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
Sorry for your loss, Nagi.
We all lived vicariously through Dozer.
I was in tears, and glanced lovingly at my dog, Luna, as she takes one of her umpteenth naps.
Much love,
Vik
Oh, Nagi I am heartbroken for you as I read this. I’m so very sorry to hear of Dozers passing. He was an amazing dog and I am so thankful you shared Life of Dozer with all of us. I’ve had to read this in 2 parts, because I was crying so hard thinking of you and what a tough few weeks this must have been- and how hard it must still be.
I know how hard losing your best buddy is and I wish I could send you a million hugs for the times you will miss him and his lovely antics.
Oh, Nagi…..I am so very sorry for your loss. I sit here with my Golden, Tuukka and know that some day I will be dealing with the same thing and I dread it beyond anything . I know what you went through and know how heart sick you felt. It is like taking a piece of your heart away. Dozer knew you loved him and he loved you, too. There will come a day when you will be able to look at pictures of him and smile for the thoughts you have at the moment and that will be somehow comforting to you. I love you and Dozer, too. Take care, my sweet. You will see Dozer again and don’t be surprised if you even see him in your dreams. Take care.
Praying for God to comfort your broken heart and cover you with His peace.
O Nagi I wish I could give you a hug. I am crying as I write this as Dozer was part of all of our lives. What a sweet doggie. Please take the time to mourn. When someone like Dozer leaves you it does take a chunk from your heart but remember that he gave you so much of his that the gap will eventually be healed . You will never forget but you will be able to go on. All my love, Liz
So terribly sorry for your loss of Dozer. He was/is a highlight of your email posts. Losing a precious pet is impossible, but it gets better.
Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, but my thoughts are with you. Just remember all the wonderful memories of the almost 14 years you and Dozer had together.
I feel I’ve also got to know him a little through your contributions for all of us.
Whilst writing, many thanks for some wonderful recipes you’ve shared with your readers/chefs.
Take care, Vivien
I’m praying for you to feel peace and comfort during this difficult time of grief. I lost my sweet boy, Rocky, of 14.5 yrs. It’s been 4 months and the tears still flow when I think of him or look at his photos. Our precious babies become a very close part of our family and our hearts. Take comfort in knowing you loved him well and helped him to have a long, happy life. Remember to take care of yourself during this painful transition. Sending hugs!!
Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, but my thoughts are with you. Just remember all the wonderful memories of the almost 14 years you and Dozer had together.
Whilst writing, many thanks for some wonderful recipes you’ve shared with your readers/chefs.
Take care, Vivien
Nothing can compare to the unconditional love we get from our heart dogs. In time the overwhelming sadness at losing your best friend will fade but you will always miss your sweet Dozer. I am so so sorry for your loss. I have truly enjoyed being part of his story. Thank you for sharing his antics and adventures.
Let the realization that you gave him a WONDERFUL life be a comfort to you always
I am so sorry for your loss and your heartbreak. Over time, Dozer has come to mean a lot to us. We have enjoyed his life through your newsletters, feeling joy, love and now heartache. May Dozer be at peace. Thinking of you at this difficult time Nagi, may you draw comfort from those around you.
Far away in Pennsylvania, we are grieving with you. Rest in peace, Dozer.
Such sad news, it was so obvious you had an amazing bond with each other, my heart goes out to you XXXX
My heart just aches for you, Nagi. You and Dozer had such a beautiful bond that was evident in every photo. I have followed you for a while & always looked forward to hearing about Dozer. He was so loved… and so blessed to have you as his Mum. Rest in peace sweet boy… Sending love & warm hugs… 💞
For those of us that love our pets as you have loved Dozer, we feel your loss and grief! Please know that you are in our thoughts from 🇨🇦❤️.
My heart breaks for you as tears also stream down. I too have lost many of fur babies over the years. Currently my husky Anastasia has liver cancer. They give us so much of themselves in their short lives it is up to us to carry their live forward. Stay strong my friend knowing you gave Dozer a beautiful life.
Gail S Youngman
I lost my best pal a Lhasa Apsa named Rocky. He was 17yrs 4 mos when he crossed the Rainbow bridge.
Nov 17,2024. I have his ashes and when I go he will be with me.
Shortly before we lost him we adopted a mini schnauzer from Mcallen Texas . She was a rescue and had been abused. Now she sleeps with us and gives us love every day . She is now a little over 2 .
so sorry to hear the bad news i know how much fun you had with him by your side very sad
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer will always be with you. When you feel his spirit, you will know he’s there and comforting you.