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’m so very sorry to read of your loss.
Condolences, Nagi.
Rest in peace, Dozer.
Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear that you have lost Dozer. It is the worst feeling, and in my case at least, I find it much harder to lose a furry soulmate than I do to lose a human. As you said, it’s impossible for us to say the things that we want to say when they are leaving, even though they are astute and will understand exactly what we’re trying to say, and their eyes tell us that they are saying exactly the same thing. I still cry as I remember furry soulmates that I have lost over the years, but I’m so grateful to have had them as friends, and I know that they loved me unconditionally. I will continue to have pets, knowing that they have very short lifespans, so it is inevitable that I will cry again and again as I lose them but at least I will give them the best life possible. I also know that they will want me to take good care of new friends to ease the loneliness that I now feel having lost them. Dogs are too good for us, but many people don’t realise how precious they are. We are so lucky to have experienced the unconditional love of our dogs. Dozer was so lucky to have had you, and he knew it. Now I am crying too.
My heart goes out to you and all the those who understand the loss of your beloved Dozer..
He brought joy & lots of laughter to
All of us who follow you..
He will always be remembered forever by your side.. & by all who followed you …
Nagi,
Over the years you have been an essential part of our family, always asking “what’s for dinner ? What would Nagi do?”
Such a beautiful bond you had with Dozer. We all related to him as we also experience that with our 2 dogs. They are “the Star Boarders, #1 in priority” in our family. Their unconditional love and joy is so valued. Our thoughts are with you as we share your heart break. The memories of your life with Dozer will be there forever.
Reading this post brought me to tears. I am so sorry for your loss. With you sharing him with your readers, he was loved by so many. Coming to find a recipe and seeing a Dozer update always brought some joy to the day. He will be missed. <3
Dearest Dozer, you’ll be missed by everyone around the world whose lives you touched.
Dearest Nagi, sending love to your hurting heart.
Dear Nagi,
My heart goes out to you with the loss of your best friend Dozer. Memories will stay with you so keep strong.🥰
Nothing prepares for the loss of a loved one.. you gave him a wonderful life and so did he 💕
Honestly there are no words to help your broken heart right now but know we all feel your pain, Dozer lived his best life filled with so much love, great eats and brought us many smiles! Thank you for sharing him with us❣️
Your “Thank You Dozer” letter was so lovely. It is so so sad and these first few weeks are the hardest of all. When you look around and your bestest mate isn’t there. It’s so painful. Dozer will want his Mum to keep remembering all the happy times.
We will all miss Dozer so much. He was a very very special boy.
Big hugs to you Nagi.
I am so very sorry for your loss Nagi – it is so hard to lose a fur baby.
What a wonderful tribute you have made to Dozer.
Over the years you have been generous enough to share your darling boy with those of us who have followed you and benefitted from your skill in magicking such wonderful recipes.
Hopefully these memories will comfort you in your sorrow. Please take good care of yourself…
Surrounding you Nagi , family , friends in loving thoughts and many hugs
RIP Dozer – thank you for everything you did over the past nearly 14 years xxxxx
I have tears streaming down my face after reading ‘In memory of Dozer’ but how wonderful that you have so many beautiful memories that will give you strength.
God bless you Dozer and God bless you Nagi.
Dear Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessed life both Dozer and yourself shared. You were family and he will always live in your heart. So faithful and devoted. Unconditional love.
Sending you all the love Nagi 💕 This brought tears to my eyes and will miss seeing beautiful Dozer in your posts. Thank you for sharing his life with us too ❤❤
What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute 💔
I lost my dog 26yrs ago, still not completely over it. But the great memories are still there. My sincere condolences
Dear Nagi, Your beautiful Dozer has brought so much joy to you and all your readers. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him through your posts. 🥰 A dog’s love is so genuine and I think humans can learn a lot from our faithful furry friends. Give yourself plenty of time to grieve your huge loss. Thank you for your delicious and simple recipes that bring me fulfilment as a cook! You’re amazing! 🤩
Awww Nagi, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful and loving Dozer 😭 May God Bless you with His strength, courage, comfort and care during this difficult time. Sending prayers and love! 🙏❤️🦮
Nagi and Dozer. I’ve never met you but my heart knows you and feels everything you have written Nagi, from your heart. God bless you both and Thank You ❤️❤️