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 soo soo sorry. I know exactly how u feel my heart breaks for you
Many hugs
My condolences. Always so hard to say goodbye as they are a part of your family
So sorry for your loss, Nagi.
Rest in peace,Dozer
I am so very sorry for the loss of the amazing and beautiful Dozer. I understand what you are feeling and that you didn’t say the things that you wanted to say to him on his last day. I feel exactly the same way as there is so much that I wished I had said when my gorgeous little Della left me. I love your idea of writing a letter for Dozer, I think that it is a very important thing to do to tell him what you are feeling. I have loved seeing him over the years at the end of your recipes, he was very sweet and adorable. I loved how he was always there hoping for some food to come his way . I will miss him so very much. My condolences and thoughts are with you at this difficult time, take care and remember all the wonderful memories of Dozer. 💔😰🐾🌈❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nagi, my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. You and Dozer are so loved around the world. Here’s sending you caring thoughts and aloha from Hawaii. Dozer will remain in our hearts and be warmly remembered. You were both so blessed to have each other. Loving memories never die.
Dozer will remain in our hearts forever!
I feel so deeply sorry that you lost Dozer. Thank you for sharing moments of his life with us. I know it brightened many of my days. Take care.
Feeling your loss. Retrievers are special dogs, such beautiful natures.
Hope you can recover with all the love sent your way.
Dozer opened so many hearts wherever he went. Thank you for sharing him with us, your loving bond was extraordinary. sending prayers for your very highest good and for his. I believe you will meet him again.
Oh Nagi I am so so sorry for your loss of the lovable Dozer. He absolutely knew how much you loved him and gave him a beautiful life. He will never truly leave you, he will be forever sitting and walking by your side, watching over you, his love for you unwavering.
I am thinking of you, and as you thanked Dozer for his life with you, I would like to thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us 🤍
Nagi, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of our sweet boy, Dozer. The world fell in love with him thanks to you! He was loved and adored by many. Thank you for sharing him with us. Thank you for being such a tremendous loving human and mommy to him. He certainly was lucky to have you as him mommy and for all the great taste tests alongside of you.
Keep going, don’t stop. He’s always with you ❤️💞💔
I am so sorry for your loss.
So so sorry Nagi, my heart goes out to you.🥹🥰
My deepest condolences. I am sorry about Dozer passing. He was a truly loved little one.
I am so sorry to hear this Nagi. Big hugs and condolences from NZ
Heartbreaking. I know how it feels. A real life-longl companion dog who passes is a huge loss and the hole of their faithfulness never heals, although an afterglow does emerge when your energy of grief ebbs. Prayers for Peace.
You are a beautiful human being Nagi. Thank you for your compassion and generous spirit. Dozer will always have a place/plate at your table.
Sending you warmth and cuddles from Aotearoa, New Zealand. I look forward to tasting your food.
Tears accompany my reading your words which reflect so closely the remembered pain of the loss my of 14-year-old Retriever. I feel for you in your deep loss and hope the words of love care from so many people with whom you shared your love and life with Dozer will offer you a little comfort as you grieve.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious Dozer. It’s heartbreaking to have to say goodbye. Rest in peace, sweet boy.
Dear Nagi, Sooo Sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing. No one could love a pet any more than you loved Dozer. You will always have the beautiful memories that the two of you shared in your heart. Sending you Love, Light, Healing and Big Hugs.
i am so sorry for your loss. i feel like i also lost a friend as i have come to know him. sending hugs to you from New Jersey