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
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Dozer with us for all these years 💕
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, your pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and strength, those who were hurt are made better and strong again, like we remember them before they go to heaven. They are happy and content except for one small thing-they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are shining, his body shakes. Suddenly he begins to run from the herd, rushing over the grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cuddle in a happy hug never to be apart again. You and your pet are in tears. Your hands again cuddle his head and you look again into his trusting eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart, and Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together. 💜
I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was a lucky dog to have a great life with you.
Nagi,
My heart breaks for you!
Dozer was one lucky pup. All the love and care you bestowed was evident in the special bond you shared. Sending a big hug 🥰
Nagi, I loved how you included Dozer in your photos and taking him with you. Our fur babies just really love us unconditionally. You have wonderful memories of Dozer ,and that in time will be what you’ll remember fondly. It will bring a smile to your heart. Let the tears fal because it do se hurt so much.
Take care of yourself.
Hugs 🫂 to you from SoCal, Christine
Oh Nagi. No words, just hugs.
So sad to hear the news about Dozer. Sending you love.
Where could I send a Card to Nagi in the mail please & thank you.
This was a t the bottom of her email
PO Box 226 Gladesville, NSW 1675
🧡
Your words are so beautiful, like a prayer for Dozer & shows what a jewel of a human heart you have. You will always dream & think of him, just as I always still dream of my beautiful little white poodle, Ellie. But, you were very fortunate to have had him to love. Lol, Rosemary
Nagi- I have been following you for a few years and love your recipes. Thank you!
We had to put our dog, Micy down on the 3rd of February and this week has been so rough. Crying with you. They have given us so much love and joy and we have given it back to them the same.
To Micy and Dozer, you will be forever loved in our hearts. Feeling the pain across the world together!
As someone who has been there, there are no words I can say to make you feel better, they just don’t exist. This pain is like no other.
But in time you will heal. You will be able to look back and smile. Until then, stay strong. You were an amazing dog Mom and Dozer knew it. You were both lucky to have each other.
Grief moves at its own pace Nagi. Lots of love and prayers xx
My heartfelt condolences, Nagi.
I’m so sorry Nagi. Dozer was a comfort to you and and friend from a distance to us all. May he rest in peace. Love, Vivien x
Only some one who has ever had a privilege to own a dog will know this pain. They are family. Beautiful creatures created by God for his purpose to serve and protect. It is very hard to say goodbye!
Dear Nagi
Thank you for the love you gave to Dozer. I know he loved you even more. That’s what dogs do. We are all so blessed to have a chance to share some time with these beautiful souls. It’s just never long enough.
My most sincere condolences on the loss of your friend, partner.and taste tester. Mourn him for now, but remember him forever.
Dear Nagi, I am writing this with tears pouring down my face. My heart breaks for you.
You were blessed to have that beautiful boy Dozer & his unconditional love.
So sorry for your loss. He was one beautiful boy and will be sadly missed by everyone around the world
Dearest Nagi
My heart and soul cry for your loss, Dozer was your child/fur baby, words will never fill your loss but know Dozer is at peace but he will be there beside you every day etched in your memory forever. Love & prayers always…
So very sorry to hear about your loss, Dozer was part of your whānau, heartbreaking that he is no longer with you. I’ve loved sharing Dozer’s story. Sending hugs…arohanui