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
Oh Nagi. My heart breaks for you. I’m so very sorry for your loss. There is no love like the love of a dog… except for the love we have for them. Dozer was extremely lucky to have a mum like you and I suspect he knew it every day. Take care my love.
Sorry for your loss of the animal/buddy you loved. Be Strong and Positive about the life you shared with Dozer.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It hurts so much because there was so much love and it was an amazing gift.
My Carissima Nagi – when my best friend from Australia said Daniela let me tell you about Nagi & her Dozer – try her recipes they never fail and since than I have bought your cookbooks via Amazon as I’m here in Italy and you & Dozer have a special place in my home.. I’m so so sad for you – its not going to be easy – he really was your boy and you his Mamma – it will take time alot of time but slowly your tears will turn into memories.. Just reading all the lovely messages that you have received shows you how much you were both loved from so many people..You are lucky to be surrounded by special people who will wipe those tears..I hope that you are able to bring Dozer to your/ his new home – maybe in a different way ( you know what I’m trying to say)..Take Care Nagi and like you said you held his paw from the start until the end – I hope he went peacefully knowing that you were with him..Tanti abbracci from Asolo Italia – courage Nagi
Rest is peace Dozer. It looked like he had a great life as an assistant chef. He lived the dream doggy life with a great momma. Thank you for sharing his beautiful journey.
My Carissima Nagi – when my best friend from Australia said Daniela let me tell you about Nagi & her Dozer – try her recipes they never fail and since than I have bought your cookbooks via Amazon as I’m here in Italy and you & Dozer have a special place in my home.. I’m so so sad for you – its not going to be easy – he really was your boy and you his Mamma – it will take time alot of time but slowly your tears will turn into memories.. Just reading all the lovely messages that you have received shows you how much you were both loved from so many people..You are lucky to be surrounded by special people who will wipe those tears..I hope that you are able to bring Dozer to your/ his new home – maybe in a different way ( you know what I’m trying to say)..Take Care Nagi and like you said you held his paw from the start until the end – I hope he went peacefully knowing that you were with him..Tanti abbracci from Asolo Italia – courage Nagi
I’m crying so hard reading your beautiful message. I too lost my dog of 11yrs together last June and I still cry when I look at her picture. It’s getting a little less painful and my wish for you a time to grieve and in time to heal. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. I will miss his beautiful face and love for you and life. 🐾😢
Dozer was clearly a special dog that brought much joy to your life. My sincere sympathies on the loss of your beloved companion.
Feel for you been there with my own,they love us no matter how we look/feel and we can laugh at the goofy things they do keep hold of that.You were so kind to share Dozer with us all thank you.X
Oh Nagi, I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose them but they never really leave us. As trite as it may sound, he will always be in your heart, I promise.
May the love you feel always be in your heart ’cause that’s where Dozer will be forever.
Praying for you Nagi as you begin your very difficult grief journey. One day you will be able to look at your photos of your beloved Dozer and smile without crying. At some point you will be able to think more about all the wonderful, happy, loving joyful moments you two shared with one another and all the people and animals you interacted with during his life.
Lord, please wrap y0ur arms around Nagi as she faces the loss of her beloved friend, Dozer. I pray for the healing that will come for her. Dozer has crossed the rainbow bridge and is no longer in pain and we are happy for him. But I ask that you surround Nagi with the family and friends that Dozer left behind to provide comfort, love and support.
Your friend in Cincinnati, Tex (& our Golden, Robert)
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. I lost my 14 year old golden too. I miss his every day. Thank you for sharing his story. Dogs are just the best.
Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing. We recently lost our 12 year old Husky and miss her every day. The healing will come but she’ll always be missed. I thank God every day for the time I have with our other fur babies. Praying for you. God bless.
Nagi sending you our kindest thoughts and wishes in this time of loss and pain. Dozer was your loving companion and we were fortunate to be able to share in Dozer’s antics in a small way. You will miss him dearly but he will be remembered by so many.
My heart goes out to you. I hope you can take some comfort in that you were the best mum in the world for Dozer, and provided him with a wonderful life full of loving companionship. Hugs, Nagi.
I’m so, so sorry. I do know how you feel. I lost mine decades ago, after being with her for 14 years. I still miss her.!
It is the hardest thing in the world to loose your precious fur babies. I recently lost my precious lab and it is one day at a time for the healing process. I am now able to look at some pictures with out breaking down and I set up an area outside in her honor with a collar and a couple of her favorite toys. Dozer was truly a blessed dog!
All the hugs. These losses are the worst. You got this though.
I understand your pain. I lost a beloved pet last November. So sorry Nagi. We came to love him through your posts.