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
Dearest Nagi, Your beautiful boy will be watching over you . His love is not going to stop. I had lost my dog and it took six years to replace him and thank goodness I did because the love you have will need to be shared when the time is right. I wish i had got another one sooner because they are all so different but you love them. If people were more like beautiful dogs what an amazing world it would be. Thinking of you and sending love xo
I feel your pain for Dozer , I have watched you both together and you were such a great team . Love and Hugs
I feel your pain , I have watched you both together and you were such a great team . Love and Hugs
I am reading this, and tears are flowing. Tears for Dozer and for all the paw prints in my heart. For Nagi and for all the wonderful dog owners (and pet owners) everywhere who know how much this hurts. My thoughts are with you, Nagi. Dozer lives on in our memories and in your heart. From our doghouse to yours. I will think of you and Dozer every time I open your cookbook (and I open it often). Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to grieve, and allow yourself to heal.
Sending you a hug from Ohio.
Dear Nagi, I am 72 now. I have been blessed with 3 wonderful dogs on my journey through life, and said goodbye to 2 at their life’s end. It broke my heart each time. I finally realised this week (before I heard about Dozer), that our dogs are our Angels who love us more than any human can love. Remember him and his perfect loving eyes all your life. He will find you another Angel to fill your world with love. Loving kindness and hugs to you in your grief. You have been blessed.
Devastating for you. Can only imagine the grief. Thoughts are with you. Stay well.🥰
Dear Nagi. Losing your beloved dog is always heartbreakingly sad. We have lost two beautiful Golden Retrievers and our third is now over 13. It takes time but eventually you will remember the wonderful times you spent with Dozer and feel joy again for the memories.
So sorry for your loss Nagi. My heartfelt condolences to you. RIP Dozer.
Stunning tribute. So so sorry to have to say goodbye to Dozer after so many years. We will all miss him very much
Your pain is ours, Nagi. We mourn your sweet Dozer along with you..
You’ll see him again one day, one bright sunrise when the breeze blows soft and the air is perfect.–He’ll be there waiting for you.
Believe it.
Dear Nagi, I’m so, so sorry! I know that pain, but I also know that, as time goes on, even when it never truly fades away, it’s made sweeter with the memories of the love we got and gave. All my love,
Claudia
Dearest Nagi, my heartfelt condolence for your huge loss. We lost our beloved dog of 13 years 2 days ago and I know the pain and void in your heart. Time will be our slow healer but we know deep down in our heart, there is nothing that will replace that space once occupied by our best friend. Big hugs and much love during this most difficult time XX
To Nagi and All the recipeTin family my heart goes out to you all, for you have lost a team/family member. Like many, Ive had tears for a dog I have only meet here online. He was loved worldwide and Im sitting here wondering how to tell my young children the news. For they always wanted to see the pictures of him when I look up recipes. Ive said this before, but I will say it again, I would happily donate for a statue of Dozer to be made and errected in a public place for all to admire and pay tribute too. He was a very special dog. Heck he had a book produced with him in it and appeared on Play school, that doesn’t happen to many. Take your time Nagi and the team to heal. We understand ♥️♥️♥️
Oh my, Nagi. What a journey you and Dozer shared. Lots of laughs, joy, tasty food, the blue sea and salty breezes. Every moment so special and which will remain with you. Dozer is still with you and lives in your heart. Sending love to you, and to Dozer who has set off on the next adventure. He wouldn’t want you to grieve. Dozer loved his life and would wish you to continue finding the best that life has to offer.
The deeper the love the deeper the loss – Dozer was integral to the team X
I have followed you from the start with little Dozer. I was just starting my coffee house & eatery in the UK. I had 3 dogs who I loved so I looked on your emails as coming from a like minded friend. Dog lover, recipe developer & cook, just like me. Watching Dozer grow, & he certainly did, was a joy. His life looked perfect. How I wish every dog could have the love & companionship Dozer had with you. He knew he was loved & what more can we give than that. A life well lived was your greatest gift to him. The pain you suffer now is testament to your immense love. It’s a horrible place to be. But your courage & Dozer’s memories will keep you going & eventually will become a comfort. Take care Nagi, you have a big heart. Dozer will always have a big space in there.. xx
We are with you in your grief Nagi . RIP Dozer❤️❤️❤️
Great love = great grief.
Bless you Nagi for the joy you have shared so generously over the years. My heart aches for you but one day you will find peace.
Dozer will never be far from you as you will always carry him in your heart.
RIP beautiful boy.
Just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing Dozer with everyone!
He will never be forgotten. ❤️
I am so sorry to hear this. RIP Dozer
My heart goes out to you Nagi, my time help you.