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
Dearest Nagi, you were both so fortunate to have and love each other. True love, like yours and Dozer’s, never dies. I hope in time his memory will be a comfort to you. May the love of family and friends help you through this difficult time. Dozer is in my heart always. You, Nagi, are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences. 💔🐾
My heart goes out to you as you grieve. So difficult to say goodbye to faithful friends
May you be comforted.
We wish they could live 100 years and even that is not enough. We take them into our lives, give them all the live we have only to lose them too soon. Anyone who has owned a pet that they loved feels the same way. Give thanks for the good times you’ve had and may those memories give you peace. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us.
Nagi, sending you and our precious Dozer so much love and light right now. I can’t even tell you how much I loved your dog! Many years ago, I came for the wonderful recipes but honestly, I stayed for Dozer. He completely lit up my email and my day every single time he landed in my inbox. Dozer was my real-life handsome prince, so much better than a fantasy man! ; ) He was truly a part of my heart and I will miss him deeply. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Nagi, I know what you are feeling; I lost my two Australian Sheppards just before Christmas this year. They were both sisters and 14 years old . Every day I walk down the stairs expecting to see them. Remember all the good times as I know you will. Let Dozer’s memory be a blessing. Don
Don
Dear Nagi, your letter and photos bring tears. I understand the devastation you feel and the hole in your heart. Dozer was lucky to have you and visa versa. He will always be with you. My sincere sympathies.
Rainbow Bridge time is the hardest thing for every pet owner. Dozer will live forever in your heart, and ours, sending love.
I’m so sorry for your loss 🙏 and hugs
So sorry for your loss.
I’m crying as I read this. Oh no! 😭
RIP Dozer!
Well…
I’m a bloody mess after reading that!
How are you all doing? 🤧
Love to you, Nagi x
Thank you, Nagi for sharing him with us. His life has touched millions and we are grateful for his and your love. Forever in our hearts 🥰
I’m so heartbroken for you and all of us who loved Dozer. If there is a Heaven it will be where we never have to be parted from our beloved four-leggeds. Deep hug Nagi.
Nagi, I am truly sorry. Our animals are family. God bless you for the life you gave him. Hugs
Sending you angels and love to help you through your toughest days. Xx
I lost both my boys within 10 weeks of each other in 2024,
The hurt is awful and only now can I look at all the photos of them without crying.
That is the price we pay for all the love we had from them ❣️
Oh Nagi. What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Dozer. Sending hugs. ❤️❤️
Oh Nagi, I was in tears just reading the title of today’s post. I had so hoped for Dozer to make it home one more time. I’m sure that even though physically he couldn’t, he was replaying in his mind all the wonderful moments of his life with you as you remained at his side.
Thank you for sharing your boy with us, he is so loved and the pain of losing him will be felt far and wide.
Sending much love and big hugs,
Eileen
I’ll leave you with this quote;
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Winnie the Pooh (A. A. Milne)
So sorry, Nagi.
I am so sorry for your loss Nagi❤️.
Nagi, I’ve always said losing a pet is harder than losing certain family members. I think all of us followers of dozer and you should make dozers favourite dish as a tribute to a wonderful team.