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 sorry Nagi. Having met Dozer a couple of times at book signings I know what a beautiful soul he was Sending love.
Dear Nagi – saw the headline but cannot read the post yet as already have tears in my eyes. So so sorry and my heart goes out to you (plus to family & all at RTE/RTM). Dozer gave us all so much happiness, loads of smiles and a fair few laughs. What a wonderful boy he was – a much-loved family member and work colleague! He will always be in your heart and thoughts. Take time to grieve as it’s always very hard when they go. Much love xx
So sorry for your loss!! My deepest condolences to you and your family!
Oh Nagi, It’s like losing the best part of yourself and never getting it back.
Never a truer word spoken.
Heartbroken for you.
So sorry to hear that Dozer has passed..😞
My ♥️goes out to you… xxx
He certainly was an inspiration for everyone that has read, watched as well as tested your wonderful food ..
RIP Dozer ♥️♥️♥️♥️
As well as many hugs for you Nagi..
Sheree
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us as you have shared the joys in your life. Thank you for trusting us enough to share the pain of his loss. When I was young I read a book called All Dogs Go to Heaven. You know just where you’ll find him next time you see him.
Nagi Sending lots of warm hugs and a ton of love
My deepest condolences and lost for words
There are no words for loosing a soulmate
Dozer loved you and knew he was loved back 24/7
Wishing you the best 💜
My deepest condolences. Time does heal, it just hurts so much for now. Rest in love Dozer
I am so sorry to hear the news of dozers passing. They become part of your family. Take care Nagi.
Nagi, I cannot begin to tell you how deeply sorry and sad I am for you, with the loss of your most beautiful boy. I always read Dozers post’s before your recipes, sorry 😊 x
I lost my darling beautiful human son 6 years ago and my dearest little Maltese fur girl on 2nd February 2026. She was such a comfort to us over the past 6 years and I miss her dreadfully. So I fully understand your pain!!! I am in floods of tears for you right now.
I wish I could tell you, you will get over this, but in reality you don’t, you just learn to live with it and through it.
Maybe one day you will have a new joy in your life and you will love just as deep. Bit for now and until it takes, your grief will be just too raw.
Go easy on yourself and don’t try to be brave for other people.
Sending you the biggest hug, from one mum to another
Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. No words would ever be enough but I know the pain that goes with losing a companion/friend/pet.
Dear Nagi how generous of you to share this your hardest moment in grief with us all. Most of all to have shared your beautiful Dozer with us. I must admit many a time I skipped to dozers days before reading your fab recipes. We loved him too. As I cuddle my special Abby , golden of 12 years, I cry tears for you and dozer. He’s at the rainbow bridge waiting for you in time and his next treat . ( rainbow bridge poem by author unknown) Cxx🧡
Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It’s humbling how much they give to us unconditionally. May your memories of him give you peace and in time fill your heart.
RIP Dozer, you sweet boy. Nagi – so very sorry and am heartbroken for you. Dozer will be with you in spirit always. xxx
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your wonderful Dozer
It touched my heart
Time will make it easier and your memories sweeter sending you good wishes
Ali
Oh Nagi,
As the mum of 5 beautiful golden retrievers, my heart aches for you as if Dozer was my own.
Reading of your heart break is a reminder of my own when I lost my first Golden furbaby. I still shed a tear and feel incredibly sad when I think of her and it’s been 15 years.
It does get easier after time, but find comfort and strength in knowing you were with him right up until he crossed the Rainbow Bridge and that he is now free!
Take care. Xxx
sending my condolences and best wishes
Beautiful Nagi and Dozer, your relationship, connection and awe inspiring love is just the most precious blessing to see. My heart breaks for you now with the unimaginable grief you feel and we are embracing you both with heartfelt love and kindness🥹🐶🐾🐾❤️
Dearest Nagi,
Many dog owners know and understand your pain. We are blessed to have these wonderful creatures in our life and the unconditional love they give us. We cry a lot with their loss but smile because we were privileged enough to have our life shared with them. Dozer was a lucky boy to have had you and you him ❤️
Oh Nagi, the absolute love you have always shown to dozer has always been such a joy to read and so heart warming. So sorry for your loss… It reminds me to hug our willow GR tight each day. Be kind to yourself during this time. We are all thinking of you and the memories of dozer 🥰