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
Dear Nagi, So very very sorry. It is devastating to lose a treasured and loved pet. Lost mine last year and still grieving for him. Crying for both of them. My thoughts are with you.
Sending our condolences we’ve just lost our labourer after 17 years and know what you are going through
Very sorry for your loss. Have been following Dozer for a number of years. May he have a good life in doggy heaven. Sending love & wishes from Mumbai, India
I’m so very sorry, Nagi xxx
The loss of a beloved pet and companion is almost indescribable. Thank you sharing Dozer and your feelings with us all. Our thoughts are with you.
So sad as he was so loved. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us
Oh, Nagi, what a beautiful tribute to your wonderful boy. Through you, Dozer touched so many lives, made us all laugh, and became our ‘special’ foodie tester, and we held our breath waiting for updates. As the saying goes, ‘if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever’. And this is especially true for beautiful Dozer. XX
He will always be with you. Sending all my love X
It’s just so hard. So very sorry.
Aaw Nagi my heart breaks for you, so sorry for your devastating loss. Dozer was very lucky to be loved so much. Hope he rests in peace 💔
My heart breaks for you. Just try to remember that he had the best life and that he loved you. I have buried four goldens and three Gordon setters over the years and have wept more for them than I have for any human, so understand a little how you are feeling now. Thankyou for all the joy you bring, and, when the time is right, please introduce us to Dozer’s successor. Bon courage!
I’m sitting here sobbing too. I know that pain. It never goes away. I lost my bit of almost 14 years together at the ripe old age of 17 years 11 months in 2024 and I still miss him!
All my love and empathy to you Nagi and the whole family.
It is so hard losing your shadow, I used to fall over my little staffy when she waited outside the toilet, if I didn’t shut it she would nudge it open, we had no secrets. It does get easier, but 3 years on I cant part with anything of hers, such is the never ending love. My heart is broken for you.
Home from Dozer is where you are, Nagi. I’m so sorry for the loss of this wonderful companion.
Dear Nagi, sending you so much love. Dozer will be forever loved by all of us that would read of his much loved life that you gave him.
Think of you . Kate xxxx
I had the joy of meeting him at one of your events. He came over to me, all smiles and tail wags (some say he was trying to steal my bread roll, I say I was chosen for a blessing). You can tell he was loved dearly and will be missed by all. RIP Dozer; he was a very good boy.
I’m sobbing along with you as I read your message…you both had a wonderful life together..I know the hurt…the pain lessens but it takes a long time…remember all the memories…I am so sorry for you…❣️
RIP Dozer. You will live on in our hearts, Our thoughts are with you, Nagi. Memories are so precious.
My love goes out to you. Dozer had the best life. RIP Dozer. You have given all of your fans so much joy.
Nagi, this is absolutely beautiful ♥️ sending you internet hugs 🩷 r.i.p Dozer ♥️🩷
It does take some time, but now, every time I walk past a photo of Rubee I smile the biggest smile and remember our walks, chats and cuddles but mostly her beautiful big brown eyes that understood absolutely everything.
It will come.