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
My heart hurts for you Nagi, RIP to your beautiful Dozer xx
There are no words for the love we feel for our furry family. I am so sad that your boy needed to leave you. His time was up and he couldn’t stay. This sadness will ease as time passes and he will always be in your heart. That sort of beautiful love never dies.
Beautiful Dozer may you RIP. Sending Nagi lots of love at this sad time 🖤
You’re absolutely right, all of your grief is testament to your great love for Dozer and the joy and love he brought you. I tell my Coffee that he’s the most loved dog in the world, but I know you would beg to differ. Blessings as you walk through your grief.
My heart goes out to you Nagi.
Rest in peace beautiful Dozer. The love between people and their beloved dogs is beyond words. Please accept my love even though you don’t know me XX
Dear Nagi
Furry family… we love them sooo much xxxxxxonly problem they dont live as long as we want them too Thats why the time we have with them is so precious …sadness fades …love lives on
So sorry for your loss! Beautiful words for Dozer. Thankyou for sharing your beautiful love and the wrenching loss with us all. Its so hard xx
Dear Nagi,
We are very saddened on the passing on of Dozer.
My daughters and I would always want to know about Dozer before we went on to reading the new recipe you had to share. His picture would instantly bring a smile to our face.
We stand by you in your loss of such a loved one and we will continue to hold him with fondness in our memories.
Sending you love.
Nagi I just want to say that I am so sorry that Dozer has passed. God bless.
Dear Nagi…
I’ve just read your beautifully written message of your final days & moments with Dozer. Anyone who has loved their dog with such love & devotion understands what you are feeling right now. It is the hardest time. We share your pain and sadness. We know it will settle at some point and you will go on forever loving everything that Dozer gave to you. He will be forever in your heart and near to you.
3 years ago we had to say goodbye to one of our 2 sister rough coat JRTs. She was my baby girl and I would have done anything to make her better. I too held her while she passed to Doggy Heaven. Her suffering was over and I had to understand that it was more about her than it was about me. It was not easy, as we missed her every minute of the day. A few days after she passed, I was woken during the night, a few days later, with an unknown, beautifully warm & real feeling around my heart. I’d never experienced it before or since. I just knew it was Ruby letting me know she was OK. I just lay there & let it be. Eventually I went back to sleep, still aware of the feeling.
We were fortunate to still have her sister (same litter) who even after 2 brown snake bites, is going strong at 15 years & a few months. She wants to walk & run twice a day, she is such a gorgeous character & very independent and I just want to zap up every moment with her because I do understand that these beautiful creature’s lives are too short. She comes everywhere with us and even though I have family in the UK that I’ve not seen for 9 years, I will not leave her to travel back there. She has given to us unconditionally and we will do whatever she needs for the rest of the time she has with us. We hope that is still some years, as long as she is healthy & happy.
Sending you all the love that a doggy parent understands. We hope that in time your find peace and can smile again.
Much love, Jenny xx
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So sorry . Dozer will be missed so much a very special dog and soulmate. You gave him the best life .thankyou for sharing him x
Oh nagi, im so sorry im truly heart broken for you! I have just seen this post and im in absolute shock! Dozer was loved by thousands of households around the world! And no doubt many felt like he was part of the family even if we had never met him. It was obvious how much he was loved and he knew how much he was loved! He lived a good life. Thinking of you sending yoh the biggest hugs xx
Sending so much love in this terribly hard time. You are in all our thoughts.
Oh Nagi, I cried as soon as I saw the article. I fell in love with your cooking and recipe tin eats because of Dozer. I was zipping through the first recipe tin eats email and being a dog lover (especially one’s with character), I spotted Dozer and stopped to look at your site! I’ve loved reading all of Dozers stories, and all his test taster skills. I know you lost your best friend, best buddy, taste tester, swimming friend, snoozing buddy….I know he was your everything. I know that because I too have lost my everything pup. Bless you and I believe he will be waiting for you at the Rainbow bridge.
Dear Nagi,
So recently met you online looking for Goan Fish ingredients and methods ….
Now Silent tears as I read your post for your beautiful 💝Dozer💝
You are a most precious person to follow, in our often sad world, lifting us up to a joyful experience in this pilgrimage of life.
I and so many others thank you for sharing your genuine and peaceful loves, including beloved Dozer and remarkable Recipes 🙏
Sending prayers of comfort and healing
Kindest regards
Christine
so sorry of lose Nigi
Hey Nagi, my deepest condolences to you darling. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. May you find solace in the fact that Dozer is no longer in pain and remember the love you shared.
Lots of love and hugs all the way from South Africa 🌍.
My dearest condolences for your beloved dozer the love our pets give to us is like no other, please find comfort in knowing how much he new you loved him and the memories you shared ❤️❤️🐱🐱
It’s like losing a family member. The pain is just as intense. My heart goes out to you Nagi. What a wonderful mother you were to Dozer!