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
Dozer you brought me joy and I have never met you. Nagi I am sending you such a big hug. I have walked this path I understand the pain it never goes away….it just changes when you accept the gift of love comes to the fortunate few❤️
Omg I’m soooooooooooo sad
I am so so sorry to hear about Dozer, i really loved his photos, such a handsome boy, He has never left, he will always be by your side waiting for that dish to be smelt,
I am so so sorry to hear about Dozer, i really loved his photos, such a handsome boy, He has never left, he will always be by your side waiting for that dish to be smelt, xxx
Hi Nagi sorry to here about Dozer, dog are the most beautiful loyal animals, I’ve lost a thew of my own over the years you never forget them, I have 5 buried on my property and three on my mantelpiece I will never forget them, take care I hope you get your self a little puppy one day when your ready they are the best, take care
,
Doser was the cutest dog in the world i am so sad that u lost him🤓🙁🙁😭
Your beautiful Goldy had a fabulous life with you. They are the love of your life,, break your heart & take it with them. So thrilled to see you have another gorgeous puppy & love his name. It does help with the healing ❤️🩹
Thank you so much for sharing your memories of Dozer. He truly had a beautiful life and was clearly so loved.
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. We had to say goodbye to our fur baby, Kingsley, in 2025. His passing was sudden and unexpected, and the loss is still deeply felt. Our pets are so much more than animals; they are family and bring us so much unconditional love, companionship, and joy.
Our hearts are with you.
Hello Nagi!
I was looking for a wonton soup recipe and your website pop up and after reading your wonderful recipe, i saw Dozer’s page and i cried because i saw in him my beautiful Asher who pass this last May. it is devastating when your babies depart from this earth, there is a deep hole in our hearts forever.
I am sorry for your loss, i know what it is to say goodbye to one of this 4 legs angels. i believe it was a gain for you having Dozer for 14 years of unconditional love and friendship! Thank you for sharing your history and talent!
So sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. I hope the below helps you as much as it has me…
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old, are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt, or maimed are made whole and strong again. Just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together…but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers.
Suddenly…he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster, and faster.
You have been spotted.
When you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands again caress the beloved head. You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then… you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
~Unknown
I was sharing your Charlie stir fry sauce with a friend and saw that Dozer had passed. He will live in your heart and mind forever. I know this because I’ve lost a few precious dogs and I still think of them all often, and it’s so very obvious how much you loved and cared for each other. There is nothing comparable to a dog’s love in my opinion. Peace and love, Beth
Hi Nagi,
Losing a pet can be incredibly tough. It’s like saying goodbye to a family member. Make sure to keep going forward even though it’s hard. ❤️❤️❤️
Losing a pet can be incredibly tough. It’s like saying goodbye to a family member. Make sure to keep going forward even though its hard.❤️❤️❤️
My heart aches for you. This type of loss is indescribably painful. You and Dozer both deserved more time. That is the part that is most unfair. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you find even some comfort knowing you were his best case scenario in life. You gave him the best.
My heart breaks for you … so sorry for your loss.
I don’t recall how long I’ve been following you and Dozer but, I have enjoyed living vicariously through you both.
Godspeed Dozer!
Doser is just a soulless dog🤬🤬🤬🤬😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈
Dear Nagi, it is sad that we don’t get to keep our fur babies for very long but what an incredible life you gave Dozer!! Always by your side enjoying all your amazing moments as you and him became such a famous duo!! I’m pretty sure it was Dozer that drew me to your early posts( no offence LOL) and led me to trying your amazing recipes and then I was hooked :)! He got to taste so many yummy things and let’s face it dogs just love food!!! Most of all you loved him endlessly! Take comfort in knowing you gave him the most wonderful 14 years and his love will continue to fill your heart forever! Thank you for sharing his life with us he brought me much joy ❤️
So sorry for your loss of Dozer . But over joyed you have a new baby . That is the best medicine .💐❤️
Hi Nagi,
I was searching for a gazpacho recipe and found yours, which led me to the link about Dozer’s passing.😭😭😭I’m so sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy! As a dog/cat mom who has sadly seen my fur babies (Merlyn, Chloe, Carlos, Rufus and Raven) cross the rainbow bridge, I feel your deep sadness and offer my heartfelt condolences. Thank you so much for sharing Dozer with us. I always hit the Dozer button on your recipes as these posts make me smile! What a Good Boy! May his memory be a blessing to you always.
❤️Jeanine
I have loved your cookbooks and how much Dozer was a part of what you did, I could feel your deep devotion to him through your comments in the recipes. We have had 3 golden retrievers and it was so hard saying goodbye to each of them. May you find another companion that adds to all the joy you have had with Dozer.
Love
Kathy xoxo
So sorry to hear of Dozer. We have had mini Dachshunds and they are always our “babies”. So hard to part with them. They take a piece of our heart with them and that’s okay.