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
Dearest Nagi,
Just found out about Dozer – tears also streamed down my face as I read your tribute to your beautiful boy. Although we never met Dozer, we loved him from afar – he was always my favourite part of every RTE recipe – that smiley face, the pure joy he radiated, his obvious zest for life including its best bits – food! As someone who has loved and lost fur babies, I am sending
love and support as does my 15 year old son who enjoys baking your wonderful dessert recipes and is also a massive dog lover ♥️ ♥️
I’m so sorry for your loss, Nagi. I have only just read your beautiful tribute to Dozer. I’m sure Dozer felt your love every day and hope that in time, your happy memories will eclipse the pain you now feel. xx
What a perfect tribute to an exceptional companion. RIP dear Dozer.
Oh, Nagi! I am so sorry! I just read about that beautiful, loving pup of yours. He reminded me of my black lab Enzo. Always, loving, always huggable, and yes…always hungry. Dozer is now romping with Enzo and other pups in Doggie Heaven ,eating meatballs that grow on bushes. And in my heaven, we will meet again. Hugs
Crying with you. We could see how much love you had for each other.
I am so very sorry that darling Dozer has passed away. I want to thank you for your wonderful recipes- I have copies of your books both in England where I live most of the time and in Sydney, where I spend time every year. Take care of yourself Nagi, you are special. X
I am so so sorry. I know this pain, and also the joy of having such love for however long our dogs are with us. Sending you healing and good memories with Dozer. On behalf of my two boys, thank you for giving Dozer such a great, fulfilling life.
So sorry you had to say goodbye to your best pal. I want you to know that the day will come when you can think of him and remember the joy over the pain, feel happiness instead of sadness. In the mean time, while many of us around the world cry with you, I wish for you: peace, love and warm memories. He will always be in your heart and you will find comfort knowing you gave each other the very best life.
RIP Sweet Dozer
Awww so sad
I’m super late to this post, but I just wanted to say this was a beautiful tribute post to Dozer, Nagi!! I had to stop halfway through because the tears kept coming.
Dozer was always my highlight of each recipe you posted. I know that his spirit and love will continue to live on in Recipetineats. He is a legend and we will never forget him.
Only some people understand that there are 4 legged people. You are one of those special ones.
Don’t wait for years or not invite another special character into your life asap.
I waited for years and it was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done. .
I have the next fluffy person in my life and I love him more than anyone on this planet.
If I lived in your area I would buy a puppy for you and sit on your door step until you got home and introduce you to your new best friend ……
But since I don’t live in your state that means you will have to choose your next 4 legged friend .
I encourage you to do this asap, so that every day can be filled with fun and love and spoiling your loved one, hugs, kisses and laughter .
Everyday is precious, but everyday is 100 times better with a special friend.
Look forward to the pics of your new best friend .
❤️🐾
So sad for you Nagi. That was a beautiful tribute and you’re right, love does hurt, but it’s worth it ❤️
I was so sad about Dozer I cried after reading the story
RIP sweet Dozer. 🐾 ❤️
Dear Nagi, I don’t comment on posts, but I’m breaking my own rules here. Just want to add to the lovely messages here to send you love. To hear Dozer is gone is heartbreaking. He was well loved by many, including my family. Sending you much love & celebrating Dozer’s wonderful contribution to many lives xxx Lydia
Hi Nagi,
I’m Sincerely sorry about your loss. He was so cute when you fed him the left overs or whatever you had left. His love will forever be with you. RIP Dozer x
i enjoyed your heartfelt story as i have gone through the same with my 2 furbabies. no one can prepare you for the pain you have to go through as they cross over the rainbow. time will mend and heal but never will you forget them. bless you for loving your little furbaby.
Cuanto lo siento, sigo tu página y le tenía cariño al perrito. En la familia siempre hemos tenido perros y son uno más en casa, son seres de luz. Mucho ánimo
I,m so sorry
I am so so sorry, been eating your recipes for 6 years now, and your pup has brought joy to me every time I visit your site. Thank you for including him and sharing him with us. Again, I am so so sorry.
omg this is so sad. I am positive that despite the fact that you werent able to communicate what you wanted, he knew already knew it. I hope your heart is healing!