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
May Dozers soul continue to rest in Peace, we will all miss him. I always look forward to seeing his picture at the end of every recipe.
Take heart Nagi. It is well!
Beautiful words Nagi. I’m so sorry for your loss x
My Dozers soul continue to rest in Peace, we will all miss him. I always look forward to seeing his picture at the end of every recipe.
Take heart Nagi. It is well!
Nagi, this is so so sad, thinking of you with much love, Dozer was a beautiful boy xxxooo
Nagi someone is definitely cutting onion near me while I read your letter to Dozer. What a beautiful letter, you were really lucky to have him in your life, now your heart needs to heal, not because he was your dog, but because he was your family! May he rest in peace.
Hi Nagi
It is hard to lose a beloved pet but we know they won’t outlive us. Remember the good times and the wonderful life that Dozer had, 14 years is quite a milestone, due no doubt to your love and care. Hugs
Dear Nagi, I am so very, very sorry.
{gentle hugs}
A wiser person than me said that grief is the price we pay for love.
😪🥰
Heartbroken. Sobbing. There just are no words. He had the best life ever with the best mom ever. Dozer will live on in all our hearts forever. 😢😢🥰🥰💕💕
The heartbreak feels so unbearable but is a measure of how truly you loved Dozer. Thinking of you.
Dearest Nagi, Your beautiful boy will be watching over you . His love is not going to stop. I had lost my dog and it took six years to replace him and thank goodness I did because the love you have will need to be shared when the time is right. I wish i had got another one sooner because they are all so different but you love them. If people were more like beautiful dogs what an amazing world it would be. Thinking of you and sending love xo
I feel your pain for Dozer , I have watched you both together and you were such a great team . Love and Hugs
I feel your pain , I have watched you both together and you were such a great team . Love and Hugs
I am reading this, and tears are flowing. Tears for Dozer and for all the paw prints in my heart. For Nagi and for all the wonderful dog owners (and pet owners) everywhere who know how much this hurts. My thoughts are with you, Nagi. Dozer lives on in our memories and in your heart. From our doghouse to yours. I will think of you and Dozer every time I open your cookbook (and I open it often). Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to grieve, and allow yourself to heal.
Sending you a hug from Ohio.
Dear Nagi, I am 72 now. I have been blessed with 3 wonderful dogs on my journey through life, and said goodbye to 2 at their life’s end. It broke my heart each time. I finally realised this week (before I heard about Dozer), that our dogs are our Angels who love us more than any human can love. Remember him and his perfect loving eyes all your life. He will find you another Angel to fill your world with love. Loving kindness and hugs to you in your grief. You have been blessed.
Devastating for you. Can only imagine the grief. Thoughts are with you. Stay well.🥰
Dear Nagi. Losing your beloved dog is always heartbreakingly sad. We have lost two beautiful Golden Retrievers and our third is now over 13. It takes time but eventually you will remember the wonderful times you spent with Dozer and feel joy again for the memories.
So sorry for your loss Nagi. My heartfelt condolences to you. RIP Dozer.
Stunning tribute. So so sorry to have to say goodbye to Dozer after so many years. We will all miss him very much
Your pain is ours, Nagi. We mourn your sweet Dozer along with you..
You’ll see him again one day, one bright sunrise when the breeze blows soft and the air is perfect.–He’ll be there waiting for you.
Believe it.