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,
What a beautiful life Dozer and you shared together. I am sorry you are suffering so much now, however, please hold on to how much joy you brought into Dozer’s life and how lucky he was to share his life with you.
Thank you for all the joy you bring to us.
Please look after yourself. Liz x
Dear Nagi – thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us all. I can’t think
of any other fur baby who was as universally loved – especially by his amazing Mum. What a life he had! He will be missed by many. 💕. Take care Nagi – may your pain ease and be replaced with the memories and joy he brought. Many are holding you in their hearts.
I am so sorry 💔😢💜 🐶
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of your ( “our” )beloved Dozer. You had each other for 14 glorious years. Thank you for loving him so much. Hand on tightly to your wonderful memories and keep loving him through them. You will survive this terrible, painful loss but it will be hard. So many of your readers are right beside you, walking with you.
Nagi so sorry to hear your news. To love a pet/mate/best friend & see them suffer is such a heart felt experience. When you’re ready read this poem, especially the last stanza, it may help in the months ahead. 🩷
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
🌺🌼🌷🌺🌸
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
😢😢😢😢😢
Dozer, may your memory be a blessing 💔❤️🩹😭♥️
Dearest Nagi .. both you and your darling little hybrid dog have always touched my soul.
Your unconditional love that you both shared was tangible.
I’m heartbroken for you !
He was so blessed to have you as his one of a kind devoted mom !
Please know that so many of us , including me sending you love and strength.
It’s going to be a huge adjustment and his void will be felt not only by you , but those who love your universal extended family
Thank you and Doser for all your passion always.
Love you Nagi xx ❤️
I am so so very sorry. It’s never easy saying goodbye to our pups – they are family. I am wishing Dozer safe passage across that beautiful bridge to a warm and sunny forever beach. May warm memories sustain you during this difficult time – my heart goes out to you.
Dear Nagi, please know that we all understand your pain and we all love you. We also loved Dozer and we knew these days were coming. And we all dreaded that we knew what you would have to go through. What else can we say, but again that we love you and we understand. Many, many hugs are coming your way today. RIP lovely Dozer.
I am so sorry, I know the feeling. Such a beautiful pup, you were lucky to have found each other. They never leave our hearts, sendng you love and comfort.
Dozer had such a wonderful life with you. The sadness you are feeling just shows how much you loved and cared for him. He was a lucky pup and he loved you dearly. Big hugs, Nagi. xxxx
Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss of dozer. Keep the memories close to your heart. Please read the poem THE LAST BATTLE
It help when I just loss my beloved kooper. Hugs to you
My heart breaks for you Nagi on the loss of your beautiful Dozer. I know all the love you have around you will help you through this difficult time. Dozer lived his best life and you adored one another.
RIP beautiful Dozer 💙
Dozer was such a star – loved by all who follow “recipetineats” – he will be sorely missed by us all…. lots of love Nagi x
I am so sorry and I know how you feel after losing my Ziva over a year ago(German Shepherd). You gave him the best life and he was your faithful boy xx Hugs to you.
Dear Nagi,
Sincerest condolences for your huge loss in the passing away of Dozer. How precious your memories must be and how truly wonderful you returned your Dozer’s unconditional love in kind and gave him your heart and home. God bless .
Kris
I am so sorry for your loss you wo;; meet again xxx
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful boy. He brought such happiness to all of us.
Nagi, no matter how long we have them in our lives, it’s never long enough. I started to worry for you when I first noticed the touches of grey on his muzzle. In my 72 years I have been through this pain too many times. I found this essay a few years ago and it gives me solace through my own tears.
It came to me
That every time
I lose a dog
They take a piece
Of my heart with them,
And every new dog
Who comes into my life
Gifts me with a piece
Of their heart.
If I live long enough
All the components
Of my heart
Will be dog, and
I will become
As generous and
Loving as they are.
—-anonymous
It doesn’t matter what you said to Dozer, it only matters that your voice and touch surrounded him. Try to take comfort in your memories. x
Thank you for sharing this. I know you, I, and so very many feel Nagi’s grief as it reawakens our own special memories of joy and sadness. I’m sure sometime in the future the “right” dog will find her to again share her love – and that dog will be very different to Dozer but will bring her comfort, love and joy.
Dear Nagi,
I’m so sorry about the loss of your dog. They are never “just a pet” — they’re family. You gave him a long, loving life!
Regards. Marianna