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 cry for your loss in part bc I still feel the pain of losing my own who I also loved and miss fiercely. Be comforted that you will see him again. I pray for your healing.
I’m so sorry 💔 You are not grieving alone. We love you Dozer. Safe journey over the bridge sweet pup 💙🌈💙
Countless hearts are breaking today. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. He was a bright spot in our lives. I wish there were words to ease your pain and bring you peace. But they don’t exist. Just know you are not alone.
Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. We are our fur babies world and they are ours. You shared Dozer with the world and we loved being able to be apart of that with you. Treasure all those wonderful memories and thank you for sharing your beloved Dozer with us! Huggs xoxoxo
So sorry to hear that Dozer has crossed the rainbow bridge. It’s so hard to lose a family member. My heart goes out to you. Please remember that you two had a magical life together! Be thankful for all of the memories, wags, drool, cuddles and good times. You were the best dog mommy possible. I know that Dozer will forever be in all of our hearts. xoxo from the mum of another 14 year old golden (Sydney) in Idaho, USA.
💔🐶❤️
So sorry for your loss! I have enjoyed your Dozer posts for years. At 73 I have lived through this many times. Look at his photos and let them bring you comfort.
Oh I am so so sorry for your loss. You were a true couple bonded in love. And we did indeed live vicariously with you both. Time heals a bit but it takes a long long time. I remind myself that we agree to a different kind of contract when we bond with someone we know we are bound to lose way before we’re ready.
I feel so sad for you over the loss of your precious, amazing Dozer, take comfort in remembering all of the good times and love you gave each other those wonderful 14 years.
I am so sorry for your loss. You shared Dozer with us for years and we’ve come to love him too. Bless you Nagi.
My heart is breaking for you, Nagi. Dozer was such a joy to read about; he always brightened the day! Thank you for sharing him with us. Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort.❤️
Cooks are those who love deeply. We create and share as way to show our love. We bond closely to our furry friends because they remind us daily that we are also loved, unconditionally.
My prayers and thoughts are with you, I know that’s not enough, especially for losing someone like Dozer. Dozer was your family, and he was our family too. I’m thankful that you shared pictures, moments, and stories about dozer. I will keep you in prayers Nagi. PSALM 120 vs 1
As you see from all the loving notes from your (and Dozer’s) fans….everyone is sending tons of love to surround you and all who love him! My dear cousin –who has spiritual connections beyond most people—told me, when we lost our dog, that “they are never more than a thought away from you.” It was comforting then, and now. He was the BEST boy and you gave him his very BEST life. Bless you.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I completely understand as I still miss my beloved Chesapeake Retriever who crossed over in 1998 after 12 years of devotion and love. It is so hard to lose a furry family member and best friend and their lives are so short compared with ours. What a wonderful life you shared with Dozer, he will always be your best dog forever. I am weeping as I write this.
My heart aches for her. And I understand your loss. Last April I lost my Chessie girl. You understand how devoted a Chessie can be. I now have another Chessie; a handsome boy full of energy and endless love.
He was well loved and cared for RIP
Sending healing thoughts to you Nagi. Dozer will forever be with you now. We love you Nagi and we love Dozer. You both brought us so much joy over the years, its now our turn to support you and Dozer. We are here for you.
Hi Nagi…I am so sad to hear of Dozer’s passing. Its so hard when they leave us…our love for our pets is so deep. Just know he is no longer hurting and your memories will last a life time. HE has given all of us many memories..and great joys.
Its the journeys they give us….Keep the memories alive.
With heartfelt sympathy…Willie
He was so fortunate to have you loving him so much.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy. Time will ease the hurt eventually and he will always be in your heart. Hugs and kisses to you at this time.