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 am so sorry to hear about Dozer!! sending a hug!! what a beautiful boy!! so so sorry!
😭 my youngest child will be very sad to hear this, as am I. Your recipes bring my family so much joy and Dozer’s antics made us feel as if we had a dog ourselves, so so sorry for your loss.
My heart is breaking for you and al who loved that wonderful pup. Goodbye Dozer-you made the world better just by being in it.
RIP Dozer, I’m so sorry for your loss. He was such a lovely companion to your amazing recipes and will be missed by so many ❤️
Sending you strength and love from Croatia!
I popped by the website to find a new recipe to try and saw the news. I’m so sorry. Please know that Dozer brought a lot of joy to many people’s lives and you do too!
Dear Nagi,
We are so sorry to hear the news about Dozer. We’ve loved reading about him ever since we first discovered your website many years ago.
How lucky he was to find somebody who gave him such a wonderful life, full of fun and love. And in return it was always lovely to see him by your side during such an exciting chapter of your life. He’ll be very much missed, but always remembered fondly.
We’re thinking of you.
Love from London,
Alex & Kim
Dozer captivated my interest at the beginning of your career! I would scroll down to see his post! Then I would read your recipe. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with sorrow to hear of his passing that I can’t imagine how you must feel. He was not only your PIC, but your #1 taster in the kitchen. He lived an incredible happy life with you being his mom. God showers us with these little, in your case big, bundle of joy. That was Dozer’s purpose was m to bring you joy and he was exceptional in doing just that. Not all pups imprint in our hearts like Dozer imprinted in yours. So that alone was a blessing. The sorrow is real and only time will help make your heart whole. I had to take time off work to grieve my little gladiator Maximus loss. Our little welsh corgi was with us for 18 years. I’m so sorry for your loss, but grateful you experienced such loving companionship! We love you and will miss Dozer! I have him displayed in my kitchen via your cookbook!
You were the BEST Mum to Dozer & he knew it. And he loved you so much. He’s your very special guardian Angel now. He knows you’re very sad, but he is happy in Heaven with no pain now. ❤️❤️
Oh, gosh. I’m crying like I’ve lost my own dog. I’m so very sorry for your loss, Nagi. You loved him so, so very well, as he did you. May your heart heal in time, and may his sweet memories bring you smiles again.
I have only recently found your website, so I didn’t know that Dozer was elderly or unwell. The love of a dog is one of the greatest things in the world. Unfortunately from day 1 we have to live with the knowledge that we will part. But, even with this sadness we it is worth it. Thinking of you and wishing you well and to be srong
So very sorry for you loss. Thinking of you xx
Deartest Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m really heartbroken for you. I’m sure you will always cherish those wonderful memories with Dozer. Lots of love
Dearest Nagi,
That was a beautiful letter to Dozer. You had me crying by the end. For years, I (like thousands of other fans) have followed both your recipes and Dozer’s antics. He was a fantastic boy and had such a beautiful like with you! He couldn’t have found a better mom anywhere in this world. I believe our babies will join us after this life and that is a comfort to me. My heart is with you at this time of grief. I just wanted to say that you were his everything in this life and he couldn’t have had a better life with anyone else in this world. My thoughts are with you…
Nagi, I have never read such Love from an animal lover as came from you about Dozer. Our dogs love us unconditionally and they trust us to take good care of them and for some people that is never. I love your recipes and will forever remember your posts about Dozer, especially the picture of the two of you overlooking the water’s edge. Thank you for sharing your final journey with Dozer and it is the one article that is better than your recipes. Me and my wife were truly touched and my son is looking, at this time for a golden retriever as beautiful and loving as your beloved companion!!!!!! May you find your perfect friend again.
I’m so sorry for your loss, losing a best furry friend hurts like nothing else. He lived his best life with you.
One of the highlights of this recipe blog was Dozer! I remember when Nagi would show pictures of him now and then. It was great when he became a full time feature. What a great concept, good food and a cute dog! It is just what this world needed. Rest in Peace Dozer.
Awww, Dozer. Love you always!
Nagi, I’m praying for you in these difficult days. If only there were words to make this better, but there aren’t any. Love and prayers to you, Nagi.
I think this post resonates with anyone who has ever lost a much loved pet (and friend). May your beautiful memories with dozer give you comfort, I have no doubt he was blessed to have such a wonderful fur-mum 💗
Dozer had a great life.
He was immensely loved. I am so sorry for your loss
I have always enjoyed your recipes over many years. Dozer and your relationship with him provided a human (and doggie) touch that made it more family like than just a meal. Having just lost a pet who always had an amazingly friendly nature I understand your loss. But remember we are all here only a short time and it is the relationships we have with others in this world that makes it all wortwhile. Don”t greive Dozer celebrate him!