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 am so so sorry for your loss. I cried so much reading this beautiful post. May God give you the strength and patience to bear this loss 🙁
Love to both you and Dozer, Nagi. Our doggy friends, alas, are here for a good time but not a long time. Cry your heart out, it helps. And when you are ready, remember that Dozer’s one wish is that you give all the love you gave to him to another, lucky dog. Big hugs.
Tears are pouring down my face as I read your post. I have truly loved reading all about Dozer. May you rest in peace. One day you will be able to look back at all your beautiful memories that you made together with with love in your heart.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your adorable Dozer with us for all these years. He was lucky to have such a wonderful Mum.
Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your love for Dozer and for the wonderful things you do.
If love could have saved him, he’d live forever.
I have been where you are now and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Heartbreak is the price of a dog’s love and surely the best bargain we will ever make in this life. Farewell, dear Dozer, you good boy. Wishing your mom the comfort of a million happy memories.
My golden Max was with me 24/7 for 13 years. Like you I was with him til the end. I held him and told him he was the best ol dog ever. I’m 80 and it gives me comfort to know I will see him soon. We are blessed to have had them in our lives. It gets easier but it takes time. 3 years later I was given a Goldendoodle puppy. He’s not My Max but he is My Bailey. Same goofy, same love and same loving eyes. Hang in there.
I am so sorry for your loss. It never gets easier with each one. Dogs love, and receive love so unconditionally that please believe Doser would be proud for you to give what he had to another animal. When you’re ready, loving again, is a wonderful tribute and gift to give to another that needs it. As much as your heart hurts now, it’s still full of love to share.
We all send you comfort and healing at this time.
Dearest Nagi…my heart overflows with condolences for you. Having survived the loss of 2 Goldens myself, following you and Dozer’s story has been reminder of how heart-wrenching the loss can be. Forge through your days knowing you gave that beautiful soul a life full of love. The sadness really never goes away, you just learn to deal with it. He’ll always be with you – somehow all that hair persists forever! Hugs from across the world ❤️
Nagi, Thank you for sharing your sorrow with us. This is a tough time for you and you have many, many, loving kindred humans, here to support you at this time.
I never met Dozer but through You, through you we all got to know him, and loved him from afar. Many, if not All of us, join you in sorrow and release at this time. We love you, support you, and love Dozer – even though we have never met – and That’s Amazing!
Ruffles, the Golden who was with me during my adolescence, departed in 1984 and I think of her everyday. And – she still shows up at the oddest times to check in on me. For this I am grateful.
Sending you love and strength from the central west coast of Oregon!
Mike~
There are no words to express the pain of loss I know you are feeling. So many of us have had the same undying love for our pets who leave us. They become our surrogate children even when our children leave the nest. My heart breaks for you & for the loss of Dozer. But I want to thank you for sharing him with us all & know that were the best Mom to him always. It will get easier I promise. Much love to you & to Dozer, Dar
Dozer, most precious and well-loved dog. And Nagi, most loving dog parent. You are both in my thoughts!
Dear Sweet Nagi, as I read your final Dozer post I couldn’t help but thinking that Dozer truly felt the same live for you. He loved you just as much and knew how much you cared and loved him. You were both so lucky to have one another. Tears flow often now, but in time tears will turn to smiles as you remember the years loving moments you shared together. 🥰
We’ve all grown to love Dozer through the years. I knew this day would come, and sometimes even held my breath opening my email hoping not to see this news. I’ll be praying for healing for your broken heart. Dozer had the most amazing life with you, I am sure he is in Heaven now telling all the other dogs about all the great food and about how much fun he had, and most of all, how much he was loved. Thank you for sharing him with us. I hope you can somehow feel all of us holding you in our hearts.
So sorry for your loss Nagi….
I am so very sorry for your loss and the pain you’re going through now. I don’t know what else to say.
A beautiful tribute and a lucky dog to have had such a loving owner
Dearest Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us all over the world. Now it is his turn to watch over you. Sending you lots of love and hugs all the way from Tennessee. That face of his will be missed by all of us.
Today a tear replaces my usual smile as I have shared what you write, what you give to us from your commitment to all that is best , charming and beautiful in this life…..
Dear Nagi. I feel for you. When my first dog had to be euthanised I came home and couldn’t breathe. It is heartbreaking when a beloved pet dies, even when the time is obviously right. We’ve never met, but I send you my empathy, love and virtual hugs. Dear Dozer couldn’t have. been more loved – he had the best life. X
Thank you both for all the love you have shared. Dozer was such a special part of your life. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of your followers. My heart is broken 💔