I don't like the year 2023. That year was a crucial one for the turning point of my life. However, a dog blocked my way forward. Actually, rather than saying that I don't like the year 2023, it would be more accurate to say that I really wanted to get rid of that dog in 2023.
The year 2023 was a year of twists and hardships in my life. As for that person (referring to the one described as a "dog" here), it even feels a bit like an insult to the word "dog" to call him that now.