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
Goodbye old lad.
Sincere condolences Nagi ❤️
💔
Dearest Nagi.
How devastating that you have lost your Doser.
I wanted you to know that I firmly believe that his energy/essence still lives on.
Although you cannot see him he will stay with you until he knows you are ok and then moves on.
Take care of yourself and remember him forever as you will.
I still remember my beloved ODIE and ZAC. And BLACKIE.
My life is now with MAX and I dread the thought of losing him one day too.
SO SORRY your heart is shattered. All my love to you x
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers for you Nagi during this beyond unbelievably sad and difficult time 😢 May beautiful Dozer rest in peace and know you have been beyond everything he could have ever wanted in life – an incredibly devoted present loving doggo parent and committed to giving him the most happiest busiest active and well nourished life ever! Dozer was the very best dog and he has blessed all who have visited your website, read your books or followed your socials with immense joy. Thankyou for sharing your deep love together with the rest of us 🙏 xx
I have just read your email I know exactly how you feel, Animals are so loving to their owners when treated well.
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful soul.
We lost our 14yo dog a few years back and while it may feel like the world is caving in and that you will never smile again, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
For now, hold on to your grief because it means that there was once a place for love to rest. Take time to heal, take time to grieve, take time to love.
Sending you all the love. I know Dozer has now made a lot of friends over the rainbow bridge, including our Elsie girl.
Dear Nagi
Please – always remember that Dozer adored you as much as you adored him.
Sending love and hugs ❤️
Dear Nagi,
It’s normal to be heartbroken – Dozer is a beautiful dog. I lost my 14yo BF 47 days ago to be precise – I miss her with all my heart. I feel your pain. But one thing is for sure – you will have wonderful memories of Dozer – your special, loyal, always giving companion and best friend. He was a lucky boy to have you as his mumma. With you, his life was complete.
Take care, SueS xx
Vale Dozer. RIP. Stay strong Nagi, You & Dozer will meet again.
I’ve heard that dogs are sent to earth without wings so people wouldn’t know that they are angels.
Nagi, sending you condolences, love and best wishes. Your beautiful Dozer rests in peace, and you have love from around the world xxx
Dozer thank you for always bringing joy. One of the hardest thing s in the world saying goodbye to a beloved friend.
Nothing anyone says makes it any easier it’s like your soul has been ripped from you
Remember all the fantastic fun times I’ve gone through this a few times in my life with my boys vowing we never do it again
But doing it again,
It will get better and you’ll always have the memories and I can guarantee he will be waiting for you
Dear Nagi. Sending you love and strength in this very hard time. I lost my beautiful girl, Molly, 4 years ago just before her 15th birthday. I thought the wrenching grief would never end. But it did. Now her memory brings me joy. You and Dozer were so blessed to have each other. Wishing you peace when you are ready. Go well sweet Dozer.
I’m sitting here sobbing with my beautiful golden Lab knowing one day this will be me & hearing you talk so openly about it is amazing they aren’t just animals they are family.
❤️ Leah & Daisy dog xx
Dear Nagi,
I am so, so sad to read your e-mail & understand how much you are hurting & grieving. Your care & love were without limits for your dear companion. Be gentle on yourself & give yourself time. Love & hugs from NZ. Bless you Dozer for all the wonderful memories. Rest in peace.
Such a great Mummy to an amazing boy
I’m so sorry Nagi. He meant so much to you and all your readers. I too am weeping while I type. I have been with you both since 2017. Take your time to grieve.❣️🐾
Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. I am crying right with you. I know the pain you are feeling right now . But you loved him with all your heart, anybody could see how much you loved him and how much he loved you. Keep all your memories close to your heart, Dozer will always be with you.
So sorry for your loss