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’m so very sorry for your loss. Dover was such a sweet dog! I know what that is. I’ve been a devoted animal lover my whole life. I’m 79 years old now and have had to say good-bye to many dogs and other beloved animals in my life. My best hope for you is that when you’re ready for another dog, you will consider a small dog, because they live longer. My small dogs all lived to 17 or 18; all died of old age. So painful, the loss of our dear pets! I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. When you cross the rainbow bridge, I know Dozer will be there waiting for you. Much love.❤️
So sorry for your loss. Loss of a pet is like losing part of yourself. They have been with 24 hours a day for so long. Always part of your life.. Some good memories though, love and hugs Necia xx
All our love to you Nagi, I have to beautiful standard poodles and my boy is getting on in years. Our babies like Dozer mean everything to us. My heart goes our to you, it hurts so much but It will get better and we never forget. Trudie
Beautiful photos of your lovely boy Dozer..
God it is so hard when they leave us and the house feels so empty. Seems impossible but it slowly gets a little easier with time.
Thinking of you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry you have lost your beautiful boy. Thank you for sharing his adventures with us. Sincere condolences. 🙁
Dear Nagi, we are so so sorry for your loss of beautiful Dozer. My 3 year old son and I loved watching him in your baked butter chicken video. My heart is just breaking for you. Praying peace and rest for you in this time xxx
I feel your loss Nagi. My heart aches for you as you cope with the loss of your wonderful Dozer. Time does heal and lessen the pain of loss while our memories keep our loved one close. Bless you as you adjust to your new normal. R.I.P. Dozer. You are loved by all.
Ahh the tears we cry for our beautiful animals. My heart breaks for you Nagi, lost our wonderful golden retriever some 15 years ago at age 14. Now have the most awesome labradoodle Harley who at 11 is sadly showing signs of slowing down. It is a journey, and the end time is quite frankly awful.
My heart and soul and whole being is grieving with you. There is something special and profound about the love you share. I know because I lost the soulmate of my life as you have lost Dozer. I looked into his eyes and saw him looking back with love and understanding, until he could no longer see. I can cry with you now when it hurt too much to cry then. Dozer and Stubert had profound purpose in life. To love and to accept our love. He will always be with you.
My deepest condolences, it’s very hard and heartbreaking to lose your big pup, remember you gave him a wonderful home, full of love, light, and warmth. I’m sure he loved you with all his heart. Xx
When all the laughing and romping was done.
When the sunlight was cold grey pain
You loved enough to let Dozer go
Loved and broke his earthly chain
Loved enough to set him free
You trusted he would find another form to be
Dozer told you didn’t he
Beyond the sky and the stars there is a place where a dog might run and bark on the wind
He’s a spirit of a gentle breeze
He’s the wild of rumbling thunder
As he gambols in the sky
The joyful zig zag of lightning
Dozer’s still a tiny puppy
His atoms curled around your heart
You are learning his last lesson
That sharing grieving is an art.
Vale Dozer
So sorry for you huge loss. Much love ❤️
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time Ivy Groodle and Poppy Poodle
I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you. RIP darling Dozer. Peace and comfort to you, Nagi
oh my gosh, I’m so sorry to hear this, actually brought tears to my eyes. You both have brought so much joy to so many of us. Thinking of you Nagi x
Our family had a golden & so loving & trusting I would say if ever we were burgled he would likely welcome them in & show them what they wanted to steal. I truely identify with your love & devotion to Dozer & empathise with the depth of your broken heart & sense of loss. He must truly know he was dearly loved & that matters most.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, as well as for all of our loss. I’ve followed you and Dozer for years.so much joy and laughter! I’m crying as I write this and I know it’s not half the sorrow you must feel.
Be well and know that Dozer is in doggy heaven playing in the ocean !
Hold fast to every memory. Speak his name. I have no doubt in my heart that he is so very close to you.
Feel what you are feeling. Do not try to permit life to rush you away from your sad heart.
I know only too well the pain you feel in losing your best friend. I feel for you Nagi. The tears flow freely for your heartache. Fly high Dozer, you will be fondly remembered. Rest peacefully until you meet again xxoo