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, so, sorry to learn of Dozer. Bawling my eyes out and thinking of you and your best mate.
I lost my best mate and wife of 44 yrs. last year.
We’ll all shed a tear and think about Doz. everyday.
Having lost my Australian cattle dog to cancer 7 years ago ( he was almost 14yo), I too was with him to the end. Like you, my heart was broken and his death still feels like it was yesterday… it took me 4 years to feel ready to love another dog, but here I am down the track with a now 3yo ACD who has brought so much love to my heart. I will never forget Diesel, or the pain I felt when he passed away, it my life was empty without a four legged friend.. take care Nagi, your heart will heal with time, but you will never forget Dozer and the love you shared xx
All my love Nagi.❤️😢
Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer brought so much warmth and joy, he felt like family to so many of us. Sending you love and gentle strength, and thank you for sharing his beautiful spirit with us
He will live on forever in your heart ♥️ and we will always be grateful you shared him with us. Sending love and hugs X
So sorry for your loss Nagi, Dozer has entertained us all for such a long time & we are all the better for it. You will never stop loving him & he will forever live large as life & lovable in your memories, as he will in mine. Thank you for sharing him with me. Rest in peace Dozer. Take care Nagi ❤️
Dear Nagi,
I am so sorry for your loss. I once had a beautiful Goldie called Jasper. He was my constant companion and greatest fan for 18 years. I still feel his presence every day. Dozer will be looking out for you always I’m sure. 💜
Nagi, I know you not. But know, I deeply understand how dogs connect.
My go to saying is ‘I would trample over 10 dying people. To rescue a dog. In an emergency.’
My little Kelpie, Cara, named as Italian and Gaelic translation for best friend, is all that and more to me.
She has given me more selfless love and laughter than any biped I’ve met.
I’ve said goodbye to family members far easier than most of my pawpals.
Hopefully you giggle at this.
All said above, I’m glad your path wasn’t dog food recipes!
Though, believe me, Cara thinks differently about the off cuts and leftovers❣️😂🤣😂
Sssshhhh‼️
So sorry for your loss 😪
No one could ever doubt the depth of your love for him and his love for you, especially not Dozer. A mammoth love for a mammoth Goldie. My wish for you is that the memory of him makes you smile and laugh. He’ll be across the bridge terrorising people for taste tests. Thank you for sharing him with us.
All love to you and the family on the loss of your beautiful Dozer. It’s such a loss, of a very important member of the family
I’m so so sorry for your loss. Dozer’s happy doggy smile is one of my favorite things about your posts. Rest in peace, Dozer.
Dearest Nagi, Dozer is silvered into your soul, he is still loving you right back; only now he is watching over you from the stars, always
He knew Nagi, he knew……
It is a big lost, but he really left a print in all of us. It was lovely and sweet to see him in your post, news and cooking books. Thanks for sharing Nagi, take care.
Oh no! My heart is a tangled mess, and my eyes are streaming to read about the loss of Dozer. I never touched him physically but he touched our hearts and gave us intense joy. I can imagine what you are enduring. I’m so very sorry and saddened. His memories through pictures will remain joyous for me. He was such a beautiful soul. I grieve with you and for you.
If there’s a boulder sitting on my chest, what must it be for you.
I have watched you over the years share funny, soppy and loving years with him. They will always remain with you
All my love, the saddest of days losing a best friend. He was a lucky pup, you would have been the greatest dog mom ever! X
I am in tears reading this.
I lost both my girls last year, including my soul girl in October. She passed under 2 weeks from a very fast and unforgiving cancer. I still cry every day. please be kind to yourself and take the time to feel everything you are going to feel. I am so very sorry for your loss. From one dog mum to another, I feel your gut wrenching pain.
Beautiful Dozer!
Sending hugs your way Nagi xx
Dearest Nagi, my love & thoughts are with you. Dozer will always hold a special place in your heart. RIP beautiful Dozer 🌈💔😘
Oh Nagi, your Dozer was loved beyond measure and I am sure he knew that. His days, all of them, were joyful. Lucky Dozer and lucky you.
Weeping as I read about the death of your beloved Dozer. May you always cherish the love you had together. with love and affection Elizabeth and her two girls Luna and Celeste.English Springers both.