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 dearest Nagi, God Bless you & your sweet boy Dozer. I am sending you much love along with my tears as I read about Dozer’s last day with you; with us all. Thank You over the years in share ‘Life of Dozer’ <3 He was such a special boy to everyone. God Bless all at SASH for 'all' you could give to Dozer & Nagi, as well as all of us as we kept up our days with our fur babies. Nagi; accept my love & prayers that also come from my Sweet Pea & Callie as I share this with my girls. "Dozer, you fly over that Rainbow Bridge & shine over your mum, on a last note Nagi, when you see a butterfly, know it is Dozer coming to let you know he'll always know where to find you and he will come by for a visit now & again between his beach parties he will have up in heaven's way now too <3
I just had tears in my eyes as I read this post. I’m so sorry for your loss. Anyyone, who has ever lost a beloved fur-baby understands the loss you are experiencing right now. No words can fix it.
Just know we all grieve with you and you are not alone.
Oh Nagi, I am SO very sorry 🙁 You gave sweet Dozer a wonderful life <3 HUGE (((((HUGS))))) to you!!!! <3
Nagi, your letter of love to Dozer was the most beautiful affirmation I have ever read.
Dozer will forever be with you because his paw 🐾 print is on your heart. What a blessing for the both of you to share that kind of love with each other.
So very sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. Take comfort in knowing that you both loved each other and were together through it all. Sending love and prayers ❤️
dear Nagi- your love for Dozer will never die – his love for you will never die. He will know how to ease your grief and send you an opportunity to share your love with another dog – through this new dog Dozer will be able to be with you again – trust me – it happened to me twice. Please watch for the opportunity. Alan
Prayers and love are with you, take time for yourself now. We will all be here when your ready to return. So many of us have been where you are now, and know that the pain lessens and the memories live on. love and thoughts are with you,
Lyn
So much love ❤️ so many happy memories. Sending hugs to you Nagi
I am so sorry Nagi. x
Nagi,
Thank you for sharing, your love, your life, your joy, your sorrow. We smiled with you, we celebrated with you, we grieve with you. Please know you’re not alone, we are here with you. ❤️
Sincerest condolences for your loss. Reading your letter brought back so many memories of when I lost my rabbit, Malia. Dozer was such a special companion .I enjoyed reading about his adventures and antics. Sending you hugs.
Dearest Nagi
We are all thinking of you and we know the pain you have now doesn’t feel like it will ever go away, but trust me…. time will heal your broken heart.
Please stay strong. Sending you lots of love, peace and acceptance.
And look after yourself.
Natasja and family
Anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet knows how bereft you are feeling right now Nagi. Dozer was a beautiful boy & we will all miss him. Sending hugs to you. Take care of yourself. Xx
My deepest condolences! What a beautiful dog Dozer was and how lucky you both were to experience such unconditional love. Even reading your post all the way from Los Angeles, and never having met Dozer in person, I can feel the love. Much love and strength!
I am so sorry, Nagi. Dozer bought joy to so many, including me. Sending you lots of love.
This poem brings me a little bit of comfort and I know we all grieve differently but often the most healing thing for a broken heart is another furry neck to cry into.
Before I go
Before I Go
Before I grow too frail and weak,
And all that’s left is peace in sleep.
I know you’ll do what must be done
To end this fight that can’t be won.
I don’t fear death as humans do,
So let me try to comfort you.
Come, let’s take a quiet stroll
And share some time, soul to soul.
No need for words ‘tween you and I,
No need to say a last Good-bye.
We’ve grown so close in mind and heart,
It seems so cruel that we must part.
Be sure I’ll sense the pain you’ll feel,
Without me walking at your heel.
The days will seem full of despair,
Your “Sunshine” simply won’t be there.
In time the pain will slowly wane,
You’ll think of me and smile again.
Now take me where my needs they’ll tend
And stay with me until the end.
Hold me close with soft Good-byes
Until life’s bright light has left my eyes.
The final sound I need to hear
Is your soft voice upon my ear.
Your loving face will fade and dim
As the rush of heaven closes in.
And when you start your journey home,
I’ll be right behind, you are not alone.
Anon.
I cried when I heard the sad news of Dozer passed away. I know how u feel, unfortunately I experienced that pain more than once. The loss never fade only it gets easier to bare
I cried when I heard the sad news of Dozer passed away. I know how u feel, unfortunately I experienced that pain more than once. The loss never fade only it gets easier to bare
I’m sorry to hear that you have lost your Dozer, Nagi. What wonderful memories you have of him though, to get you through the hard times.
Sending so much love Nagi. The kitchen won’t be the same without its golden shadow, but Dozer’s legacy is baked into everything you do. Wishing you peace as your sadness slowly turns into gratitude for a life so well-loved. He was truly the world’s most cherished taste-tester.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer. Sending you love and positive energy.
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…. 💔🌈💔