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
My heart is breaking all over again for you.
Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do.
They love us so completely, just as we love them with all our hearts.
It’s six weeks since I had to say goodbye to my boy Artie, a week short of his 15th birthday.
My heart is still broken, I hadn’t allowed myself to love a dog this much since I was a teenager, because I knew the pain of losing them was indeed heartbreaking.
I held his paw and him as he crossed to Rainbow 🌈 Bridge.
I know it will get easier, it takes time, before we can look at photos without dissolving into tears, but remember them with a smile and softness, and a chuckle remembering funny times.
Sending you strength and love 💗
Was so sorry to see this update in my inbox this morning, Nagi. Sending you love and hugs. God bless Dozer ❤
Nagi thank you for letting us get to know Dozer.
He knew how much you loved him and so did we.
Lovely memories always.
I’m so sorry! You’ve written such a beautiful tribute. I know he felt loved every second of his life, and that is all any being can ask for.
Am so sad reading this Nagi.
They truly are members of our family and the loss is unbearable. Know you did all you could and for all Dozers love, you too gave yours freely to him. The perfect match. He’ll be in the big playground in the sky now, watching over you and never really far from you. We’re all going to miss him.
Dozer was such a cutie and an icon!!
I loved how he was the taste tester!!! He will never be forgotten!!!! I am ten years old and our whole family is devastated and we have two dogs.❤️❤️❤️❤️🐶🐶🐶 🐕 🐕🦮 WE ❤️ YOU DOZER!
A beautiful tribute Nagi. I’d like to come back in my next life as your dog, Dozer lucked in big time finding you. 💔
Im so sorry to hear of Dozers passing, I know how hard it is to lose them my jack was 21 when he passed I cryed for days, but he is still with my in a little box by my bed (cremated) I will bury him some where nice one day in Tasmainia when we move there, chin up Nagi He was loved and had a good life
So sorry to hear the devastating news Nagi. Losing your best pet friend is the worst time in your life. It took me 2 weeks before I could actually face anyone. I miss our Bessie border collie so much but treasure the time she had with us. You were lucky and privileged to have Dozer and him you too. In time, when your heart heals, you will allow a new doggy friend into your life to make you smile again. Dont wait too long is my advice, they heal the black hole. Sending best wishes.
Nagi,
I am so very for your loss. The pain does not go away but it does settle into an fond soul affirming love.
Love to you and all the hearts that were touched by Dozer.
So sorry to hear of the sad loss of your most dear companion Dozer. Thanks for letting us know. Dogs are the most wonderful creatures, they do love you with all their heart. X
When God closes one door, he opens another.
May you find love again behind the door that is being opened.
Dear Nagi
So sorry for your loss.
You have had so many adventures and memories together which you both have graciously shared with all of us.
Grief is the price of love. Dozer remains with you and all of us through everything you do.
Cam
Dearest Nagi, so so sorry on your loss and no words can provide comfort. Dozer brought so much love to you and everyone, so thank you for sharing him with all of your fans, Much love, Pat
Like so many our hearts break for your loss of your beautiful fur baby. It’s so incredibly unfair that we can’t have them longer in our lives. You gave Dozer such a wonderful life and love and he gave the same right back to you.xx
So very sorry for your loss. NEVER easy to say goodbye to our 4 legged kids. My husband & I had to do it 4 different times in our 35 yrs of marriage. Our last girl crossed over the rainbow at age 16, 2 days before Christmas last yr. Needless to say it was a very very sad holiday. I think about all of them often. My Ella who I got during my breast cancer days (2008) was always with me. I was with her til her last breath. (We were with all our pets til the end). I miss her & cry everytime I come across a picture or video on my phone. Our house has been toooo quiet. Our 14 yr old cat misses her brother & sister too. We got her as a kitten & she grew up w them. She thinks & acts like a dog. She ate, played & slept w them. I know she went through a little depression after each one passed as well. I’m ready to get a new pup for our family, but after Ella passed, my husband is not ready. He took it quite hard. She was his shadow. She went everywhere w him. We trained our dogs never to run in the street or run away from us. They were friends w all our neighbor’s dogs. It was very hard for me to tell them Ella was gone when they asked for her. We miss all our pups. Cinder was 12, Dino 13. We got Rocky as a pup when Dino was still w us, but he was a grumpy boy & didn’t want or had the energy to play w a puppy. Rocky passed at age 12.5. Ella 16 yrs of age. I wish I can tell you it will get better, but to this day our hearts are still very sad, missing them. Thanks for sharing your stories & pictures of Dozer all these yrs. I’ve loved seeing them, as well as cooking many of your recipes!
Sending heartfelt wishes to you. & hoping you take your time mourning the loss of your beloved Dozer. He will ALWAYS be with you through your wonderful memories.
All my best,
Judy
Nagi I read your post and I am in tears. There are no words I can say to make you feel better so I won’t say anything other than Dozer had the best Mummy in the world. 💔💔
I am so sorry for your loss. Much love and hugs from the Netherlands. He will be missed dearly, also here xxx
Dear Nagi,
My heart hurts for you and pain you feel. Dozer was a treasure and will always be with you. Sending you much love and my deepest sympathies.
Condolences Nagi. Remember he will always be walking with you and will always come when you call. You will feel him beside you when you,are still and reach into your heart. Don’t hold onto grief let that go to bring in the joy of remembrance and open your heart to another soul that needs you (and you it) to be theirs. 💖