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
Love to you Nagi. Peace to Dozer. 🙏❤️❤️❤️.
Love to you Nagi….RIP dear Dozer….How lucky you both were to have each other…
So very sad and so beautifully written. Thinking of you and sending hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. Losing a best furry friend is the saddest thing you can experience. Our hearts go out to you on the loss of beautiful Dozer. Much love Xxxx
Dear Nagi, Truly, I was dreading this day for you! I was also a blubbering mess reading your post! We loved Dozer, too. I’ve loved and lost my four GRs; time does help. I made a photo book of all my animals, and that helped, too. Bless you. Sandra
Dear Nagi, I have had so many tears for you over the last few few days and reading this hasn’t made it any better. Having lost two G.R.s to heaven, I know how you are feeling right now. The sadness lessens but never really leaves you. My third girl is 10 years old this July. Sending hugs to you Nagi. ❤️
R.I.P.
DOZER
💔❤️
Dear Nagi, Truly, I was dreading this day for you! I was also a blubbering mess reading your post! We loved Dozer, too. I’ve loved and lost my four GRs; time does help. I made a photo book of all my animals, and that helped, too. Bless you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I also had an oversized Goldie called Fletcher. He was my boy and to this day after 15 years I still miss him and know that no other dog will ever replace him. May Dozer live in your heart forever 😢
I am shedding tears along with you. Years ago when I found you site it was Dozer tha attracted me, I always when to see what was going on with him, then I found out what a wonder site you have. I have been a fan of both of you for a long time. In my family we adopt older dogs that need lots of love and care knowing we won’t have them for years and in the the end when they can no longer function our job is to give them a comfortable and loving go0dbye It doesn’t ever get easier but there finally come a time when you cane stop crying and smile at how funny and loving they were. The sadness never goes away but the happy memories make you smile more and cry less. My thoughts are right there with you. I fell in love with Dozer as if I knew him.
Nagi I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is the hardest, especially after 14 wonderful years together. In my 70 years I have loved and outlived several wonderful dogs and I miss them all. But I have always gotten another one! Your heart will heal but Dozer will always be with you ❤️💔 My heart hurts for you. Take care of yourself ❤️
Nagi, I, too, feel as if I have lost a friend. I so enjoyed watching Dozer’s escapades. But I especially enjoyed the radiance on your face whenever you were with Dozer. Love like that is rare, and you were so fortunate to have experienced it all these years. May memories of the joy Dozer brought into your life— and the lives of so many others you were gracious enough to share him with— help to heal your heart. I will be praying for you.
Deep Condolences,
Peggy O.❤️
Hello Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer passing away. I know that he was an incredibly important part of your life. I’m so happy that I’ve got your first cookbook, with many pictures of Dozer in amongst your great recipes. I’ll continue working through your recipes as I spend time with my family, and I’ll think of you and Dozer as I do it.
Thank you, and I hope your grief isn’t too hard… Mick.
So very sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer bought a smile to many faces. Take care. 💕
Sorry to hear of your loss Nagi. Dozer was always there and dedicated to you sending you hugs and love
So sorry to hear about Dozers passing. He brought joy to me online as he has done for many around the world. He had a wonderful mum in you n having the gift if his life in yours has enriched so many. May you rest in peace in doggy heaven. Arohanui ( big love in Māori).
Thankyou for sharing him in life and in your grief. Xx
So, so sorry, I lost my gorgeous man recently after 58 years. I was left wth the most amazing dog, that we loved. I lean on my mate every day and in dog speak, we review the past , the present, and the future. Dogs are so important in our lives, everyone loved Dozer ❤️❤️
So sorry to hear Nagi, Dozer lives on in your heart forever. I lost my boy Angus 8 years ago and still have his framed photo by my bedside. He still meets me in my dreams. Go gently and know you are loved xx
Dear Nagi, I can only imagine your heartache. We have lost two of our dogs over the years and it is like losing your child. They are family and yes, they give you unconditional love and ask for nothing. sending you hugs at this very sad time
Dear Nagi,
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. I started following you years ago because of Dozer & stayed because of you both & the great recipes! He brought smiles to my face & I loved hearing about your escapades. Thanks for sharing your special bond !
Be more kind to yourself now …. It’s gonna take awhile……..I lost my bestest buddy of 16 wonderful years 2 years ago.
Hopefully, all these lovely, supportive messages are helping ❤️
Hugs & Love from the Pacific Northwest.
So sorry for your loss sending love and hugs xxx
I am so sorry about Dozer. But I wanted to thank you for sharing him with all of us. He was quite a character with a beautiful soul. And he was meant for you!