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
Am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. He was lucky to have you in his life & clearly loved by one and all.
Dear Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. He was (and will remain) a huge part of who you are and a part of RecipeTin. He may not be there in a physical sense, but he will always be there in a spiritual way. He’ll be watching down on you from the heavens from his pride of place on tge nearest doggy star. Rest in Peace, Dozer. You are loved beyond everything by so many people who love your mum. Thinking of you Nagi and sending lots of love and hugs to you ❤️✝️ 🐕
So many beautiful memories of you and Dozer to cherish always… Rest in peace Dozer.
I am so sorry for your loss, Dozer brought so much joy. I lost my beloved Golden at 16.5 years… that was 2011 and I still feel the pain but I remember my Lucy with happiness. I guess the rawness takes a long time but please remember you gave Dozer the dream life and love we’d all wish for.. he lives on in an awful lot of hearts and minds
My sympathies to you.
Nagi, I am so sorry for the loss of Dozer. I loved reading about the Life of Dozer on your posts and seeing his pictures in my cookbooks. My heartfelt condolences .
Nagi,
thankyou for sharing Dozer with us all, what a beautiful boy !!! he loved you so much, as you loved him:)
you were both blessed !!
love Ngaio
Hang in there Nagi and try to remember the pain is worth the ride. The pain will ease but the memories last forever 💕💕💕
The pain will subside to being just under the surface. Your memories and love for Dozer will be with you for ever.
Hi Nagi,i just wanted to say I’m so so sorry for the lost of Dozer losing an Animal is like losing a family member well it is because they are! It’s devastating I know because I myself have been through losing our beloved Dog a few years ago it was so hard to comprehend on not seeing their joyful cheerful self who always was be beside you no matter what so it a lost that you will never get over but becomes a space in your heart just for them thinking of you as you mourned the loss of Dozer sending strength to you xx
So so sorry to hear of your incredibly sad loss. Having experienced this two years ago when we said goodbye to our beloved spoodle Ruby, I can truly understand your pain. My heart goes out to you. RIP Dozer xx
Feeling your pain, sharing your grief. And thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us!
Hi Naji, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. He had the best life a dog could wish for. xo
Oh, Nagi. My heart breaks for you. We were so lucky to have Dozer in our lives, so many funny memories of you and Dozer together. Thinking of you as you go through such a devastating loss.x
I am so so sorry Nagi for your loss, it is heartbreaking, but he is at peace now. He will want you to carry on as best as you can and keep both your memories alive. Hugs to you.
Just heart wrenching 💔💔💔😢
That was just as hard to read as it was for you to write. I wish we could all give you a big hug. I know how it feels to lose your fur baby. All i can say is time will ease the pain but it never goes away completely. We will all miss your beautiful boy too
Lots of love
Oh my dear I’m so sad for you. Just remember Dozer is gone and never forgotten. Thinking of you.
Very sorry for your loss, Nagi. He was such a constant companion and the love you had shines in all your posts. I’m sure life won’t ever be the same without him. Take good care of yourself and we’ll see you back when you’re ready.
Also, sometimes, I even click on the Dozer link first before reading your recipe! Oops.
What a beautiful way to say your goodbyes to the gorgeous Dozer. He was very lucky to have you as a mum. We are on that journey now with our 12 yo Doberman, Molly. God Bless you Dozer have fun in Doggy Heaven.❤️❤️❤️🙏
Oh, Nagi… I am so, so sorry for your loss… You and Dozer have brought much happiness into my life and many others over these past years, and I know how devastating his loss will be. You and he are ever in our prayers, and I’m sure his spirit will be watching over you always.