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
Beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing Dozer with the world.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Dozer.
❤️💔💔💔❤️
🌷🦴RIP good boy ☮️
Much love to you and beautiful Dozer.
Our precious Nagi,
I woke up this morning to find the horrible, heart breaking news about your beloved best friend, your soul mate. Words can not express sorrow and grief we have for you, dear Nagi!!! We have followed you and Dozer for years, and both of you had become part of our family!
May God hold you in His loving arms and give you His peace! We are praying for you!
Sending you much love and huge hugs from ESTONIA! ❤️
Barbara von Normann and family
Beautiful words and sentiments to Nagi and “our”beloved Dozer. I have followed Nagi for many years also. 💕
An earthly goodbye to you sweet Dozer. When we cross the bar all of our loved ones will greet us, be they human or pets. While we continue to be a part of this life, love finds a way to continue to nourish and bring meaning. You brought joy to so many people that did not get to hug or kiss you but will feel the sorrow and grief of your departure. My heart goes out to you Nagi, know that many people love you and Dozer and will respectfully honor both of you in this sadness.
I know only too well the pain losing your fur baby brings. I have gone through this 3 times. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Dozer, run free.
Oh Nagi. So deeply sorry for your loss. We lost our boy too. The pain seems never ending but I can now talk about him with fond memories without crying. He was blessed to have you as his mum. Xx
I feel broken for you and know how you feel. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May his light shine on you today and always. Know that there are people who have you in prayer and are grieving with you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with me. He was a beautiful good boy.
I am so very sorry for your loss Nagi ! Like everyone else here. I could actually feel your headache. I just want to give you a big hug. There are no words, and no one thats going to make you feel better right now. It’s like losing a child. Just take care of yourself and give yourself some time out to grieve and heal. Sending love 💕
Hugs I am so very sorry for your loss.
Nagi, my heart is breaking for you. The saying that the hardest part of loving a “furbaby” is saying goodbye is so true… and you’re right, it’s because we give them all our love and receive it from them unconditionally. I’m glad you had the good and happy years that you did with Dozer. Sending you many hugs and crying right along with you. Say hello to all who you see on the other side of the Bridge, sweet Dozer.
Nagi, my heart is with you. I know the pain and the joy of loving and losing a life-long canine companion. The big empty space where she used to be next to me is different now (20 years later). She is my spirit rider and always nearby.
I send you comfort and love, all the way from California.
Peace & Love and beautiful memories, jeannette.
Dear Nagi,
My heart breaks to read that Dozer has passed over the rainbow bridge. I’ve lost 4 Goldens over many years and the loss is huge. So, I’m sending you healing thoughts and sending love. Take care, my dear.
I am so very very sorry to read about Dozer’s passing I too have lost some of my dogs and know that their love is so very unconditional. You’re right, they care nothing about how we look, weigh, whether our hair’s a mess; they just love us with all their being right to the end. I believe that all dogs do go to heaven and when we finally pass they will be waiting to wag their tails, give us kissing and walk once again by our side. I’m crying too. But I also feel like they stay with us in spirit and want us to be happy til we meet again. Sending you healing thoughts,
I am so sorry for your loss. I so very much enjoy your posts, books and recipes but your relationship with Dozer is what drew me in. I’m sobbing now with you. So sad to lose a beloved pet.
Nagi I’m so so sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. I want to express a huge thank you to you and Dozer for sharing your life together. It was a joy to see your love for each other, sharing of food, and wild beach romps. Hoping that you feel tremendous love from all the people you have shared the wonderful life and partnership of you and Dozer. God bless you and may He fill you with His peace. 🙏🐕
I am in tears. You have loved this dog for so long and your readers felt they knew him.
I am so sorry for you.. try to smile while remembering him.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I rarely cry yet here I sit with tears in my eyes. Let the memory of your happy days together sustain you.
I am so sorry Nagi for your loss. Our pets give us unconditional love and acceptance. They really do enrich our lives and in return we become better people as we care for them and love them back.
Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Sincerely, Robin in Montreal