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 goes out to you Nagi….they are our easiest hello and our hardest goodbye….Dozer was soooo loved and he knew it💚
Oh Nagi, my heart breaks for you. Losing your beautiful Dozer is incredibly hard. He was such a big part of you and your online family. May God give you strength and comfort as you heal.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love.
My heart is hurting for you Nagi. It’s such a terrible thing to lose such a taonga (treasure). Let the tears fall in loving memory of Dozer. Big hugs to you from Otaki, NZ.
My only reason for signing up to RecipeTin all those years ago was Dozer, then I discovered the recipes! We have all fallen in love with Dozer. We are heartbroken 💔 thank you Nagi and Dozer for sharing your lives with us, goodbye beautiful Dozer, you will not be forgotten 💙
Love, thoughts and heartache are all shared by those you touched along the RTE journey. Dozer is running free on the beach he loved so much and spending time with all of our doggie companions. We all know the pain and understand the need for privacy. Take your time, cry the many tears – Dozer will remain in your heart forever. Time does heal….I say as I stand here crying for your boy and mine who I lost last year….the pain will ease. Take care
Oh Nagi, I am so sorry! I know what its like to have to say goodbye! Dozed was VERY WELL LOVED by you, and Im sure he is still with you & ALWAYS will be!
You will keep him in your heart & memories which means he will never truly be gone from your life. He touched so many, either in person, in your writing & in photos. He will live on because in our hearts too!
I can only hope my condolences bring you even a small amount of comfort.
All of Dozers fans & yours are with you Nagi!
With love & caring!
Deboarh
Sending you love and strength Nagi
My spirit is with you Nagi as I know the sorrow you are feeling. Knowing this day will come doesn’t make it any easier.
Aww Dozer
He knew
Dozer knew how much you loved him 🐾
I always looked forward to Dozer stories and I used to say ” have a swim in the ocean for me Dozer”.
I’m so sorry Nagi
With lots of love 🧡 and hugs from Vancouver. 🇨🇦
Hello Nagi,
I’m so so sad to hear about Dozer passing. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
I have been in your shoes 3 years back and even now I feel like Savannah is still here with me.
Tears will just fall nonstop and there’s this ache that hugs you to the bone. Just remember the wonderful memories you had with him and take it one day at a time.
I’ll keep you both in my prayers 😢❤️🌹💐
I am thinking so much of you and Dozer. In sadness. Janet.
Dozer couldn’t have had a better mummy than you Nagi. Xxx
Thank you Nagi for sharing your special friendship with the beautiful Dozer all these years. We will miss him & his input so much but know that he will be holding doggy heavens catering to a very high standard.
I am so sorry. 😢. Sending love and strength your way.
Dozer will always be with you in your heart. xxx
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your boy. I have loved watching your life with Dozer since 2020 and you both mean so much to me, that it feels like a member of my family has passed away. I am holding my almost 16yo boy (cocker spaniel cross) just a little bit tighter in memory of your beautiful Dozer. ❤️
I was teary eyed as soon as I saw the date dozer died. I’ve only just started to follow your recipes AND bought your books and in that short time ive felt ive known Dozer much much longer. Dozer will still be beside you as your guardian angel & still loving your cooking. ⚘️🦮😢🧚
Oh, Dear Nagi;
My heart goes out to you. I couldn’t stop crying after reading your posts. I have two dogs myself. And one of my boys is getting up there in age. I can emphasize how you’re feeling and channel my condolences.
May Dozer rest in peace. And may you find comfort in knowing that Dozer will never be forgotten and that he is immortalized on your website.
Biggest Hugs!
Amanda
Nagi,
So very sorry for your loss. He was a very lucky pup to have you as his human, and you were lucky as well to have Dozer as your best buddy. Condolences from Arizona.