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
My heart goes out to you and the pain you are suffering. I too have a sick elderly dog and just know that precious time together is limited. Sending love and prayers. We will miss you Dozer.
My deepest sympathy for your loss and prayers for your comfort, Nagi. He was such a blessing but you blessed his life as well. I have no doubt it was your tender, attentive, beautiful care that allowed him to leave to such a ripe old age for a Golden.
I am so sorry. What a beautiful life you shared. Be gentle with yourself as you grieve. Dozer knows everything that was in your heart now, even if there were words unsaid, he knows them now. Love never dies, it just changes shape. Thank you for showing your grief openly, I think it is important to show this type of loss and the giant hole it leaves in our lives.
Hoping that with time happy .memories will bring a smile and not a tear. Hugs
I am so sorry about Dozer. I understand the love and loss you are going through. We also lost our beautiful Tawny & are still grieving for her. Be strong, relieve the memories.
He will always be with you.
Dear Nagi, my heart aches from your loss, your letter was beautiful.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us, you gave him a beautiful full of love life.
I know the pain, but they deserve every one of our tears. Sending you a big hug 💕
You have all in tears. He was your companion for a long time and you both made wonderful memories, embrace them. Massive hugs. X
Oh Nagi….my heart aches for you. There are tears in my eyes. Dozer was such a sweet pup and, through you, I loved him too. Thank you for sharing him with us.
My heart aches for you. I went through a similar experience, and it took me more than 12 years to heal.
St. Francis said: “Be kind to those that have no voice.” He meant this to tell mankind to love the animals. Take comfort in the love and kindness you have shown Dozer and that your actions make you a credit to mankind. Well done.
Gracie, wonderful goofy goldendoodle, Mr Cat and I send our most heartfelt thoughts and condolences for your loss.
So very sorry for loss
He’s now your guardian angel
I’m so sorry for your loss. Anyone could see the deep love you had for Dozer, and just how lucky you were to have each other.
The most loved dog ever. I’m so so sorry for your loss, Nagi.
I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. Thank you for giving so much love to Dozer. The love you two shared was a bonus to the world, and that energy never dies. Peaceful thoughts and energies heading your way for a smooth transition for you both. Beaming them over from Maine, USA.
It’s hard on the heart to lose a beloved furbaby, I know. Hopefully, given time, sweet memories will replace the pain of loss and sorrow you’re feeling now for Dozer.
Oh dear Nagi Im so sorry for your loss & feeling your pain & crying so hard over here in NZ atm! Being a Labrador mum myself I just loved your boy & everytime I clicked onto one of your recipes I’d always get side tracked & go straight to the Dozer bits first…so yes he really did steal the show lol bless him. Last night as I was bawling my eyes out I held onto my boy & told him all about his big celebrity chef brother up in dog kitchen heaven!
Go well dear Nagi, in time the healing will come.
Sending lots of cuddles & aroha from NZ
Karen XOXO 😘
I have been following you for several years now and watching you go through this with your beloved Dozier touches me so deeply. I have loved and also lost beloved pets over my lifetime. I know your pain and my heart aches with yours. Sending you healing prayers and love.
Love this pup and you for many many years!
My heart is breaking reading this!
My Reilly laid by my side till his last breath and even then I didn’t want to let him go.
Love you, Nagi and Dozer
💔🙏🏼🫶
i’m sobbing for dozer but I know he lived a good life but I will miss that furry guy