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
Rest in peace Dozer, you were truly one of a kind. Nagi my heart aches for your loss.
Thank you for sharing your life with Dozer to us. <3
Dearest Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer over all these years. For selflessly bringing him into our hearts. Now it is our turn to hug you, to hold you and to grieve with you… even from afar
So sorry your have lost Dozer .the platitudes don’t cover the grief . I lost my Nala lost Easter . She was 14 1/2 . She was a golden spoodle . Nala was very active still . Chasing balls . Walking out to the paddock to do her business . A back molar tooth infection finished her . I still hold a door open for her . I’m still finding tennis balls she never returned . She is buried in our paddock with a beautiful tree over her . Sympathies .
Aloha! Dozer was a huge part of your life and his unconditional love for you was a blessing. So sorry for your loss. Fur babies are special. Please take care. Gertrudes
Your words about Dozer reflect how we all feel about our dogs, miss mine every day
What a good boy that he was able to stay for nearly fourteen years of joy, cuddles and most importantly your food. As the Chief Taster passes on his banner, we remember how he made all of us feel – thankful we got to glimpse your bond. Vale Dozer
😢😢, so sad, but he did have the best life and bought joy to those around him, something to be grateful for.
Sad to read your news about Dozer, his love was unconditional, as was yours. His smiling face will be missed, take your time to grieve and return when you are ready.
Much ❤️ love
I’m so sorry, Nagi. Sending sympathy to you.
My heart breaks for you, Nagi…Rest in Peace, Dozer, you were so loved.
Dozer, you were placed in the loving care of Nagi. You loved each other unconditionally. We loved hearing about your adventures and how you helped in the kitchen when a new receipe was being tested. We will all miss you. RIP Nagi’s 4-legged best friend, Dozer xx
Heartfelt condolences Nagi 💔
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dozer’s family.
Dozer brought so much joy to all our lives and it’s been a wonderful experience getting to know him over the many years of following you both ❤️
Rest in peace in ‘doggies, foodie heaven Big D’… you will be REMEMBERED and MISSED xxx
It’s so hard to say goodbye to a fur baby. I feel for you but you’ll always have him in your heart and will always remember those precious moments you shared.
So saddened to hear Nagi, Dozer was the light in your life and he will be forever in your heart and the day will come when you can talk about him without crying but for now let the tears flow and know you have so many extending there arms to help comfort you.
Your memorial to Dozer brought me to tears. Big hugs coming your way as our pets are our damily and they nlive in our hearts forever.
Grief is the price we pay for love. RIP Dozer. Thanks for your contribution to RTE community. We will all miss you soooo much. Heartfelt condolences to Nagi and the RTE team.
So heartbreaking to lose such a special companion. We try with our words and actions to ease your heartache and want you to know that the day will come when you can look at photos of Dozer and feel that joy again. Loved by so many.
My heart goes out to you. Our fur babies lives are way too short.
I’m so sad and my tears are with you at this time.
We had our beautiful Minty for 14 years also, so understand your pain.
Golden retrievers are the most amazing fur babies.
Sending lots of hugs and remember he will always be in your heart.. 💖 🫶
Dear Nagi. It wasn’t your love that couldn’t bring him home because he knew how much you loved him and was grateful that you stayed by side until the end. If he had the strength to go home one more time, he would have. I know how heartbreaking it is to lose Dozer but the love, happiness and joy he brought into your life is a precious gift that makes it worth it. The heartbreak will eventually subside because there will be so many memories which will make you laugh and smile. You will lovingly remember how blessed you were to have him and Dozer knows how lucky he was to have you as his Mom and his best friend. 💖🌈💝