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
Our hearts cry with you Nagi. Dozer was and still forever be loved by many. Run free sweet boy xx
Beautiful words Nagi, l am so very sorry for your loss and thoughts are with through this very sad time
I am writing this with tears pouring down on my face. I know how you feel very well. We lost our lab,Mandy and I still hear her nails walking on the tike. Even though we have 4 other four legged kids, they don’t replace the one we lost. I know we’re going to see her again one day. There’s nothing I can tell you that’s going to make you feel better or take your pain away. He will always be in your heart and one day the sad tears will turn into smiles as you think of him and all the love,happiness and joy he brought to you and the world. Love you. Rest in peace sweet boy. You left your paw print on so many hearts 💕
So sorry to hear about Dozer, I can understand how heart broken you must be feeling, he was a truly wonderful dog. I loved the way he would cheekily appear in your photos enjoying tasty nibbles. Unfortunately dogs aren’t blessed with enough years. I hope you find comfort knowing you gave him a wonderful life.
Very sad , sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself ❤️
RIP Dozer xxxx what a wonderful life you gave him Nagi. A very lucky boy. It will get a little bit easier every day
I cried so much reading your beautiful tribute Nagi. You and Dozer lighten our lives in a way no one else could. Your beautiful boy will be remembered forever – love you both, sending hugs and deepest aroha from nz
It’s always heartbreaking when a family member dies. It doesn’t matter how old they are, it matters that we can no longer hold them with love.
I’m crying so hard right now, I can only imagine the heartbreak you feel, dear Nagi 😭😭 I’m so very sorry, it’s the most difficult thing in the world when we lose our babies. Rest well sweet Dozer, we love you so much 💔
My heart goes out to you Nagi….they are our easiest hello and our hardest goodbye….Dozer was soooo loved and he knew it💚
Oh Nagi, my heart breaks for you. Losing your beautiful Dozer is incredibly hard. He was such a big part of you and your online family. May God give you strength and comfort as you heal.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love.
My heart is hurting for you Nagi. It’s such a terrible thing to lose such a taonga (treasure). Let the tears fall in loving memory of Dozer. Big hugs to you from Otaki, NZ.
My only reason for signing up to RecipeTin all those years ago was Dozer, then I discovered the recipes! We have all fallen in love with Dozer. We are heartbroken 💔 thank you Nagi and Dozer for sharing your lives with us, goodbye beautiful Dozer, you will not be forgotten 💙
Love, thoughts and heartache are all shared by those you touched along the RTE journey. Dozer is running free on the beach he loved so much and spending time with all of our doggie companions. We all know the pain and understand the need for privacy. Take your time, cry the many tears – Dozer will remain in your heart forever. Time does heal….I say as I stand here crying for your boy and mine who I lost last year….the pain will ease. Take care
Oh Nagi, I am so sorry! I know what its like to have to say goodbye! Dozed was VERY WELL LOVED by you, and Im sure he is still with you & ALWAYS will be!
You will keep him in your heart & memories which means he will never truly be gone from your life. He touched so many, either in person, in your writing & in photos. He will live on because in our hearts too!
I can only hope my condolences bring you even a small amount of comfort.
All of Dozers fans & yours are with you Nagi!
With love & caring!
Deboarh
Sending you love and strength Nagi
My spirit is with you Nagi as I know the sorrow you are feeling. Knowing this day will come doesn’t make it any easier.
Aww Dozer
He knew
Dozer knew how much you loved him 🐾
I always looked forward to Dozer stories and I used to say ” have a swim in the ocean for me Dozer”.
I’m so sorry Nagi
With lots of love 🧡 and hugs from Vancouver. 🇨🇦
Hello Nagi,
I’m so so sad to hear about Dozer passing. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
I have been in your shoes 3 years back and even now I feel like Savannah is still here with me.
Tears will just fall nonstop and there’s this ache that hugs you to the bone. Just remember the wonderful memories you had with him and take it one day at a time.
I’ll keep you both in my prayers 😢❤️🌹💐