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
Nagi, please look at this link, when you feel up to it. In all my sadness of losing my Siddy Husky who was 13 too!, this gave me some comfort. Hugs to you xxx
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e2vijs5i6t9HS8CluQusaO7A
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. The pain from losing a beloved pet is almost unbearable.
My first dog died when I was 17 , 50 years later I have only now got another dog to live out my last years with.
This is so so sad Nagi – we send you all our love and good wishes to you.
Sending you so much love, Nagi. I can almost feel your Ouch. He will always be with you. We all love you Dozer.
Dear Nagi
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know the feeling. You both had an amazing connection. You can see the unconditional love. He will always be with you. RIL Dozer x
Aloha from Maii. My heart goes out to you. Take care, Nagi. You’re the best dog mom
😢
Nagi. Although it feels insurmountable at the moment, this deep grief will gradually abate & you will begin to remember all those happy times, & his dear face, without feeling that the world has ended. The sorrow when you’ve lost an animal-child, is incredibly deep & real, & so many animal ‘parents’ are by your side in thought right now. Hugs from a fellow animal mum who has experienced exactly what you have, too many times xxx
Thank you for allowing us to share in such a private moment. We are all thinking of you and want you to heal from such a profound loss. Take care of yourself and don’t even think a moment of having to worry about responding to us. We are all here, whenever you are ready. Hugs ❤️
The price we pay for love is very deep grief. Thank you for sharing Dozer with your global family. I have no doubt you will both meet again. Much love/aroha from NZ.
Oh Nagi I feel your pain & know that time will help heal your heart. You have so many beautiful memories of your darling boy. & those will be with you forever. Please know that Dozers soul will be with you licking away your tears & is only a thought away. Thinking of you at this very sad time & sending you strength & big hugs xx💕💕
So sad for you Nagi. Sending all our love to you in this tough time. He will be doing zoomers up there with my Oscar and Boca. ❤️
How lucky you both were to have each other and you’ll have the memories all the days of your life. Thank you Nagi for allowing us to share in your story together.
Oh, Nagi. I have ne er met you but I felt like I knew both you and Dozer. I always look forward to your emails with so much anticipation and this one broke my heart. I have lost many pets. It never gets easier but I feel like they are still all with me every day because they live in my heart. You will always have Dozer because you will always love him.
Oh darling girl. ❤️❤️❤️
Dear Nagi
No words- just tears and a deep sense of loss.
There are no words but all I can see in my mind’s eye is the golden light that surrounds you. Sending hugest love from South Africa
Dear Nagi, I am so sorry and saddened to hear about your beautiful boy – you gave him and you a fantastic amusing and interesting life together, leaving you with many beautiful memories. Condolences to you Nagi xxoo
My heart goes out to you Nagi. Such a sad & very hard time for you.
Dozer had a wonderful life with you.
May he RIP. You did your very best for him. 🌹🌹
I am so very sorry for your loss. Just know all the love he gave to you, you gave right back to him. You gave him an amazing life & even though it hurt you were with him giving him comfort & love right to the very end.
Sorry for your loss. Looking back on all those beautiful memories that will reside in heart. Be consoled by the love you gave him and the very best of time you spent together.