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
Deepest sympathy
Thank you for being dozars mum my heart breaks its 5 in the morning as I read this tears rolling down my face I know how you feel thank you for sharing your memories and for being dozars mum
Dozer was one of the special ones. I can feel your grief and absolute pain. Nothing can prepare you.
Knowing that Dozer’s life with you was exceptional. and that you were with him to the end would have bought much comfort to him
I asked my beloved dog for a sign, a few days after she died, as I simply couldn’t have gone on and she sent one that was so extraordinary, it so confirmed she was okay. It was 30 years ago now, and to this day I still can’t listen to Brown eyed Girl without crying. I miss her, but I know she is okay.
You have had the privilege of a very special dog, and he a wonderful loving caring owner. He had wonderful experiences, and lived such a full life. Try to remember what an exceptional time he had. x
Dear Nagi,
I totally understand the love that you and Dozer had for each other.
Our pets bring such joy to our lives and we animal lovers give them so much of our hearts in return.
It really hurts to lose them and it is terribly difficult to have to say goodbye. Our hearts feel like they are being torn out and broken into pieces. Big hug to you and to Dozer too as he finds Oceans to romp in as he travels in spirit xo
Grief is the price we pay for loving, and being loved, unconditionally 💦🩵 Vale Dozer 🐾
Nagi, your love for Dozer could not have been any stronger. The proof in that is by the fact that your sweet boy gave you almost 14 years of his unconditional love. And I have no doubt that you gave yours back in return. You both were very lucky that you had each other. I understand how you feel though when you had things you wanted to say that didn’t get said. Two years ago we lost our precious girl and to this day. I still hope she knows how much I loved her. Give yourself time to grieve. As time goes by you will have times that thinking of Dozer will make you smile and times you will cry, but that’s okay because it will just show that he will always have a very special place in your heart. I wish all dogs could be loved as much as Dozer was. I am hoping that the dozer section on each of your recipes remains in place because it did bring joy to so many of us and right now, we might shed tears when we see it. It is still heartwarming to see what a happy dog he was. And I think we all need a little Dozer in our life. 🤗❤️
What a beautiful tribute to a sweet boy. Thank you for sharing it. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I signed up for your emails because of Dozer. We had recently lost our 12 y/o GSD and had decided not to get another dog as seniors. Dozer helped me deal with my grief over Chester plus, I got access to many great recipes. What a win, win situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will miss you , Dozer! RIP
Nagi
After reading your letter to Dozier. I just started balling for you, feeling how sad you were and how precious that dog was to you. I have been following you for years and have experienced all your fun times together in every post and meal that you have posted,
Dozier was always front and center.
And I know he was your best loyal friend.
My heart aches for you. Nothing will ever take his place. Im so sorry and I’m sending you one big hug. Dale
Sooo very sorry Nagi! I know exactly what you are going thru. It’s been 5 yrs for me and I still choke up when I speak of my precious Paxton! Deepest condolences to you!!
Sooo very sorry Nagi! I know exactly what you are going thru. It’s been 5 yrs for me and I still choke up when I speak of my precious Paxton! Deepest condolences to you!!
What a magnificent relationship! Thank you for sharing so many of the beautiful times you had together. And, oh, the pictures. You offering your love of Dozer to us, made us love him too.
Dozer will live in your heart so embrace yourself too.
Such a beautiful story of life and joy through all the years – you and Dozer! Thank you for sharing him with us. May time and all the beautiful memories do their quiet work in helping you heal!
I am so sorry. Dozer was an inspiration through all your recipes. He was a joy to have along as I learned how to make your meals. What a great dog!
Dear Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer with us. I feel your heartache.
Te abrazo con cariño desde la distancia.
Reading this and hurting for you but glad you had Dozer for as long as you did. RIP Dozer and peace to Nagi
Stay strong for our Dozer. He was so much part of our lives too.
Love your recipes
My heart bleeds …..i couldn’t read all your script, i know your pain…😪😪😪😪😪
Several years on i still grieve time to time.
Love is deep.
Rest easy Dozer, you bought joy to many and will be remembered.
🙏