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
My heart aches for you as my eyes are filled with tears streaming down my face. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said, we all loved following beautiful Dozer and his antics, and the fun you and he brought into lives around the world, he was so lucky that you were his mum. He is always there with you. Sleep well Dozer.
Dearest Nagi thank you for sharing the beautiful Dozer with us. My utmost sympathy to you at this profoundly sad time. Take plenty of time to look after you. We have all learnt a great deal from you about love. Know that we all love you & understand your pain. RIP Darling Dozer. xxxxxx
Thinking of you, Nagi, as you navigate this tumultuous grieving process. Julia Samuel’s books, podcast and her pillars of strength, have been very helpful for me and others. She is a grief psychotherapist and I highly recommend her work. Remembering your beautiful Dozer with you. 🌻
Dear Nagi. Meeting Doser via your site was lovely; the way you shared him with all your readers.. I had tears reading about his last days. I understand the deep sadness you are feeling and am sending you so much strength and love. Lynne from South Africa.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful dog and lived a long life even tho we think it’s never long enough. He was blessed to have a wonderful mom like you.
I know from personal experiences how much this hurts. Sending cyberhugs and healing vibes.
Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. You were a great mum to Dozer and he had a wonderful, extraordinary life with you. X
I am crying with you!
❤️🌺🙏🏻
Dearest Nagi,
I feel your pain. Dozer is looking out for you now. What a team you were. May you find comfort in knowing you were the best Mom ever.
Hugs and prayers,
Diane
My heart breaks for you, feeling your deep pain. Dozer was your soulmate but never forget he will always be by your side.
rest in peace buddy
Tears for you dear Dozer. Virtual hugs for your Mama. Thankyou Nagi for sharing your baby boy with us. Rest easy Dozer xxxxx
So sorry to hear about Dozer. Our dogs (and pets) really steal our hearts, we don’t maybe realise how much till after they’ve gone. Love to you x
So sorry to hear about Dozer.
I lost my dog and my cat last year 4 months apart from each other. Still very heart broken.
Beautiful memories
This breaks my heart. We actually call your books the dozer recipes. We will cook something this Saturday night in memory of him. Sending my love x
I’m so gutted for you Nagi. Dozer has been such a gift, to you and through your generosity, to us. A wide eyed grateful and loving audience.
So thankful to you both for spreading Dozer love.
But how lucky for Dozer to have had you! So loving and caring. He was able to be his shiny loving self because he was held and loved so much by you!
I lost my beloved Tinka in Oct last year. Far too early.
Sending you much love to carry you through this 💔 time 🙏✨💖🌈
I was just thinking about Dozer last night, oddly enough. Thank you for sharing him with us and for letting us into his final few weeks. Sending so much love your way <3
I totally understand how you are feeling. We said goodbye to our little puppy on Friday after 14 years. I know it is hard at the moment but give yourself time. Dozer was your everything your world. I know he loved you as much as you loved him. May Dozer rest in peace now ❤️.
Dear Nagi, my heart aches for you for the loss of your beautiful boy, Dozer. Yes, your heart will hurt for a long spell, but one day you will be able to smile at the memories. Dozer is on his journey to cross over the rainbow bridge to meet so many other wonderful animals who were loved. I believe one day you will see him again. In the meantime, remember him with grace, beauty, joy and of course, love. Blessings, Nan