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 think anyone who has ever put a dog to sleep will admit that they should have done it sooner. But not til they waited too long. Dog owners are hopeless! Get a puppy. It won’t replace Dozer but it will make you happy. Infuriated for a while, but happy.
There are holes in my heart for each pet I loved and lost. Nothing makes the pain hurt less than time. I know how you feel and I feel it.
Love
One of yours and Dozier’s fans
I feel your pain and heartache Nagi. A furbaby’s love is unique and completely genuine. The deeper you love them, the more appreciation you get in return.
Dozer, thank you for catching my Mum’s eye. Firm animal lovers are we. If not I wouldn’t have cooked every Mexican dish for my Nieces and Nephew from your pages.
Ole to one super Sloberlicious Star 🐾🐾✨️🫶🌶
My heart breaks for you. There is only One who can truly bring the deep comfort and peace you need, and that is Jesus. I love your cooking and writing. Like your life, you feel deeply and live from your heart. Very few out there understand what that means. I will pray for God to comfort you and continue to use your grief and pain to comfort many others who are in such great need. Dozer was one of a kind, but he had a one of a kind friend in you. Cherish the wonderful memories and know you gave him the very best of your heart, as he did to you.
A very difficult and sad time for you Nagi. Feeling the pain and grief of loss is harrowing. If Dozer could, he would lick your tears away and say come on Mum, let’s go to the beach or what’s that delicious smell. He loved you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with the world.
My heart felt condolences to you.
My heart breaks for your loss. I have also lost my beloved friend and pet and you will never forget them, you are not meant to. They were in your life for a reason. Dozer had 14 wonderful years with you, always remember that.
Take care Nagi.
Carole Germany
That was the most amazing email – it has relayed emotion, love and heartache in the most honest and descriptive way! I am sitting here with tears running down my face.
Sending you lots of love and strength!
I feel your pain and heartache Nagi. A furbaby’s love is unique and completely genuine. The deeper you love them, the more appreciation you get in return.
Dozer, thank you for catching my Mum’s eye. Firm animal lovers are we. If not I wouldn’t have cooked every Mexican dish for my Nieces and Nephew for your pages.
Ole to one super Sloberlicious Star 🐾🐾✨️🫶🌶
A very difficult and sad time for you Nagi. Feeling the pain and grief of loss is harrowing. If Dozer could, he would lick your tears away and say come on Mum, let’s go to the beach or what’s that delicious smell. He loved you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with the world. ♥️🐾
Oh, Nagi. I am so sorry to read this update about Dozer.
I know how much you loved him.
Through tears streaming down my face.. I send you love.💓
Nagi, You mourn fiercely because you loved fiercely. We all will miss Dozer, he made us smile. He made me smile.
Dear Nagi, I am so, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Dozer. I know first hand how absolutely heartbreaking saying goodbye to our fur babies is. I cried big ugly tears today reading your post, as I went through very similar with our big Siberian Husky who was 15 years old…I hope you gather strength in the knowledge that you gave him the absolute best life he could ever have wished for, and that you loved each other unconditionally. Its not goodbye, just see you later…
Beautifully said. Reading your words made me think of my boy, eight years on and I still miss him, but now we can laugh about his crazy antics. Wishing you love & kindness as you pass through your grief journey.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful boy, may you rest in peace now Dozer ❤️
Dear Nagi. I’ve followed you and Dozer in Facebook for Many Many years. You are my very much preferred chef, and Dozer was such a wonderful plus in everything you gave us through the years. I sadly Know how you feel. Been there too many times over my life. But this I know: you didn’t need words between the two of you, and dead will not keep you apart. Someday we will be with
Them again. And if you pay attention, I’m sure you’ll realise he is right next to you.
Be patient and gentle with yourself know, nothing is more important right now that giving you the time to grief. We all love you, we all loved Dozer. may the love, eternal light and peace surround him, and give you the strength to slowly be able to start smiling again. He would want that for you!
I am so sorry! Lots of hugs and good thoughts! Dozer was loved around the world. He will be missed and never forgotten. Love!
Sending you prayers and comfort. Your fans cry with you.
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. May all of your beautiful memories of him comfort for you. There’s nothing in the world like losing your soulmate dog. My heart goes out to you right now.
It’s the days later when you realize you mate is not there at home. I’m Feeling this right now 8 days down the track. Still struggling with that.
Love my old girl . Ask for nothing, give so much joy. I feel your pain Naggi.