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 so very sorry for your loss :'(
You both were part of my life the last few years while i tried your wonderful recipes and watched your beautiful loving relationship with your Dozer
My sincere condolences.
I feel your pain Nagi, I have been through this 3 times. The hurt never leaves us. I try to remember all the fun and love. God Bless, Dozer, run free darling.xxxx
Dear Nagi,
Those of us who have lost a loving dog know the unbearable pain you’re feeeling. You will hurt for a long time, and then there will come a day when you will remember Dozer tears in your heart but a smile on your face. Deepest condolences and may you heal well.
I’m so sorry – it’s the absolute worst to lose your fur baby ❤️❤️
Nagi, I’m writing through my tears too. As a dog lover myself I felt the love you shared with Dozer. He was so so special. You were the very best mum. Grieve and be at peace. Sending hugs.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer. Sending you love and positive energy.
Dear Nagi – For those of us who have loved and lost dogs, and I’ve lost seven in my lifetime, the heartache–and I say this with all honesty–can be greater than what we feel for another human. Why? For all the reasons you loved Dozer, and for the faithful, unconditional love he devoted to you…which, by the way, had little to do with the delicious treats you couldn’t resist letting him enjoy! It takes time and you think you’ll never quite recover, but you will–and you’ll smile and feel the warmth of Dozer’s spirit forever. Thinking of you!
Nagi, it’s hard to type through the tears. Bless your sweet soul, Dozer. Shine down on your mum to give her strength, solace and peace to get through this sad time.
From one of your worldwide fans who adored you., rest well, good boy…. 💔🌈💔
My heart goes out to you at this sad time. Our lives are made so much richer with a loved dog by our sides. How lucky you have been to share such a love
So very sorry for your loss. Loosing someone so special is very hard. He will always be with you
Thinking of you, Nagi. In time you will think of Dozer and smile instead of crying but for now, sob all you need to. You were so lucky to have each other other x
Dear Nagi,
So sorry for your loss but so wonderful that you have so many loving and cherished memories with Dozer.
Take care of yourself. Dozer would want you to remember all of love and beautiful moments you shared together.
Nagi, oh deary me! My thoughts are with you as you grieve. You just think this time will never come to be without them. I have two friends who have just lost old Labs, beautiful gentle natured, just like Dozer.
Oh Nagi,
My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to you at this excruciating time. 🫂
From your introduction to Dozer and continued inclusion of him in all that you do, feels like he was a part of my life and I will miss him. I’m certain that many of your followers share the same sentiment.
You were the absolute BEST mamma and he’ll always be with you. 🐾🩷🐾
Oh Nagi. So sad for you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us all ❤️
No words can express the sorrow I feel and the tears I shed reading your tribute to Dozer. You gave him love and a wonderful life and he gave your his unconditional love and loyalty. Dozer will always be in your heart and your memories xxx
It’s so hard to say goodbye. So sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to you, I know from losing my little fur baby after 14 years how heartbreaking it is, time will heal. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Nagi,
Thank you for introducing us to Dozer. With every post and picture, we followed your adventures together and Dozer became part of our lives too in a way. So sorry for what you are going through. He was deeply loved and you will cherish those memories forever.