Ruffles, the Golden who was with me during my adolescence, departed in 1984 and I think of her everyday. And – she still shows up at the oddest times to check in on me. For this I am grateful.
Sending you love and strength from the central west coast of Oregon!
Mike~
There are no words to express the pain of loss I know you are feeling. So many of us have had the same undying love for our pets who leave us. They become our surrogate children even when our children leave the nest. My heart breaks for you & for the loss of Dozer. But I want to thank you for sharing him with us all & know that were the best Mom to him always. It will get easier I promise. Much love to you & to Dozer, Dar
Dozer, most precious and well-loved dog. And Nagi, most loving dog parent. You are both in my thoughts!
Dear Sweet Nagi, as I read your final Dozer post I couldn’t help but thinking that Dozer truly felt the same live for you. He loved you just as much and knew how much you cared and loved him. You were both so lucky to have one another. Tears flow often now, but in time tears will turn to smiles as you remember the years loving moments you shared together. 🥰
We’ve all grown to love Dozer through the years. I knew this day would come, and sometimes even held my breath opening my email hoping not to see this news. I’ll be praying for healing for your broken heart. Dozer had the most amazing life with you, I am sure he is in Heaven now telling all the other dogs about all the great food and about how much fun he had, and most of all, how much he was loved. Thank you for sharing him with us. I hope you can somehow feel all of us holding you in our hearts.
So sorry for your loss Nagi….
I am so very sorry for your loss and the pain you’re going through now. I don’t know what else to say.
A beautiful tribute and a lucky dog to have had such a loving owner
Dearest Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us all over the world. Now it is his turn to watch over you. Sending you lots of love and hugs all the way from Tennessee. That face of his will be missed by all of us.
Today a tear replaces my usual smile as I have shared what you write, what you give to us from your commitment to all that is best , charming and beautiful in this life…..
Dear Nagi. I feel for you. When my first dog had to be euthanised I came home and couldn’t breathe. It is heartbreaking when a beloved pet dies, even when the time is obviously right. We’ve never met, but I send you my empathy, love and virtual hugs. Dear Dozer couldn’t have. been more loved – he had the best life. X
Thank you both for all the love you have shared. Dozer was such a special part of your life. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of your followers. My heart is broken 💔
My heart goes out to you and the pain you are suffering. I too have a sick elderly dog and just know that precious time together is limited. Sending love and prayers. We will miss you Dozer.
My deepest sympathy for your loss and prayers for your comfort, Nagi. He was such a blessing but you blessed his life as well. I have no doubt it was your tender, attentive, beautiful care that allowed him to leave to such a ripe old age for a Golden.
I am so sorry. What a beautiful life you shared. Be gentle with yourself as you grieve. Dozer knows everything that was in your heart now, even if there were words unsaid, he knows them now. Love never dies, it just changes shape. Thank you for showing your grief openly, I think it is important to show this type of loss and the giant hole it leaves in our lives.
Hoping that with time happy .memories will bring a smile and not a tear. Hugs
I am so sorry about Dozer. I understand the love and loss you are going through. We also lost our beautiful Tawny & are still grieving for her. Be strong, relieve the memories.
He will always be with you.
Dear Nagi, my heart aches from your loss, your letter was beautiful.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us, you gave him a beautiful full of love life.
I know the pain, but they deserve every one of our tears. Sending you a big hug 💕
You have all in tears. He was your companion for a long time and you both made wonderful memories, embrace them. Massive hugs. X
Oh Nagi….my heart aches for you. There are tears in my eyes. Dozer was such a sweet pup and, through you, I loved him too. Thank you for sharing him with us.