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
Hello Nagi, I was so saddened to hear of Dozer’s passing. I enjoyed Dozer sampling your recipes, it always made me laugh. Through all your recipes and videos you just can’t help feel the love you have for Dozer. We lost our Mousse a couple of years ago and we miss him dearly and always will. RIP Dozer. Nagi you gave Dozer a wonderful life, he will always be with you. Hugs
We’ll miss seeing you on here. I’ve been following your mama and you since around 2018 when I was looking for a quesadilla recipe and have never left. Rest in peace Dozer 🐾
I am so sorry for your loss, Nagi. What a special bond you had. I enjoyed reading about him and seeing his cute face. Sending a hug and prayer.
Nothing can replace the joy I got from the picture that Dozer photo-bombed. Can’t remember what the recipe was but it was only when Nagi was editing it that she noticed a pair of doggy eyes were peeking hungrily over the far side of the table. Friends like that are hard to find.
I think it was the Apple cake one
I am so sad to read of Dozer crossing the rainbow bridge, and I am so incredibly sorry you had to say goodbye. What a wonderful life he lived. I hope he is getting all the best treats up there! <3
National
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dozer was everything to you, and that mutual love was so evident. I know, from experience, that your heart will never heal, but in your heart is where Dozer will always be.
Saying goodbye is the hardest thing in life Nagi, he will always be with you. Consider getting another like him, it won’t replace him but god it helps.❤️
My heart is with you as you process the loss of dear Dozer. Your recipes have meant so much to me this past year—they helped me fall in love with cooking in college. I’m also facing the loss of my 12.5-year-old dog, Sadie, and feel this deeply alongside you. Our pain reflects the love we’ve shared with them—what a gift that’s been. Sending you lots of love 🤍
When I read this I cried, every time I come to this website I always am excited to see the end of the recipe not just because I’m excited because I can try the delicious food but to see the cute heartwarming photos of dear Dozer it makes me so sad because I know my old blind dog will be going through the same soon but I understand the pain you are going through and I can promise that it will get better.
XXX
He made so, so many people happy, and you gave him such a wonderful life. He truly could not have had a better time on Earth. RIP Dozer 🙁
Hi Nagi, your story of Dozer made me cry and remember all of our animals that we have had, it is heartbreaking to go through which makes the happy memories even more special. he will be greatly missed x
Hi Nagi, your story of Dozer made me cry and remember all of our animals that we have had, it is heartbreaking to go through which makes the happy memories even more special. he will be greatly missed x
Theres a bittersweet quote i return to everytime i see someone mourning their non human companions.
“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong” – w.r pourcge.
Deepest condolences for your loss, Nagi.
I lost my beautiful dog Harvey just one month before Dozer’s sad passing. I always enjoyed reading of Dozer’s stories on your website. Dozer was a good boy & clearly the light of your life just as my Harvey was for mine. If love could’ve saved our beautiful boys, I’m sure they would’ve lived forever.
Dear Nagi,
I want to say to you my darling that your love for Dozer absolutely shone through with your every writing and every photo. He gave you every ounce of love back. It was a joy to read and see your photos. Even if I do live on the other side of the world.
I’m so sorry, I can identify with your sadness completely. It will ease.
We will see our beautiful boys again one day. But for now he is resting in the arms of God.
M much love and many blessings. Xx Sally, UK
I lost my Golden, Raegan, in 2020 after 13 years. He was my soul dog and I still miss him every day. He knew what I was thinking always. He loved us beyond measure and we gave him the best life ever because he deserved it for being the best boy ever.
Nagi,
Words cannot express how sad we are to learn of Dozer’s passing. What joy he brought to your life, and all of ours because you shared him with us. He will be greatly missed by all of us. you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am sorry you lost your dozer. I lost my Standard Poodle Charley two years ago. I read this: “The price of a good dog is a broken heart.” It’s a high price for sure, but so worth it!
Blessings
Reading this blog about Dozer’s passing brought teats to my eyes as memories flooded in of my Bismark. You will always have the thousands of memories of time spent together and know that they never really leave our sides. Sending warmest hugs imaginable.
I found your website looking for creative potato recipes, and so glad I did! I love dogs (and cats!) too, and your tribute to Dozer was so beautiful. Thank you. 💜