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
I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish peace and healing for you as you grieve your best boy.
Bawling my eyes out 😭 All I really want to say, Nagi, is Rainbow 🌈 Bridge 🌉. Godspeed, Dozer 🐶
Dear Nagi, i read long ago that when a pet passes away, our grief is sometimes even stronger than our grief for a human. I can agree with that bc I lost a pup who was attached to me at the hip, literally. Everywhere I went, she was there. If she didn’t see me, she would stand at my door and look in just to make eye contact with me, then jump on the bed and lay close to me. If I left the house, she would wait in her bed all day. When I went on vacation once for a few days, I was told she would cry out for me at night. It makes me cry writing this. I cry for you too, Nagi, bc I know exactly how you’re feeling. I felt the same emotions youre having right now. You’ll be crying for a while, but one day, I promise you’ll be able to laugh, a lot. And cry at the same time, but you will be able to laugh again. And those laughs will be healing to your soul. Also the cries. And one day, you might even think about getting another pup, bc when you’re ready, your heart will yearn for it. I know for a fact God created dogs for this one reason, to teach us how to love greatly and unconditionally. I know Dozer is missing you as much as youre missing him. Grieve and mourn as long as you need to, bc he was there for you when no one else was. Through the heartaches, the pain, the laughs, the accomplishments, the book releases, the work events, and most importantly, the quiet moments. Those are the ones you’ll miss the most. But I promise, one day you will be able to smile again, Nagi. <3
Hi Nagi, I’m sorry for your loss of Doze. Just know that that you were light in his life and always will be. We love our pets unconditionally and they love us. Fill your pain fight now bur memories live forever 🥰🥰
My heart breaks for you, I know the hole they leave. But we were blessed to have shared time with our soul mates!
My deepest condolences. Those are brought much joy to everyone.
So very sorry for you Nagi. You and Dozer were MFEO. Many wonderful memories and so many puppy kisses. Sending love and light from the states.
My heart aches with yours, Nagi, and I’m praying for your peace and comfort, friend. Some days from now, when you have a quiet moment, please read this link and take comfort in the firm hope of seeing your sweet Dozer again. After all, God created your precious Dozer…
https://www.epm.org/blog/2017/Sep/22/animals-pets-heaven
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. I know your heart is broken. Our dogs hold such a huge part of our hearts.
So sorry for your loss. Our pets are our children.
Memories are precious.
He was a special boy.
May he rest in peace.
Stay strong and take care.
Antjie, Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
What a beautiful and loving relationship you “have” with Dozer! Your life with him goes on. He’ll always be close by. Listen for him!
Please try to find comfort in knowing he loved you so much and you gave him love in return.You had a wonderful life together and you’ll remember those beautiful times, and this will give you peace.
Nagi, although I knew it was coming I was gutted when I saw your post on Dozer’s passing. For now there are no words that will ease your saddened heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
You are a wonderful mum.
Dennette
So sorry for your loss of Dozer. Been through it myself. Be easy with yourself. Love and hugs to you.
You and your Dozer made cooking along with you extra special. Thank you for sharing your precious pup with us. 🙏💔😪💙
Dear Nagi, our hearts go out to you and Dozer. May future days bring you peace and joy. May each and every glorious rising morning sun bring you lasting loving visions of Dozer spread across your morning sky.
So very sorry. Beautiful Dozer. They are a part of your family and become a part of you. I cried all the way to Thailand after my dog died – to the point the cabin staff didn’t know how to deal with me – and I did t either. People say time is a great healer – and while it sounds trite as you deal with loss, it is true. Treasure the memories. We all share in your grief! X
So sorry for your loss. Dozer will be missed be many,many people. Thank you for sharing your special boy with all of us🌈💔
Sending you a huge hug from Costa Rica. Dozer was really fortunate for having such a great mum. And thanks to your measureless love for him, he was the happiest dog he could ever be.
People say time heals all wounds, but I think one learns to live with the pain. ❤️💐
XOXO
🙁 I am soooo sorry! I’m sitting at my desk at work and crying because Dozer brought so many smiles in some of my rough days. Thank you for sharing him with us, and he will never ever be forgotten!