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
With tears and sadness l read about your last day’s with Dozer, what a difficult time for you, so much love and so many memories may he rest in peace and may time and heal your pain.! Thinking of you xx
Charlie died 13 years ago and as I type his name the tears are still welling up in my eyes. A very wise man said to me “a pet that is a part of the family gets into one’s soul and never leaves us”. It gave me comfort knowing that Charlie remains in my heart and soul and I’m sure the same will always remain with you and Dozer.
Hello Nagi
Dozer could not have had more love and care than you gave him.
Paul
Oh Nagi! You’ve lost your dearest friend, confidante, recipe tester, beach buddy, snuggle monkey, travel companion and so on…. I’m SOOOOO Devastated for you and for your wider team and family members.
Here’s hoping that your grieving process is as smooth as possible.
I utterly loved reading the Dozer updates- funny, honest stories that just made you (me) smile 😍
Everyone who knew Dozer will remember him xxxx 💙🐾🐾
So sorry for your pain. I know it well, we lost our Pyr last year, I still break out in tears, and now for you too. My first stop on your site was always life of Dozer. He might cross the Rainbow first, but he’ll meet you there.
Dearest Nagi, I woke up this morning, wondering how you are, and hoping that you are somehow ok.
You and Dozer gave all of us all so very much.
If not for you both, I think at least half of Australia would not be cooking and eating in their homes so well, and so economically, as we do now.
I still remember how I first heard of you and Dozer, back in 2020, covid times. We had purchased a vintage Laura Ashley sofa from a lovely couple in Eumundi, and as we were about to drive off, in our hired van, with our two beloved part bred poodles, they told us about you, how the recipes were free, and how they actually worked, every single time. Which they do, every single time, and Dozer was there right beside you, for the whole journey, of which we were privileged to share.
Sending you love, as I am sure Dozer is sending you all his love, from the stars.
There is no better friendship than the one who holds your heart and soul We were blessed to have known Dozer
I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Dozer the best life a doggie could possibly have, and he crossed that rainbow bridge full of your love.
So heartbroken for you😢😢😢
What a beautiful sentiment.
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi.
Our deepest sympathies for you Nagi. Our heart breaks with you xx
So sorry that he lost his battle but know you gave him his best life ever! More than any doggie could ever hope for! xxx
Thank you Nagi from the bottom of my heart. Your journey with Dozer has people talking & many of us remember our own journey with our 4 legged friend.
The grief,the loss, the pain, the tears are truly laced with the immense love.
Thank you Nagi to open yourself up to such a sad time for you to share with the world 💕🐾
Sending hugs to you Nagi. RIP beautiful Dozer
So sorry Nagi, he really was the best dog and you were the best mum. xx
Nagi, I’m so so sorry. He will never be forgotten. He became a part of all of all of our lives. Thinking if you.
Love Alex
My heart goes out to you. To loose such a friend is just so hard.
With much love Cate.
As a dog lover who also lost her best friend years ago, I feel your pain. I have loved sharing Dozer with you and will surely miss him. I’d check out his post each time before I checked your recipe. Heaven will love him for you.
Oh Nagi, he will always be with you and one day he will be by your side again. He knows how much you loved him and he gave the same in return.
Rest in Peace Dozer. You touch the world with your heart.
So sorry Nagi….he will be with you forever xxx