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
It’ll be so sad to see your postings without Dozer. He was a big, sweet presence. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all these years. Animal lovers everywhere share your grief
I’m heartbroken reading this. Being a dog mom to two beautiful golden boys I know I too will have to face this one day and I know I will never be ready. You and Dozer were so lucky to have each other. I saw the love he had for you in his eyes. You gave him the best life you could and he knew that. He is smiling down on you now hoping your heart will heal ❤️
What a wonderful tribute to a beloved soulmate.
Oh Nagi while I don’t know you personally, I feel your heart breaking. I said goodbye to my girl 10 years ago next month and while it still hurts, I know you will one day be able to talk about Dozer with a smile and less tears. You gave him an incredible life in return for unconditional love you will always remember. Let yourself grieve, Dozer sounded like an amazing companion. Take care. 💔
You couldn’t have loved him better. Sending love and healing.
Nagi – please know that your beautiful boy touched our hearts half-way across the globe. His pictures were the first click on every email and we’ll miss his eager and fighting spirit. It’s 10 years since losing our own and the love never fades. But the pain does. Please take care and thank you for sharing so openly. It was incredibly generous of you.
He knew you loved him to the core, as he did you. A beautiful relationship for life’s best memories!
My heart breaks for you So very sorry for your loss
So so sorry your loss.
My heart feels your pain. I lost my Bailey last August. Still cry when I think of her. They say it gets easier…no it doesn’t…you just feel it differently. Keep him close to your heart because you will see him again. RIP Dozer.
I’m so sorry Nagi. Dozer was a special ‘Heart Dog’. Thank you for sharing. him and his big, big heart.
“Knowing that when the light is gone, love remains for shining” Elizabeth Barrett Browning for her dog, Flush.
I have no words…only wish I could help you carry the pain…
Nothing I can say will ease the pain. Just know that there are thousands of us out here sharing your sorrow. Sending a virtual hug from the Ottawa Valley.
My heart aches for you. So sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. You gave him the best life.
Dear Nagi, i am so teary as I write this and remember missing one of mine many years ago. I’m hoping the pain eases gradually, and you have peace at this time. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. Sending you love, hugs and kisses.
A girl from Aloha, Oregon loved your stories about Dozer!! We will miss him.
There is a special place in heaven for friends such as these. God bless.
Bonnie Williams
My heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us.
Dear Nagi,
I want to express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved boy, Dozer. I recently lost my big boy, Barron, who was a Golden Retriever and lived nearly 14 wonderful years as well.. They will always be with us—in our memories and in a piece of their soul which will stay with us. I always looked forward to your newsletters, as they allowed me to share in your adventures with Dozer. He will truly be missed. My thoughts are with you as you reflect on all the good times you shared together.