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
Oh Nagi
I have cried with you reading the beautiful stories you have printed over the years but especially now at this sad time. He was a beautiful companion and he got everlasting love in return. You were a special pair with lots of happy memories❤️
Dearest Nagi and Dozer. Thank you for all the wonderful stories, photos and videos. I’m so sorry. Much love, hugs and blessings. 💙 😢 🥰
What a beautiful dedication to a magnificent doggo. We will all miss him, but what a wonderful life he had x
Dearest Nagi, so sorry for your loss, sending you lots of love and hugs xx
No words will ever be enough, however all who have loved an animal will understand.xx
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Dozer with us all. 😢😢😢
So sorry to hear of your loss Nagi. Such a precious letter in tribute of a precious boy. Thank you for sharing Dozer with the world and for sharing your love for him with us all. I know that Dozer will always be part of you.
And, thank you Dozer. I will miss seeing your stories and reading about all that you contribute to Nagi’s work and life. May you rest in peace, beautiful boy ❤️🐕
Even though Dozer is gone he will always be part of your life and entwined with all you do. Sending love and support to you Nagi ❤️
Oh Nagi, I know how much it hurts. I embrace every time I dream of my soul-dog, sometimes so vividly I’m not certain it was just a dream. These beautiful souls don’t actually leave us. Take care, broken hearts hurt the most.
HI NAGI , HI KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. Get a new love ASAP.
That is the worst and most insensitive advice you could ever give anyone! An animal is a loved member of the family- not a disposable item! I have been in this situation and I needed to grieve. Not buy another dog! Unbelievable!
Actually, Marilyn, with all due respect, I suggest you moderate your language. I have also been in this situation; however, we all react differently in these situations and to assume everyone thinks as you do is a little presumptuous.
Nagi I am so sorry for your loss, it might be just words but Dozer really touched our hearts, it is priceless you had chance to hug him good bye ! He felt you till the final breath . We lost our fur boy so our of blue, only 4 years old, happy healthy boy , early morning he got into seizure, creamed for a minute and died in our arms, I wish I could hug him for the last one time. The unconditional love they give us !
Dear Nagi
I am one of your greatest fans . I Iove you for being authentic and your recipes are the best! I am a good cook and I am even better with your recipes . My heart aches as you grieve for Dozer. He was loved so much !
Hi Nagi, I know what it’s like to lose a best friend, they are part of our family & we love them with all our heart. after losing my last two dogs within 12 months it was heart breaking & swore I couldn’t do it again due to the pain, but I got a beautiful rescue dog who again has become part of our family. things will get better, have faith. All my love. Neil
Dear Nagi
I have cried reading your last few posts and I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful soul he was and how lucky you were to have each other all those years. We lost our sweet beagle over a year ago and I can’t honestly say that I have never experienced grief like it, so I understand how painful it is for you. Thank you for sharing your time with Dozer and look after yourself.
Dozer will never be far away from you Nagi, the love and devotion you shared never ends, it truly stays unconditional and ongoing. We said goodbye to our Lab 10 years ago and it still hurts my heart but sometimes, when I’m really quiet, I feel her with me. One day, when your heart isn’t so heavy, call him back and he’ll be with you. Much love.
I’m so sorry to read about your Dozer. That hurt is like no other. There’s just something about a Goldie that they creep into your soul and become like a child. You will never replace him but please get another Goldie. You are young enough. Don’t wait. We are too old to take on any further pets as I could not bare to leave this world and leave a pet behind which made losing my final goldie even harder. You can still fill your heart again with tons of Goldie love, but that one corner will always belong to Dozer. Keep strong and sending 🤗
Nagi,
With tears in my eyes, I can barely type my deepest sympathies in the loss of Dozer! What a beautiful life you both shared. Thank you for sharing your Dozer with me. Treasure your memories and don’t rush yourself. Take it slow and take comfort in what an amazing friend Dozer was. God bless you and comfort you.
They fight so hard to stay with us to the ver end💔
Nagi, best ever mother of your dearly beloved Dozer. So sorry for your unimaginable loss. You and your doting son, Dozer bring so much joy to us. We lost our sweet lady Ember, 14 year old Shar-Pei/Alaskan Malamute on the 10th. May they RIP forever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRVcbDhO68E
Dear Nagi, my eyes welled up when I read your post of Dozer’s passing. It’s really heart broken. It’s comforting to know that he had a great life with you and was loved by so many.
You take care of yourself.
xo
Dozer will live on in very many people’s hearts and memories for years to come but none more than yours Nagi. Take time for yourself to heal xx