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
Dozer, through your wonderful words and descriptions, was part of our lives and truthfully, when I read this, I too had tears streaming. His memory will be with us through you and it feels like he was also “our pet dog.” Please have peace knowing how much you connected with him and the readership…
The inevitable – we understand! Tried everything to save our darling girl – but to no avail. It is the worst loss ever! I know how heartbroken you must be – Love and prayers to you and all your memories of your very best friend!!
Thinking of you… I look forward to when you can look at photos again. But It will take time… 😘🥲🤗
I am so sorry for your loss
All of us who have been on this journey understand completely.
Take time to heal❤️
The loss is heavy and I’m sorry you have to walk this path. I hope the wonderful memories of that unconditional love sustain you even as you ache and cry.
My heart goes out to you, Nagi…Much Love!
He wanted home to be a place of happy memories. It’s been 6yrs since my wife and I said goodbye to our Beagle Bourbon. She was 19. The pain becomes less but the hole in our hearts remains. That’s because we like you loved unconditionally. He will visit you in your dreams and your memories. Mourn him, then in time celebrate him, then forever remember him. He loved you and above all else knew he was loved by you. I am crying as I write this. A grown man of 52yrs crying for my Bourbon and for your pain. That is the price we pay for love. Dozer was and is always alive in you and my Bourbon has a new play mate.
That’s beautiful
Nagi, it is so sad to read about Dozer’s passing. Reading about him and watching how he cared for you (and you for him) was really amazing. May he rest in peace and may you find rest and comfort too.🕊
♥️♥️
Hi Nagi. I am so devastated to hear of Dozer’s passing.
Our pets are never just pets, they are family and every bit a part of us. It is like losing a part of ourselves.
My heart is with you at this very sad time, but remember He will always be with in heart & memory. So wish I could hug you right now xxxx
Suzie
So sorry to be reading this about your familly member Dozer
So sorry to hear of this. You were a beautiful team and I always checked out the life of Dozer at the bottom of all your recipes. This has choked me up! RIP Dozer!
You had such an extraordinary bond with such a beautiful dog. Dozer was one in a million and will never be forgotten, he was so special and no one can take away the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nagi
I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Dozer the best life. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Take care
💜
Dear Nagi, I am so very sorry for your loss (and our loss) of Dozer. Take comfort in the fact that Dozer knew he was loved and wanted and had a extraordinary life with you. I wish I could ease your sorrow. It’s ruff saying goodbye. I firmly believe if there is a Heaven, all dogs (and cats) go there. Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way.
Whay a beautiful tribute post to Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us. We loved him and we will miss him too.
I too have no words … I am crying … Dozer was amazing …I am sooo thinking of you at this v v hard time. We love our pets so much … it is hard to let them go , …. Xx
Nagi I am so sorry for your loss, reading this post brings this back to me after losing my 15 year old kelpie “Shep” last year. I am sitting here with tears pouring, understanding your grief and feeling your pain. It is such a pure love that we share with our babies. It does help when you remember how wonderful your life has been because they were part of it. Dozer was a beautiful gentle soul and I am so sorry and heartbroken for you. xxx
Dogs have only one fault.
They don’t live long enough.
Absolutely devastated for you, Nagi. Dozer was such a beautiful soul. I have sat here crying my eyes out reading your post. There’s something about the love you have for your dog that sits in a category all of its own. Particularly when they’re suffering and they don’t understand why. You are an absolute angel for staying by his side the whole time – it’s the most anyone could ever do for their doggy. You gave him the best life he ever could have had and he is so lucky to have had you xx