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 to hear of your dog’s passing. I understand that hurt. And yes, it does feel like you will never be happy again.
I grieve with you and I will pray for your comfort at this really hard time.
Take your time to grieve and I pray peace in your heart.
God bless
I lost my frenchie a month ago. I know the pain and the loss you are feeling! Just a day at a time, dozer was so lucky to have you! You were two peas in a pod 💋💋💋
But, Nagi, that is where you got it wrong!
Dozer was at home!
Wherever you were, he was home.
The home you wanted to take him to was your home; his home was you!
He passed away at home… in your arms…
He got exactly what he needed.
You may have needed more, but he was in the right place.
Take care, and we will be waiting for you on the other side of your grief.
My heart and my eyes are crying for your loss Nagi😭
Dozer was a beautiful , friendly, happy, passionate dog with a wonderful sense of humour. He brought joy into my heart when I’d read about him, I shared his moments with my father, my family and friends as well.
The richness of your love and pride in him and his unconditional love for you was beautiful, it shone like a beacon in the night out of every word that you wrote about him.
Thinking of his antics now, has put a smile on my face.
Thank you so much for sharing Dozer with me and my family.
My heart, my love and prayers are for you during your time of deep loss, grief and mourning 💖💕🙏
A million hearts reach out to you Nagi at this awful time of deep grieving. I know you would have given part of your life, energy and health to darling Dozer to keep him alive. Unfortunately his brave body and mind tried the hardest but at 14 and with such an infection, he needed to shake of his body and enter a,realm we don’t understand but I truly believe exists. You know he is still with you.
Anyone who has experienced the unconditional love of a pet, grieves with you as you experience what we all dread so much – the passing of our dogs.
Thanks to you and Dozer for bringing so much joy to our lives. Like all your recipes, it’s a perfect 5 stars to Dozer!
Dozer was so very lucky to have you as his mum. I’m sure that up until the end he could feel all the love from every ounce of your body. Cherish his love forever x
Thank you for this opportunity to receive these three recipe Ebooks. I love the food that you cook and have tried many of your recipes. It’s the first place I go to find a recipe. I have loved hearing about the times with Dozer and the absolute unconditional love you had for him. Bless him and bless you, Nagi. I hope you can find love again and the laughs and joy you receive when you have such a beautiful dog like Dozer. He was truly one of a kind! Thinking about you both at this very sad time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer was such a sweetheart and we always looked forward to seeing him in the photos on the blog and in your cookbooks (he may have been the original reason we bought your book if I’m being honest) and seeing what he was up to in your updates. Know my fur babies and my Grandma were there to greet him as he crossed the rainbow bridge ♥️ all our love, Anna and Leia
So sorry to hear about Dozer, it’s heartbreaking 💔
I felt like I knew Dozer, what a wonderful life you gave him. It’s so sad, take care of yourself, you will never forget the life you had with Dozer, what a wonderful doggie.
Nagi, I have loved watching you with Dozer. Such pure love from a mom to her dog baby. May Dozer rest out of pain now!
I started to cry just when I read the subject of your e-mail, not wanting to open it. Nagi, you gave your boy Dozer the most amazing and wonderful life full of love, amazing food and friends from the around the world that truly care about both of you. You cry and take all the time you need, because there is not short cut through this journey of grief. I hope it gives you comfort to know that dogs do have souls and he still with you, but just in a different dimension. Much love and hugs and for you and all your staff who will miss him every single day. Thank you for always sharing your funny stories about Dozer. I will miss him too.
Sending so much love and hugs to you Nagi. We know how you feel. Xoxo
Hi Nagi, I cried with you when I read your love note to Dozer. And I am a crusty old bloke. Our family has always enjoyed Dozer since Covid days … he helped a lot of people. Missed fondly.
My heart aches for you. Losing a furry family member is so hard. You gave him a wonderful life. You and Dozer will be in my prayers.
Suburb of Chicago, IL
Nagi I like thousands of readers, have followed your journey with Dozer for years.
My Sincerest condolences…..But I am comforted a wee bit knowing he’s already loved by millions in his new chapter of “life”, and one of those people is my sister, who probably is rubbing his head and ears right now.
Dear Nagi – You and Dozer touched my heart right from the get-go. I know the pain and can only say for you to be kind to yourself as much as you can. Many hugs to you.
I received the email from you today and I’m shocked to hear about the passing of your dog. I’m used to reading your newsletters that included references to Dozer all the time. I hope you will get pass this chapter in your life with the loss of your baby Dozer that dog. My condolences and prayers sent to you. May you find comfort in adopting a new dog as your companion soon. As not to replace Dozer, but to give much of your available love to another less fortunate dog orphan.
-Fan of your easy recipes, Cindy
Although these words will not heal, the pain you feel that’s so real. I hope some comfort they will bring, as I remind you that when you sing, your dear Dozer will be there. When those crumbs inevitably fall, dear Dozer will be there no matter how small. And when you sigh and miss him so, he will be there to remind you how he loved you so.
My heart breaks for you… RIP Dozer xxx
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious baby. I loved hearing about him and your adventures. You’re in my prayers.