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 wonderful tribute to Dozer, I love dogs like you but you are a rare exceptional human being. You are a blessing, they threw away the mould so there was only one of you, a beautiful person.
Dear Nagi out hearts break for you..RIP dear Dozer we will miss your antics..Nagi the pain will subside and you will be left with all those wonderful memories of that beautiful boy take care out love Phil and Lucy Dog
So sorry for your loss Nagi. But you have such beautiful memories to hold onto. In time the pain and sadness will pass. 💔❤️
Dear Nagi,
We’ve followed you for many years now and have always felt a genuine connection to you and Dozer. As fellow golden retriever people, with our own beautiful boy Tommy, it’s impossible not to feel that bond. Goldens have a way of weaving themselves into your heart in a way nothing else quite does.
You gave Dozer the very best life, one filled with love, adventure, purpose, and joy. And honestly, I can’t imagine a Golden who wouldn’t think a dog’s dream job is being a trusted taste tester in the kitchen. He was clearly so proud to be by your side, always part of everything, always belonging.
Thank you for sharing him with the world and for letting so many of us feel like we knew him too. Our hearts are with you during this incredibly hard time. Dozer’s paw prints will be felt for a very long time not just in your home, but in the lives of everyone who loved him from afar.
With so much love and sympathy,
Such a beautiful boy who loved you unconditionally Nagi, you will be sad 😢 but you will get stronger. Much love ❤️ to you at this sad time ❤️ R.I.P Dozer
I’m so very sorry for your loss of Dozer. There is no greater pain. Thank you for sharing him with us – all your laughs and stories.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your gorgeous boy.
My dog is 16 this year and I can’t bear the thought of not having Spot around.
Lucky you had love and he was loved. Memories are the best and I’m sure you have many.
RIP Dozer and will miss him too.
so sorry he will be forever in your heart and always with you
Sending all my love and hugs after the passing of dear Dozer.
You had a beautiful connection with him.
Take care lovely lady. xxx
Oh Navi, I am so sorry about Dozer. What a wonderful dog. My thoughts are with you as you navigate his loss.
So sad.
I understand your pain xx
So sorry Nagi. We loved seeing how you incorporated Dozer so completely in your life. It’s so hard to lose your best friend and constant companion. Our thoughts are with you.
May he rest in peace ♥
Nagi you gave him the best life and he will always be loved.
i remember when you got dozer as a puppy ..i am feeling for you ..i have had my pets cross the raindow and have photos and will never forget them ,,,they take a special place in your heart forever…loved you journey…regina
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. I truly believe that God allows our furry friends in Heaven. I’ve got several now that I believe are waiting for me. I pray for you Dear Nagi, for comfort and peace in the days, months and years ahead. It will get easier, I promise. Thank you for sharing Beautiful Dozer with us. He will be missed until we meet him in Heaven.
I have tears running down my cheeks after reading your loving tribute to Dozer. I’ve loved reading stories about Dozer because they reminded me of my golden retriever who died 22 years ago. There’s something very special and irreplaceable about a golden when he/she is yours. The sorrow won’t always be this consuming or as sharp; but it will remain. One day you will dream about Dozer and when you awaken it will make you happy instead of sad. Sending you strength and understanding across the miles
Oh Nagi, my heart aches for you, I am so sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved fur baby, Dozer. Sending lots of hugs and prayers for comfort and healing.
This is heartbreaking, losing a beloved pet is one of the saddest things ever. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dozer is at peace now, hopefully you’ll find comfort in knowing he’s no longer in pain.
Nagi,
My sincerest condolences on losing beautiful Dozer.
Reading your note brought tears to my eyes knowing how much you loved and treasured that wonderful boy.
Take time out and don’t worry what people expect of you as you grieve, we all know loss and something about our 4 legged friends really hit home when they are gone.
You gave Dozer the best life and I’m sure he is being kept busy over that rainbow bridge with our departed boys, Cody,Teddy 1, Bear and Teddy 2.🌈
So sorry to hear about your beautiful boy, such a precious soul, these wonderful parts of our lives aren’t here on earth long enough, love to you beautiful Dozer xxx