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
Dear Nagi with love and thanks for letting me know, My face is streaming tears, You and sweet, beautiful utterly loved, beautiful Dozer forever.
Dear Nagi
I’m so very sad to hear of Dozers passing. We too had a Dozer his name was Cookie and he was the best, we now have a rescue she hasn’t taken Cookies place but has filled a gap. It takes a long time but you will know it it is time to love again. Dozer had the best life because he had you. Sending BIG warm HUGS 🫂
Dear Nagi
So very sad to hear of Dozers passing. We too had a Dozer his name was Cookie and he was just the best , and now we have a new addition and she is a rescue she will never take Cookies place but has filled a gap. Take all the time you need to grieve you will know when it’s time to share your love again. Dozer had the best life because he had you. Sending you BIG warm HUGS 🫂
Oh noo. I’m so saddened to hear of your Dozer’s passing.
I know we’ve never met, but i’ve been following you and Dozer for a few years now. (And my nieces and nephews got your recipe book for Christmas). I just feel compelled to send you some warm wishes. How wonderful to have had such a beautiful relationship with your gorgeous doggie – this time must be so hard for you. But no doubt everybody knows you’ll keep going on, working incredibly hard, being a lovely human and making people and their tastebuds so happy. Also, no doubt at all that, whenever you’re ready, you know you’ll find your light and joy again. I know this sounds over the top, but it’s people like you Nagi, in the public eye, out there being a goodie, who give people their faith back in humanity. Sending love and strength to you and yours, Lindy, (once a Northen Beaches girl), now in Mornington VIC.
living with and loving a dog makes life richer and more interesting , but we have to say goodbye too soon. rescue another soon, it will help both of you.
Nagi, please get another dog. Dozer won’t mind, he knows you’ll never forget him. Squeeze as many dogs into your life as you can, they will help you grieve xx
Hi Nagi, I read your email and tribute to Dozer, it stirred up emotions when I had my baby put to sleep. She was in my arms when I found her and in my arms when I said goodbye. I wish I could be there or meet you, the pain never goes away, it gets tolerable. I cried for Dozer as if he was my baby. It’s been maybe 2 years since my baby, and I hurt daily for her, I still have good and bad days. It will get better, you seem to have GREAT support from your team and followers. Love you ❤️
There hasn’t been a post AD that I haven’t cried with you. What a special friend you had, one that will never be forgotten 🌈🐾
Hi Nagi,
I have followed you for a number of years and tried many of your recipes. No duds!
I also thought highly of the way you included Dozer. Well done.
May he rest in peace, and may you continue to thrive.
You are part of what makes Sydney an incredible city!
Keep on going.
Regards,
Walter.
We all fell in love with Dozer especially meeting him in your first beautiful recipe book . Thanks for sharing him with us.
Rest in peace beautiful boy x
As a mum of 2 beautiful Goldie’s who have both walked the rainbow bridge…. I wept as I read the first few lines. I feel your pain at this moment.. I’ve been there. It’s hard to believe you will ever get over it. Let all those beautiful moments you had together carry you through these dark times. Big love to you Nagi 💕💕💕
Luv your book absolutely brilliant so sorry about Dozer
Dear Nagi
There are no words, only tears, he was your life, as is our precious Lulu. Looking forward to more of your recipes, you are the best. Lots of love 💕
Nagi, I’m so sorry. Sending so much love for a loss so big, that no amount of words could ease your grief and sadness. You and Dozer are adored deeply- thank you for all that you’ve shared with the world. May you find peace, and may he rest in peace. He’s so lucky to have been loved by you and fed by you <3
So sorry to hear this sad news about Dozer, part of the joy of making your recipes was reading Dozer’s contributions too. He was a lucky dog to have such a loving human companions. May you meet him again at the Rainbow Bridge.
Dear Nagi
I have to confess that as much as i looked forward to your recipes and news, I always scrolled to Dozer’s antics first. Thank you for sharing his fabulous personality and rock star good looks no matter what he was doing. He was a lovely dog and I so enjoyed sharing in his life through your posts. It was very generous to share your last goodbyes- and we feel some of your tremendous loss as well. You were a gorgeous, caring Mum. I often think of Dozer and he brings a smile to my face when I see dogs at the beach, a golden retriever having their walk or look at the photo I have of my own stately 15 year old dog (a Maltese who ruled the world!) which I had to eventually say goodbye to.
Prayers and smiles are what they deserve.
Take Care
Angela S
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. I have no words. It is a pain we must endure but I feel the joy we had in having them in our lives surpasses this grief. We are blessed to have had them. This poem below gives me solace from time to time and I hope it does for you too because you were so close you two, all these years. Much love.
**If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand.
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so;
The time has come – please let me go.
Take me where my need they’ll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.
Please do not grieve – it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years;
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears.
Thank you for sharing not just your recipes but your life with us. I mean, I think that’s what makes them so good anyway – you, Dozer, your mum, every experience, everything is in them. Thank you for sharing your joy and your grief. Thank you for sharing Dozer.
Thank you for sharing ,they come into our lives, love us unconditionally bring joy and happiness ,their only flaw they are not with us long enough !
RIP Dozer. We also lost our boy Charlemagne at 14. We cried every day for a month. It helped to focus on all the joyful times we had together before age caught up with him. My heart goes out to you.