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
SO SO many hugs xxx
I’m crying with you. So so sorry for your loss 😭
Nagi you brought tears to my eyes. We know how much you loved Dozer but only time will heal your broken heart. You are amazing.
So very sorry. It’s so hard.
Grief is the price that we pay for love, and our fur babies leave an indelible mark on our hearts and our lives. It was extraordinarily clear how much you loved Dozer. Rest in peace Dozer. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Nagi, since I’ve signed up to your website I have loved Dozer so much. A wonderful golden dog. My heart feels for you as the loss of a pet is never easy. 🥰
Oh Nagi, I know what a huge hole Dozer’s death has left in your heart and how much pain you are suffering right now. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a beloved animal and they wheedle their way into our lives so nothing ever feels the same when they are gone. What a wonderful life you had together and Dozer died knowing how loved and protected he had been since you came into his life. My heart breaks for you.
I am crying with you… and for the dogs I have lost, and thinking about my current dog leaving one day. Their love is so special, and it is so incredibly hard to lose them. Thinking of you! Be patient, it will be a very long time before things will feel a little better.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us!
Oh Nagi I am so terribly sorry to hear of Dozer passing. He was the luckiest boy to be so thoroughly loved and cherished.
I was lucky enough to pat him on a visit to Canberra.
I’m so heartbroken for you and all that Dozer touched xxx
I am so very sorry for your loss, I am in tears writing this as I feel your pain having lost my best girl Kate nearly 12 months ago
They are so very special and there’s nothing that comes close to having the love of a dog
RIP Dozer 🐾💕🕊🍀
I’m so heartbroken for you and all that Dozer touched xxx
So sorry for your loss . Dozer was part of the family . I’ve had the same experience. I’ve realised all the time I thought I was looking after my dogs . They were looking after me
Thank you Dozer for all you have given Nagi and us
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your handsome Dozer. I see the special bond you guys had and know the pain you are feeling right now 💔 blessings and healing hugs for the days ahead. RIP Dozer 🙌🏼
What a beautiful tribute Ngai that you have written to your beloved Dozer. It is heart breaking to lose a special pet, your baby, your best and most loyal friend. I am crying for you ❤️
Dear Nagi, I am so very sorry. Your dear baby boy couldn’t have found a more perfect Mommy in all the world. I send you blessings of comfort and love. Take it all moment by moment. You are the very best kind of people in this world.
The heart ache never seems to end when a furry family member has to leave. With a heart as big as yours obviously is, perhaps one day another four legged friend will find a place there.
So very sorry. I cry with you.
Crying reading your letter. Know your heartbreak. 💔
I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. Tears and prayers for you and Dozer