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
It is so hard to write this as I know how much your heart will be breaking…
I am just so incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful baby boy, Dozer. You both put up a very brave battle.
Nagi, you were the most devoted Mum to Dozer. His Princely shaped paw imprint will always and forever be on your heart…
I hope you find some comfort that Dozer will never be forgotten as his wonderful memories have been immortalized on your website and in your recipe books forever.
Thank you for sharing him with us; we adored seeing his joyful antics with his buddies both in and out of the water, his star attraction with all of his fans, and esp. seeing him amongst all the action in the kitchen, and endless cuddles with you.
Wishing you blessings and comfort in your time of loss and healing.
Biggest hugs ever x
Katherine Robertson (from Brisbane) ❤️
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose… All that we love deeply becomes a part of us (-Helen Keller)
What lovely words of love and kindness xxx
Thank you Jeanette 🙏
Nagi, am so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to think of it now, but there will come a day when you’ll be able to look at Dozer’s pictures and reminisce without tears (believe me, I know, I have lost three very beloved fur-babies in the past 10 years). It will take time, but right now let yourself grieve. Big, big hugs. Rest in peace over the rainbow bridge Dozer
I am so very very sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy
How loved he was by you his mum and all of us out here
You are in my thoughts Nagi
Rest easy Dozer xx
Words can’t describe the loss of a faithful dog, they never really leave our soul. Thank you for sharing Dozer with the world. And now the world is sending love back to you both.
Dear Nagi, sending you love and strength. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of the recipetineats community over the years. He was loved so much by all. We will miss him dearly.
So sorry RIP Dozer
Nagi, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Whilst the pain is unbearable just now hang on to all of your wonderful memories and know that because of you Dozer lived his best life. Sending you big hugs xxxx
Your words are beautiful and express everyone who ever has loved and been loved by a fur baby. Unconditional love….
You will one day be able to look at photos but occasionally your grief will come back with tears.
Remember, all your followers are sharing your loss and thinking of you and your beautiful Dozer……
I am so very sorry that Dozer’s life has come to an end. You have shared an extraordinary life together, bringing happiness to all you both touched. I am reminded of my sadness when my own golden retriever, Sunny, who was a twin to Dozer, left this world after a lengthy illness. They will always have a huge place in our hearts. Thinking of you all, who loved Dozer. Peggy. Canada.
My heart breaks for you Nagi. What a dog and what a loss. He knew how loved he was and will forever be a huge part of your story. RIP beautiful Dozer ♥️ sending so much strength your way at this difficult time.
Oh Nagi, what beautiful heartfelt words for your beloved Dozer…I can’t stop crying…I can only imagine how devastated you must feel.
Dozer was the best companion ever!
I’m hugging my fur baby right now…looking for comfort.
Thinking of you both with joyful memories ❤️
I know its too early to be thinking of another first best friend but as time passes you must at least consider another barker. Bob
Luv your food – keep it up.
Sorry about Dozer – woof woof !!
Oh Nagi, I felt gutted reading your post. Dozer was a lucky boy to have you as his mum, and you were blessed having him as part of your family.
There are no words. Deepest sympathy. Reading your email sent me back nearly 10 years and the tears are still there. How blessed we are to be able to share our lives with our four legged family members. Go well Nagi.
So sorry for your loss Nagi. But you have such beautiful memories to keep 💔❤️
So,so hard to say goodbye to our fur babies, heartbreaking. So sorry Nagi, thankyou for sharing Dozer with us all, he will be missed xx
Thank you for sharing sweet Dozer with us, and letting us love him. My family sends you our deepest condolences for your loss, Nagi. 💛
Thank you for sharing with so many of us Nagi! He legacy will live on with so many 💗🌹
Sad days indeed. Thank you Dozer for making us smile and you too Nagi for sharing him unselfishly with us. All our thoughts and love to you in this hard time. Xo
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. Run free sweet Dozer.
I feel your pain. Losing your fur baby is almost unbearable. But you can at least take comfort from the fact that Dozer loved you unconditionally and the degree of your grief shares testament to how much you loved him.