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
My heart is breaking for you Nagi, I’m crying as hard as I did saying goodbye to my own four legged babies. Your love for Dozer was so clear to everyone, but most of all to him. It might not have been ‘enough’ to bring him home, but the point is it was enough for him to be at home wherever you are. You gave him a full and wonderful life, and nobody could have given him more love and care in his illness than you did.
Do all you need to do to grieve and look after yourself. We’re not going anywhere. Love and strength to you.
Nagi, I type with tears streaming down my face. I understand your heartbreak, I lost my beautiful boy, Jack, just a few months ago. It leaves a huge hole in your life but know that he loved you so much and had the best life.
Nagi, I just wanted to say that my heart hurts for you. The world needs the love you have for each other. Thank you for sharing your wonderful letter to your precious Dozer. May your heart heal & your memories surround you with enormous hugs when you are overwhelmed. Kindest thoughts, Lynnette Mesic.
Dearest Nagi (& Dozer in heaven) , I cant stop saying the word aww … I am SO heartbroken alongside & just wanna hug you tight in silence … always know you are loved deeply ❤️🙏🏻🐶😭😔💔
Dear Nagi
I am feeling your pain. No matter how much time you had with your beautiful Dozer it will always feel never enough! He was so loved by us all ❤️ Sending big hugs xxxxxx
Oh Nagi, I wish I could give you a big hug and tell you that you will smile again, and life will go on, without your beautiful boy, even though at the moment, you don’t think it will!
We are here for you Nagi, along with your family and friends and grieve for Dozer in your own way, and for how ever long you need to. I still cry when I think of my mum, who passed away 41 years ago and I can still remember that day, as plain as can be, you never forget, you just carry on.
Nagi, it does become easier but you never forget.
Dozer was a lucky boy to have such an awesome mum as yourself and visa versa.
Take care beautiful lady. xxx
Dear Nagi, my heart broke for you reading this final post remembering your beloved Dozer. I am sad for his loss, but happy for the wonderful years of love he gave you.
I’ll keep you in my prayers, I know Dozer is sending you his love from heaven. xxx
RIP Dozer, you’ll be so missed.
I’m so sorry Nagi
So sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing. He was very special.
I feel your pain and loss dear Nagi, may you find comfort as the days roll by. Dozer was very much a part of @recipetineats from the start of your journey. He will not be forgotten and was very much loved by us all. My heart and thoughts are with you.
m xx
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this. My heart is broken for you. I’m so, so sorry. I have tears streaming down my face. Such sad news Nagi. You came as a pair and he will be missed so much. Thinking of you. With love, Felicity
I hope you feel comfort remembering the good times and love you shared. You gave Dover the best life x
Dear Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you love and strength to help through this heartbreaking time. Go easy on yourself, take the time that you need to grieve and build strength as you continue your journey without dear Dozer. I hope the many, many happy memories help you in the coming days, months and years ahead ❤️
If your love could have saved Dozer he would have lived forever. Footprints , wagging tail and wet nose in your heart always , saddened for your loss 💙🐶
❤️
Sending you hugs, dear Nagi. I’ve been following you and Dozer from faraway Malta for quite a while, and as someone who loves her dog dearly, I understand your pain. I hope the caring thoughts from near and far help bring a smile back to your face x
I am so sorry for your loss. You were lucky to have Dozer but Dozer was lucky to have you
So so sorry to hear about Dozer. I loved the stories you told about him it gave me so much pleasure. I used to have a Golden Retriever. He has had a wonderful life with you.❤️
So sorry Nagi xxx
Oh Nagi
I think we all feel your pain through your posts. You were so blessed to have 14 beautiful years with Dozer and he has filled your heart throughout the time he spent with you.
Much love and be kind to yourself!