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
If love could have saved you Dozer you would have lived forever.
Dear Nagi,
Thinking of you and sending virtual hugs. So sorry you lost your darling Dozer. He’ll always be with you in your memories of him. What a loving companion.
Irene
Our thoughts are with you. RIP Dozer
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I am so very sorry – Dozer was so special and I have loved his part of the recipes for years.
Your love for him shines through everything you do. I hope the following brings some comfort to you.
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”
— Cheryl Zuccaro
My heart breaks with yours…again. I sent my best friend, my heart, to cross the Rainbow bridge one year ago March 11. My Clara and I shared the same kind of loving bond you and Dozer had. I still have one dog, but she’s never going to take Clara’s place. No dog will ever take Dozer’s place. We just have to be thankful for every minute we had with them!
Thank for sharing your life and Dozer’s! I waited as long as I could emailing you in hopes I would be less sorrowful about Dozer’s passing. Well, it’s not happening. A piece of you is still missing and your website won’t be quite the same without him! But, I encourage you to continue with your work! You have soooo many fans who love you, your recipes, and Dozer will never be forgotten! Please continue sharing your life with us!
Helen
Nagi 💔
How devastating, I unfortunately know that pain, too many times, but there is nothing better than refilling that empty painful hole in our empty hearts, that only a dog can fill. Thank you for sharing your tribute to Dozer.
Hi Nagi, I am so terribly sorry for your heartache and the bitter loss of darling Dozer. He was a ray of sunshine that brought a smile to my face whenever I found myself cooking or baking away on one of your lovely recipes. May you find peace and consolation in the beautiful memories you carry with you. He will always be right there, in your heart. Sending you much love 💕
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dozer. I went to look for a recipe and then saw the post. So sad. I always loved the pictures you posted of him. He truly did bring joy, what a gift to the world.
You have been my favorite chef for many years, largely because you have dared to share your soul alongside your wonderful recipes. You gave me strength after I lost my best friend, a furry one, a while back and I thank you for the lifeline. May all of your readers’ fond memories of Dozer bring you some small comfort.
I popped onto your site to look for something. I have both of your cookbooks and love to see photos of you and Dozer. I had no idea that Dozer had passed away. He was your world and I am so so sorry. How wonderful that you could share him with so many people and in fact he’s adorning people’s bookshelves all over the world. Big hug x
So sorry to hear of beautiful Dozer passing away. Sending you strength Nagi during this hard time, may you cherish all the memories you made together and take the time you need 💔
I’m so sorry for your loss! It’s devastating to lose your constant companion. ❤️
So sorry to hear about your loss. I had a golden called Moses. I feel Dozer is there around the house…your angel.
Love Wendy
My heart is breaking for you. Dozer was your baby and the pain of losing a child is literally the worst thing in the world. I have no words other than sorry. I have a 3 year old fur baby girl and she is not just a pet, a friend, or a companion. She is my child and my whole world and I cannot even imagine losing her. I only hope with time, you feel a little better. xx
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. 🥲.
Dear Nagi, I haven’t cried so much since my own mother passed away over 10 years ago. I read everything you said about Dozer along with looking at so many beautiful pictures of the 2 of you together. It brought forth so many emotions and I could feel the depth of your pain as I read each word. I love your recipes, but as a person you are exceptional because of the love and devotion you show toward Dozer. I will always follow you and I pray for your grief to lessen each day❤️🙏
I have no words that will bring you comfort and dry your tears because the loss of your best friend is just too heartbreaking. I do wish that the time comes quickly when thoughts of Dozer bring smiles of happiness as you remember your time together rather than the agony of his loss. RIP Dozer
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Hi Nagi, so sorry for your loss. I don’t know what to say, but just wanted to say I’m thinking of you in your time of great sorrow. Xxx
I’m so sorry for your loss. I said goodbye to my baby in 2018 after 15 years. After that I found purpose being a dog sitter for Rover and have the pleasure of taking care of over 150 dogs since. I still miss my fur baby but I know they never leave us. Thank you too for the incredible recipes you share. I love making your food. Betsy in Minneapolis, MN.