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
Dear Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. I have admired your cooking esthetics since I discovered your blog before the pandemic. Your earnest and delicious recipes have become a small treasure I have enjoyed. It was Dozer, your wonderful Golden Retriever who added that huge tablespoon of humanity into the mix, I will miss him.
Robin
I am crying as I read your words. I have enjoyed reading about Dozer. I have my own furrbabies. The most beautiful part of our lives is to share it with an animal. And the hardest is we never get enough time. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you peace as you heal.
So sorry for your loss Nagi. I have been a fan if you and Dozer for awhile. He was a beautiful dog you and amazing parent. He is now in peace and not in pain.
So very sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you gave him a wonderful life. May he rest in peace over the rainbow bridge.
My dear Nagi, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Hope time and your inner strenght shall help you. Love AM
It is one of the hardest heartbreak to lose our beloved pet! Cherish the memories you had together & cry whenever you need to. There is no time limit to mourn BUT know that he’ll always be with you in your heart & mind. Prayers for comfort….
😢 hugging you so tight Nagi! 😢
🙏🏼
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his life with us. It always brought a smile to my face.
So sorry for your loss, Nagi.
Heartfealt wishes from Montreal, Canada
Helene
Dear Nagi,
Huge hugs from me for you at this time. Such wonderful memories you have of this extraordinary fur baby. Dozer’s spirit will always be with you. God bless .
Dear Nagi
I feel deeply for you and know Dozer is resting peacefully watching over you now. Beautiful memories will live on in you. 💕
He was the best. My deepest sympathies.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Nothing can prepare us for it. You gave him love and he returned it with all his heart, as our babies always do. I want the Rainbow Bridge to be true so I can see all of my babies again, especially my Beauregard, I miss him everyday and it’s been years. RIP and when you’re ready, maybe it’s time to save a new baby. There are so many in need. Hugs
My heart aches for you Nagi. What a beautiful boy he was and what a wonderful life he had. Keeping you and Dozer in my heart ❤️
Thru years pics of Dozer and you were always happy and even lately. Much love between two of you! Rest in peace and love Dozer! You will be looking for Dozer everywhere for sometime. Good thoughts for you! Hugs a fan, Cindy R
i am so sorry about Dozer- he was such a good boy. And he had a great life with you -bringing all of us joy. May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. You two had a beautiful life together. He’s at peace now and I’m praying you will find comfort soon, too.
Terri
So very sorry to hear about Dozer. Our pets are like family and sometimes even closer.
I’ll say a prayer for you and Dozer.
Frank
You gave him your all 🫶🏻 Nagi. You really did xxx Will miss you so much Dozer 😞🐾
So very sorry for your loss, Nagi. Those of us who’ve experienced it know the awful pain you’re going through. But do know it eases with time and you’ll come to a point when you’ll be able to visit Dozer in your memories with a smile. Give yourself some time and space right now.
sending hugs, dog kisses, and tail wags. I’m so sorry for loss of your sweet friend. You and Dozer will be w/ me as i light my candles tonight.