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
When they leave us there’s a dog shaped hole in our lives. It’s such a lonely ache without them. I lost my Golden Springer last summer. Fifteen and a half years was too short a time and I miss him every day. There was no one to jump in the leaves with in the fall. No one to make dog shaped angels when the snow fell. There will be no one to jump in the puddles in the spring and complain about needing a bath afterwards. I still wake and listen for him asleep beside my bed at night. Take your time to grieve for him, he was worth every second he was with you.
Thinking of you at this very sad time
RIP Dozer till you meet your Mum again when the time is right.
It is heartbreaking when they leave us. Nagi, be gentle with yourself over the coming months and remember that Dozer had the best life because of your love for each other.
How blessed you were Nagi, he will always be with you in that special place, tucked away safely in your heart. X
My heart and tears go out to you. Nagi. I told you a long time ago how much Dozer reminded me of my Golden service girl, Katie. I wish I could say that the grief of their loss goes completely away, but speaking from experience, I don’t think it ever will. I can hardly type this because I can feel your pain. Every time I see a golden, I miss my girl! She was my partner for 14 years. I wish you healing and remembering the joy that Dozer brought you all of his life. <3
Nagi,
I am truly sorry for your loss. In times like these, it can be comforting to imagine your beloved dog crossing the Rainbow Bridge—a place where they run freely and joyfully, surrounded by warmth and light. Though their paws may no longer walk beside you, their kisses no longer exist, and their snuggles have gone away, His spirit remains, waiting for the day you will meet again. May the memories you shared with Dozer bring you solace, and may you find peace in knowing he is at rest, basking in happiness until your paths cross once more. I cry those million tears with you. He will be greatly missed. I have printed out the photo of you and Dozer and have put them in both cookbooks.
In Loving Memory of Dozer! Woof!
PS – You and Dozer are my screen page on my computer.
Love, Ryan F.
Pennsylvania, USA
I’m not sure in all the years I’ve used your recipes that I’ve ever commented. But I wanted to say thank you to Dozer too, and thank you for sharing his life with us. It was always a highlight to see his sweet face after looking at a delicious recipe. Much love to you as you navigate life without him.
Bless you for loving and taking such good care of Dozier….You will meet again❤️😢
Dear Nagi. I have followed you for years, I cannot think of a single post that did not include Dozer. The loss is immeasurable but so was your love for each other. May your heart heal in the knowing that you gave him the best life and up to his last breath he felt your love and nurturement just as he has known his whole life. May his memory be a blessing. Love and hugs from Canada.
Love for a pet is also about emotions and memories, and Dozer wasn’t just a part of your life – you were right beside him , all his life. You WERE his life. You gave him the best life, happiness, laughter, trust, comfort, food, people, beaches, experiences… To be there for him was the greatest honour you could give Dozer. You were the best Mum. Hugs from me.
Sending you all heartfelt love and condolences. Dozer you touched us all. The pain of losing our furbabies is so hard to bear. Dozer is running free now at Rainbow Bridge bless his darling heart x x
😭😢😓😭
So sorry for you Nagi. Our fur babies are so special. We will all miss Dozer x
My heart goes out to you Nagi. Through your column we all fell in love with Dozer and will miss him terribly. I lost my beautiful cat afew mths ago, she actually made her 21st. The love for our fur babies stays with us forever, they are never far from us and will never be forgotten 💕
Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart.
I feel your pain…just put my German Shepherd of 15 years down last week. Even though you know you are doing the right thing, toughest decision in the world to make.
I found the ability to cry like you describe such a gift, such a blessing given to us from our animals. I know I’ve needed a good cry like that for years, but always had to be the strong one, or life’s demands stood in the way. This was such an opportunity I’m glad I took advantage of. I actually physically felt lighter. A huge weight had been lifted. Can’t thank my boy enough for such a generous gift.
I know your heart is broken. I pray you find peace in the memories and love you shared with him….
That is so lovely
Dearest Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was an absolute legend and he was blessed to have you as his Mum. Take care.
So so sorry to read of your great loss and of your great pain….what a beautiful, heartbreaking post. Thinking of you with love always.
My deepest condolences to your family. We lost our soul dog last summer and it still hurts. Thank you for sharing the joy Dozer brought into the world with so many others. I hope your happy memories bring you peace soon.
Oh Nagi, I have cried so hard. My heart aches and we feel your sorrow for Dozer. Thank you for sharing Dozer with the rest of the world. Well done good & faithful Dozer – you have fought the good fight and finished the race.
Beautiful Dozer lives on in the hearts of the thousands of your followers who shared his incredible journey with you. We will all miss him.