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
There are no words but all I can see in my mind’s eye is the golden light that surrounds you. Sending hugest love from South Africa
Dear Nagi, I am so sorry and saddened to hear about your beautiful boy – you gave him and you a fantastic amusing and interesting life together, leaving you with many beautiful memories. Condolences to you Nagi xxoo
My heart goes out to you Nagi. Such a sad & very hard time for you.
Dozer had a wonderful life with you.
May he RIP. You did your very best for him. 🌹🌹
I am so very sorry for your loss. Just know all the love he gave to you, you gave right back to him. You gave him an amazing life & even though it hurt you were with him giving him comfort & love right to the very end.
Sorry for your loss. Looking back on all those beautiful memories that will reside in heart. Be consoled by the love you gave him and the very best of time you spent together.
Oh Nagi, my heart aches for you. Your love for Dozer was so evident, and did he sure love you! That love will live forever. Thank you for sharing your life with him with us. Australia is here to support you ❤️
Broken hearted for you 💔 😢
Remember he is at peace now at the rainbow gates. Sending you love and light 💛
Sending love and support from one animal lover to another. Your bond with him has brought so much joy to your readers, what a lucky boy to have shared his life with you! Sending support at this very sad time.
Nagi I’m so sorry for your loss, it is never easy to lose a family member. We all loved him and looked forward to his news and antics. He will be missed, and know he will not want you to be sad and unhappy for to long as he will be there in spirit watching over you.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your beautiful boy, Dozer passing. What a special bond you have and so many treasured memories shared. My heart is broken for you. Take care of yourself. Sending love & light <3
My heart goes out to you, my prayers are with you, There just are no words of comfort. Dozer was so blessed to have you for a Mom and you were so blessed to be able to have him in your life.
Dearest Nagi,
My ❤️and prayers are with you. Dozer is at the rainbow bridge without pain or suffering. He would like you to heal and remember all the good times you had together. He loved all the foods he sampled and thanks to all your runs and walks on the beach, his waist line didn’t increase too much. One step at a time, Nagi and hold those previous memories close to your heart.
I’m so saddened by the loss of you dear furbaby. I’ve lost two of my kitties in the last months.
Rest in peace beautiful boy fly high now. your mum will be fine but it’s going to take a lot of time. 😢
So sorry for your loss. Sending you much love 🥰
I also was sobbing, with snot running out of my nose, when I was holding my girl telling her she was the best girl a mum could have. Over 20 years later I can still cry over our last goodbye. May you always cry over him, and laugh, and smile. He’s still with you💔🐾🙏
me too! I am crying now remembering the day I lost my beautiful JD. I only really cry when I see someone who has felt the way I felt about my dog. most times I remember all the silly things he did, the character he was. best dog ever and crying is just caused I loved him so so much and he loved me fiercely. times like this when I see Nagi’s pain brings it all home and I bawl. I adore Nagi and loved her connection with Dozer. The fact she shared Dozer with us, We loved it but now we are all hurting. Just so sad xxxx
Yes, she is a generous person sharing food with those who need it, and her boy for all of us dog lovers.. my girl is getting an extra special dinner tonight🥰
Xx
Nagi, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your darling Dozer. Your letter to him made me cry … how loved he is. I’m sure he knew that, every precious moment that he spent with you. Sending love from NZ, Katrina x💜🐾
Dearest Nagi So terribly sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the lovely memories. God bless you and comfort you🌻
I lost my Benjamin Golden retriever on 8/5/ 25. I am grieving for him everyday. I am thinking of you
I’m so so sad to hear about Dozer. You gave him the BEST life a dog could ever have! Still, the depth of your pain is palpable because you loved him so much. Thank you for sharing him with us.