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
So very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.x
Oh Nagi! Words fail me, but I FEEL your love for Dozer in this letter! Thank you for loving him so fiercely!! Hugs and love from North Carolina USA
Dozer, your adored companion for 14 years, unconditional love, gentleness and always there with his love and affection. Your heart is breaking, but Dozer would like you to smile and laugh at the precious memories he gave to you and all who knew him. Rest gently Dozer.
Dearest Nagi,
I am so very sorry for your loss. We all love you both, so very much. May you feel our love and know you are not alone.
Sending love to you as from others around the world. You have made Dozer and all of us better. Your lovely soul and spirit shine through the tears. Thank you for being Dozer’s Mom and for your cooking mission in your city. You inspire everyone.♥️
Hi Nagi,
I am in tears as I write this message…you and Dozer have been such a wonderful inspiration to all of us with your love story and the wonderful recipes.
Having lost our Goldie Zeus in 2022,I can feel your pain and sorrow and we have found healing in taking up dog fostering in the hope that we can love and rehabilitate less lucky dogs.
Sending you lots of love and hope that in time the wonderful memories that he left will heal your heart and make you smile.
We remember our dog and his irrepressible character and goofy ways and it makes us smile.
I’m one of many who are crying right along with you. I loved reading about the Life of Dozer. I hope you find some comfort knowing how loved he was (and how loved you are by your many fans), You gave him the very best life and best care right up to the end. I know it’s devastating.
I’ve been following you for years, never communicated. Your love for dozer was truly unconditional on both ends, he loved you, you loved him, end of story. There was nothing on earth to separate the love you too had for each other, it was obvious and visible in every post. Nagi, that boy had the best life, he was loved, and knew it. Please don’t wait to get another, it doesn’t take away the grief but it heals some pain
Deepest condolences on the loss of such a special love of your life.
Dear Nagi,
how lucky you were to have Dozer and he to have you. Thank you for sharing him with us he was a treasure.
Ruthie
Dozer, your adored companion for 14 years, unconditional love, gentleness and always there with his love and affection. Your heart is breaking, bur Dozer would like you to smile and laugh at the precious memories he gave to you and all who knew him. Rest gently Dozer.
It’s one of the. heartbreaking things about loving and losing a pup. They are family. You will hear them, forget they won’t greet you at the door. They are forever in your heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
Nagi, I am deeply sorry for your loss. RIP Dozer ♥️
I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. These little furballs come into our lives and leave an imprint on our hearts and lives that is so profound. They are our best friend, companion, confidant and furbaby. Dozer had an amazing life because of you. Thank you for letting us be part of your lives. I will think of Dozer crossing the Rainbow Bridge with his favourite toy and looking for food (after I find a tissue!). Sending you light and love. ❤️🩹❤️
I am so very sorry. I know the pain of loss. Your love will keep Dozer’s memory alive. Jellybean is in my heart 44 years after her passing.
Dearest Nagi, Thank you for sharing your beautiful Dozer with the us /the world. He has left such a sweet pawprint on our hearts, and a lovely legacy with his contribution to your first book. What a life you gave him. May he be resting in peace and enjoying his favourite food in the RT heaven kitchen.
Yesterday, when I read the post announcing Dozer’s passing, I was moved and tears came to my eyes. Dozer was your baby, and you were the best mother to him. In his eyes, we could see his love for you, and we could see yours and how proud you were of him. My thoughts are with you! Dozer will also remain special to us, a beautiful, loving dog that we will never forget.
Having gone thru the pain you’re feeling right now Naji, our wonderful vet Julia sent me a card that was signed off ‘grief is the price we pay for love’ and how we loved our Pip as you do your forever Dozer – wishing you warm hugs and love – Dawn 🐶
It’s so hard having to say goodbye I know, Dozer had a wonderful life with you. Thankyou so much for all the pictures and menu’s. God Bless regards Linda
Nagi to read your letter breaks my heart. We will all miss hearing about the wonderful Dozer. He is now out of pain and you are left to cope with living without him, and the heartbreak and tears. Thinking of both you and Dozer. I had the same situation not long ago so I know how it is. Much love,
Hi Nagi so sorry for you’re loss. Dozer a special boy and so love by you and so many other round the world. Run Fee sweet Dozer.
How lovely it is that you had each other. X