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
I can barely see my screen thru the tears as I type…
Wrapping you in love where words fall short.
Hi Nagi – I absolutely feel your pain on the passing of Dozer. Someone guided me to a link called ‘Rainbow Bridge’ one time when I was like you in pain at the loss of a real friend. It really helped me. ‘You will never get over the passing of Dozer, you will get used to it’ – Pat Cuffe
The post all Dozer/Nagi fans feared and dreaded arrived today. So very sorry for your loss. It is our loss, too.
Dozer crossed the Rainbow Bridge from your arms and straight into God’s arms. He’s a happy, healthy dog again. He’s waiting for you in Heaven where the two of you will never have a bad day or have to say good-bye..
Hugs and prayers from one dog mom to another.
So sorry for your loss! 💔This is the only downside to owning a pet. Losing them so early. Saying a prayer for you!
Like you Nagi, I’m writing this wiping away my tears as I read Dozers last post. I’m very happy that you were by his side, when he passed, feeling you’re love for him. I’m sooo sorry for you’re loss, of that beautiful boy..
Your post brought back every dog I have loved and lost. You broke my heart all over again. I have only recently found you and Dozer, but the pictures of the two of you together tell me everything I need to know. There are no words, but I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Nagi.
I’m so sorry for your loss and the immeasurable grief you’re feeling. Yes, time will make it less painful but your heart won’t ever truly heal. There will always be a scar and that scar is representative of Dozer and the special love you shared.
Every pet parent knows how and what you’re feeling. Every pet parent, who’s truly and deeply loved their four-legged family member understands your deep loss. As I read your love letter to Dozer, I think back to our latest to depart and it brought a fresh wave of tears, a reminder of how wonderful he was and how much we still miss his presence.
When you’re feeling better and there’s a wee bit of light in your darkest time, Dozer will come to you, unbidden, and gently brush by you, reminding you he may physically be away from your side but always close by as you carry him in your heart.
This is the price we pay for the love of a good pet. ❤️
I’m sobbing with you 💔💔💔
RIP sweet boy
And one day, may you cross that Rainbow Bridge together.
Loving thoughts to you at this saddest of times in your life.
My heart has broken for you. Your love and care kept him going for so long. I keep thinking of Geoff in the park – he will miss Dozer so much.
I was so sad to learn about your precious Dozer and have cried along with you. He may be gone but he really isn’t. He is in your heart and that is the best place to be as he will always be with you.
Magi, Very sorry for your loss of Dozer. My own beloved dog, Stella, passed in November last year. All we can do is remember the unconditional love that our dogs give us. In time you will remember your adventures together and smile.
I walked into work this morning, and as I always do, checked my e-mails. Yours did me in and I’m crying like a baby for you, for Dozer and for the dogs we have (and have had) in our lives. You wrote such a beautiful letter to Dozer. We always somehow doubt that they know how much they mean to us but they know and he knows he spent his last minutes on this earth with you by his side. Hugs to you. P.S. It does get easier – the grief always stays but the love you shared encircles it and keeps it safe.
So sorry to hear the news. The adventures of Dozer (and you, grin) were always a wonderful additional highlight. We’ll miss him too.
What a great life though, he was SUCH a delight.
Dear Nagi,
I am so deeply saddened to hear about Dozer. Anyone who has followed your journey could see how extraordinary the bond between you was. The way you wrote about him — with such joy, pride, humor, and fierce love — made it clear that he wasn’t “just a dog.” He was your shadow, your taste-tester, your studio companion, and such a huge part of the heart behind RecipeTin Eats.
It was equally clear how much Dozer adored you. In every photo and story, he looked at you like you were his whole world. That kind of love is rare and beautiful.
Thank you for sharing him with all of us over the years. He brought so much happiness far beyond your home. I hope you can feel how many people are holding you in their thoughts and sending love during this incredibly difficult time.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Valerie
I have no words. I will just cry with you. Dozier was such a big part of why I loved reading your blogs. The hole they leave eventually heals some but never always. I still cry for Bud, Jezebel and Rose and it has been 6 years. My prayers are with you and Dozier. 💔
I am so deeply touched by your love for Dozer. May you find peace.
Nagi~
So sorry for the loss of your best friend 🙁 He’ll always be in your heart~Bless you~
Deb Branco
Rhode Island, USA
My heart hurts for you. I know what you’re going through. I’m so sorry