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
I popped in to find a recipe and saw Dozer had passed. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us over the years. He is already missed.
Lovely Nagi. In honour of you and beautiful Dozer I went back to the beginning of your journey and cooked your maiden recipe – Sticky Pantry Chicken. Got teary thinking of how brave you were, an idea, a gorgeous pooch and some recipes. What an inspiration you are. Your website has brought so many ppl together (love of food and dogs🐶) and I hope you feel the love and support of us all. Sending you much love and a big warm hug ❤️🥲
Oh Nagi I am so sorry to read of the incredible Dozer’s passing. I wish you continued comfort in the coming days as we all celebrate his life and the unconditional love that he offered you.
Thinking of you Nagi. We both tear up years later after saying goodbye to my cat and partners shepherd after having to make that dreadful decision to ease their pain and say goodbye.
My heart goes out to you Nagi, there are no words to describe the emptiness and silence in your home now. Just know you gave Dozer the best life ever and he gave his love and loyalty back to you in spades. Thank goodness for memories and photographs. Sending much love and healing vibes but you will get through the tough days, from Wendy and my Golden Murphy 🐾❤️🩹
As sad as losing a best friend is I can say from experience you will never forget him.
So sorry for your loss…
Rest in peace Dozer ❤️🩹
Oh Nagi, we are weeping with you. Losing our beloved animal companions is the hardest thing in this world. We all wish our love could heal them over and over. Dozer was the most wonderful (and famous!) dog. His spirit will always be with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Nagi. I lost my heart dog just before Christmas. He was 15 1/2. I too, had so many things I wanted to say to him and had planned to say to him in his final hours but instead all I could say was thank you, Ian, for being here with me and for taking care of me all these years. I brought him into the world 15 1/2 years ago and he’s been at my side most days since. I understand your loss… It is overwhelming. But now they are running and leaping and enjoying life w friends again, as they did when they were younger. My heart and prayers are with you and Dozer. Love, Mary.
Sending you hugs, Nagi 💕
I’ll miss seeing your photos and sharing your adventures Dozer, stay close to your mum 💕
I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was lucky to have such a great Mom and be so loved.
I wasn’t going to leave a comment, but I’ve thought about you every day since you first laid down with Dozer to comfort him. You and he are fortunate that SASH was unbelievable and offered you the opportunity to be near him during his hospice stage. He will be part of your heart and soul forever, Nagi.
Nagi, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Dozer was more than a dog, he was your constant companion, your joy and such a bright presence in so many lives. The love between you was unmistakable and that love will always remain. Thank you for sharing him with us. Thinking of you and sending so much love during this heart breaking time.
Dear Nagi, this is heart breaking. 💔😞 I send my Love to you. ❤️
I feel for you in your time of grief, and hope that the love and affection of all your readers, will bring some consolation.
Warmest regards
Patrick
I feel for you in your time of grief, and hope that the love and affection of all your readers, will bring some consolation.
My heart goes out to you Nagi.
It’s hard to find the right words to express how much Dozer was loved by so many of us.
He will always be a part of you with his big pawprint left on your heart.
Thank you so much for sharing him with us. I loved getting to read all about Dozer’s life with you. You were truly so lucky to have each other.
He couldn’t have had a better Mum 💔
I am so very sorry, Nagi…I miss him already.
…it’ll get a tad bit easier—eventually.
Dozer was a beautiful golden retriever who was lucky to have you as his mum. And you were equally lucky to have him. Cry but one day those tears will turn into happy tears of the beautiful memories you and Dozer shared.
Goodbye beautiful boy RIP
💔 Huge Hug Nagi