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
To our darling Nagi & RTE/RTM family,
While not Hawaiian myself, there are many of their ways that I appreciate. You were Dozer’s Kahu. And how wonderfully you filled that role.
I strongly believe that when our beloved furry family members leave us, it’s just temporary. Meaning one day we will see them again. While it’s been many year since my own dogs have passed, and I do not look forward to ever letting go of my current fur babies, I find solace in knowing that they will greet me with the same enthusiasm they all always have when my time comes.
So to that end, the Hawaiians also say “A hui hou”. So, dear Nagi, until you and Dozer meet again, may you find comfort in the care of this global community that shared in your love of Dozer.
He didn’t have to have the gift of speech, he showed you his love and you returned the same love.
The squishiest of hugs – Minnie, Daryl, Max & Rupert.
Love your comment ❤️
So difficult to read your last days with Dozer. I lost my 12 year old -water dog – Marmite, just in December – my best friend.
The hardest part by far is saying goodbye.
From having the greatest love comes the greatest pain.
xx
Though the time with any pet is never long enough, it must be one of the most beautiful times of your life.
❤️❤️❤️
NAGI, I have repeatedly requested copies of your recipes but not received any.a massive request please send to this address’ GLENASHLEY8O@GMAIL.COM LOWER CASE.
My heart breaks as I read this. I feel like I have truly come to know you and Dozer over the years. Dogs are such amazing gifts from God. They provide us so much during their lives that just seem too short. I am thankful for every day I had/have to be part of my dogs’ life. You provided your beloved Dozer with an incredible life filled with love and joy. Know we are all sending our sympathy and love to you during this time. God bless.
I’m so sorry, it is so hard to lose a huge part of your life and heart. I hope you spend time to shed tears, to grieve and rest yourself. Take your time, you are exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally and in your spirit. There will be a time when you are able to smile at Dozer’s pictures and re-live the precious moment. I look forward to that for you, but now I will mourn with you. Rest.
My heart goes out to you. The loss of a loved pet is such a heartbreaking experience. He was a beautiful dog.
Dozer may have left your side, but he will never leave your story. Sending love as you grieve your golden boy.
Dear Nagi, I’ve been following you for years, but I have never posted a comment. Arriving here today and learning about Dozer, your beautiful boy, made me want to send you the warmest thoughts from Copenhagen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your letter to Dozer was beautiful. You will love and remember him forever. Now Dozer is running in green fields, chasing butterflies, birds or whatever😂
He is happy, you are the one with broken heart 💔
You will never forget him. He will always be in your heart and memories.
Nagi, I am so, so sorry. It’s easy for all of us to see how much you loved Dozer. It truly was with your whole entire heart, and it is beautiful to see someone care so openly, publicly and proudly for another living being. You will see Dozer again one day, but for now just remember grief isn’t linear so be gentle with yourself. We are all thinking of you.
With tears in my eyes, My heart hurts for you.
Rip Dozer. My heart ❤️ is so sad for you Nagi. You and Dozer had a amazing and such a love filled relationship. I pray for you both. Stay strong
I am so sorry for your loss and I know the pain you feel when Dozer is not anymore with you.
You are the one with broken heart and missing him. You will always remember and love him. Dozer is now running in green fields, chasing butterflies, birds or whatever. He is happy and he will love and remember his mama forever. Big hugs and a loving kiss from my darling furry boy to you 👅👅❤️❤️
Dozer was a part of you and will always be in your heart. He was lovingly loyal, faithful and shared all those special moments with you throughout your time together. His spirit will be with you always. Treasure the joy of having him in your life. Your memories of him will be everlasting. You gave him the best life possible and he adored you for it. You are in my thoughts, especially at this time. Big hugs! Take care.
Nagi. I am so very sorry about Dozer. He was a wonderful boy and you and he had amazing times together. If he could talk he would say it was a great honour being a member of your family.
Rip Dozer. My heart ❤️ is so sad for you Nagi. You and Dozer had a amazing and such a love filled relationship. I pray for you both. Stay strong
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer. He meant a lot to all of us. I haven’t had a good cry for awhile but I made up for that today.
Love your website and recipes. Loved Dozer.
Heal.
I’m so sorry Nagi, for your loss of beloved Dozer. Grief and anguish are devestating bedfellows; I know too well. I lost my husband, and beloved dogs as well along the way. All my well wishes to you, and JB and the entire team.
Dozer may have left your side, but he will never leave your story. Sending love as you grieve your golden boy.
So very sorry Nagi, take care, and thank you Dozer for all the sweet memories.
😢💔💔😢