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 am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dozer. We’re all thinking of you during this heartbreaking time. Sending love. 💔💔💔
Dozer was an absolute beauty and you gave him a great life. Take care of yourself.xx
My heart goes out to u Nagi x
My condolences Nagi. It’s hard to lose a family member. It takes a long time to recover from this loss. It will happen in time and the great memories you shared with Dozer will be a Godsend. Take care
I hoped with all of my heart that I would not read this message.
Nagi my heart goes out to you, the huge hole in your life once filled by your super dog, Dozer. And he leaves a hole in all of our lives – I confess that I would catch up on Dozer’s antics before your recipe.
So, so sorry, Nagi. Spoken as the Mum of a 13 yr 10 month old dog, my soulmate.
x
You know our hearts are with you. ❤️🩹💘💗
You know we are all saddened by the loss of your wondrous Dozer. 😢
What you may not know or be sure of, is the pleasure you and your boy brought I to our lives
RIP Dozer. 💞
A beautiful tribute xxx
My heart breaks for you Nagi. I lost my special boy several years ago, and still cry every time I talk about him.
Rest assured that you gave him the best possible life, and his love will always stay with you as yours does with him.
Bless you both.
Sadly, my thoughts are with you Nagi. take care. xxoo
I am so sorry, I know it hurts so much to lose your best boy…..sending you love ,❤️🙏🏻🤗. All my love, Gini xx
When you can, please tell us if there is an animal charity to which you would like people to donate in memory of Dozer.
My heart is breaking for you and your loss of Dozer.
Anyone can see how much you loved him.
The pain of his passing will stay with you for a while, but in time will lessen and you will be able to remember the good times and know that he had a wonderful life and a ‘Mum’ that loved him deeply.
Look after yourself, and remember that a great many people are holding you in their hearts at this sad time.
Sending hugs Nagi. Our furry friends are part of our family and they love us as fiercly as we love them. Part of that love is letting them go but Gosh it hurts. Be grateful for every moment you had with Dozer and in time you will smile with him again. Be at peace Dozer. xxxxx
RIP Dozer 😢😭😭😭😭🌈💔💔💔My heart 💚💛💙goes out to your mum and family..
Sending you love, Nagi. Thanks for sharing your beautiful boy with us.
I, along with about a bazillion other people want to thank you for sharing Dozer with us. I do confess that while I usually read the fine recipes, I ALWAYS checked to see how You and Dozer were doing. Blessings on his memory and all the many ways you touched our lives through sharing him with all of us.
Dear Nagi, I have been cooking your recipes for over a year! I lost my Isabel Flufferton a year and a half ago and was at a complete loss, beyond devastated. Your recipes helped me move on with a new interest! I have not gotten a new dog as no one could replace Isabel. I feel your pain losing Dozer and I’m so sad for you. I hope you find a light to help you move forward. My thoughts are with you! Thank you for all you do, your passion is deeply appreciated!
God bless you and your family on the loss of Dozer.
To dear Nagi, sometimes I think it might be even harder to say goodbye to a fur baby when they pass over the rainbow bridge than 2 legfed loved ones. Our fur babies are so totally reliant on their pawrents and to know that they can’t live as long as us, and with us, is the worst thing in the world. I think a lot of your fans love animals as much as you do and we can all see what a beautiful life you gave Dozer and what a beautiful gift he was to you. It takes a long time to heal from the grief that envelops you but it will get easier. You’ll never forget how he made you feel, but it will become easier with time and he’ll always be with you in spirit. My children and I have shed many tears for you because we know the heartbreak of losing a fur baby too. It still shatters me sometimes almost 10 years later. You’re in everyone’s thoughts. Much love to you and RIP Dozer. ❤️🐾💐
I’m crying so hard I can barely write. We have had so many beloved dogs in the past, that I know exactly how you feel….
I’m so sorry