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 my heart and thoughts are with you. So sad for your loss. We had to have our St. Bernard Flip put to sleep last August. I miss him every day and still feel his unconditional love every day. I know he”s walking beside me just as Dozer is walking with you. Stay strong.
They leave such a big hole when they go. Sending much love ❤️
There are no words. I’m so sorry for your pain. He was well-loved and lived the life that every dog deserves to live. I pray that you find just a little bit of comfort in this.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. I’ve been through this too many times, but will always have a fur baby in my life. You will be able to look at photos and smile, but it will take a while. Let yourself grieve, and then rescue another furry friend. You will find that they will actually be rescuing you. ♥️
Nagi, I’m very sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing.
I know very well how the loss of dog can very painful.
I also know that all the wonderful experiences live on for ever in memories and the telling and retelling.
As someone said. You will feel his presence every day.
Thank you for the recipes and for the stories about Dozer.
Heartfelt condolences, Nagi, on the passing of your ever present furry friend, Dozer.
My heart aches for you. Many hugs & blessings that this very painful time passes as quickly as possible, so that the tears fade, and are replaced with the many happy memories you have of your beloved Dozer.
Sending all the love in the world <3
Thank you for sharing this beautiful boy with us. We have come along the journey of Dozer with you and we are still with you in this difficult time. Chin up Nagi. He is still by your side in spirit 🥺😔
😢 thats sad, RIP dozer.
My deepest condolences Nagi for the loss of your Dozer. He was a lucky boy to have experienced the love you shared. xx
Dear Nagi,
I am so sorry for the loss of Dozer your beautiful companion soul. Take one day at a time The love and devotion between you was clear and beautiful Sending hugs sandi
Nagi,
When you love so deeply, so completely, you hurt with the same capacity. Go with it, feel it, it’s what you shared with him and it will always remain. After some time, only the shadow of the grief will be felt. But the love and joy you shared will always surround you and he will always be near, with you and for you. Regards, Evelyn
Sorry Nagi, thanks for everything and very sorry to hear of Dozer’s departure, he was much loved 🥰
Dear Nagi
Dearest Dozer
I am very sorry to read this, but at the same time deeply thankful that you shared your story. I just came back from my in-laws who had to have the very heavy discussion about their 3rd and last dog who cannot control his toilet, etc. anymore…
I wanted to say that your stories are with all food and pet lovers, and how great they are.
Oh Nagi. My heart breaks for you. I loved reading your Dozer posts and could see what a wonderful happy life you shared with him. I’m so sorry. 💔
RIP Dozer. The best doggo I have ever met since my Ella girl passed in similiar circumstances 3 years ago. May your rainbow be filled with never ending walks, swims and treats. My heart breaks for your
Mum as this is the hardest of times in our human lives. So long Dozer. Old boy. Your gift of wonderful legacies and soft moments will be cherished always. Xx
Oh Dozer, how we all loved you. Goodbye darling boy and thank you so much. You left this world as I lost my own darling boy, my husband of 41 years who passed away at age 90. May you meet in heaven perhaps. I loved you both. XX Sue
Dear Nagi, this is heartbreaking news and i know how devastated you feel. What a beautiful letter to Dozer – you gave him the very best life and the love you had for each other was a pleasure to witness.
So very sad to read about Dozer. I’m here in Sydney from the UK . .I’m in my son’s home sharing time with an old lady Labrador Rosie who is adored. I see the family love for her echoes your love for your boy. I’m just so sad for you. You gave him the best life. He knew he was loved to the end. Bless you.
Tears streaming down my face. They just don’t live long enough but you never forget them. Hugs, he was so lucky to have you.