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
Nagi so sorry despite your love & care Dozer lost his battle to stay with you…it must be heartbreaking. I always looked forward to your posts for news of Dozer, he certainly was the added interest, which I will certainly miss .
Deepest sympathy to you & thanks for sharing Doxer with us …& let’s hope time will help lessen your loss.
Nagi I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. He was such a special dog and friend.
Thoughts are with you from Ireland.
Take care of yourself,,
Irene
So sorry Nagi. Heartbreaking. Heartbroken. Dozer will live on in the hearts of all the people who love him. He was very special. He was my favourite part of Recipetineats. He always brightened my day. xxx Hugs for you, Nagi.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Dozer.
Nagi, the bond that you and Dozer had was very apparent from the photos and your writings in your website. Thank you for sharing not only your wonderful recipes but also beautiful Dozer with us. My heart goes out to you for your loss. Dozer will be missed by all who came to know him through your posts.
Oh Nagi, how my heart aches for your loss. I wish for you that the happy memories soon soothe the pain of the loss. All I can say is thank you for sharing the life of Dozer with all of us. He’s brought joy into our lives almost as much as your recipes (more so, maybe, at times) and we are all grieving with you.
Nagi my entire family (from Melbourne to QLD) is so sad for you at the passing of your beautiful boy Dozer. It is devastating. The only downfall to loving a beautiful dog and constant companion is the fact that they never live long enough! I just hope you can feel even a fraction of the love we are all sending your way at this time. Love from Lee, Jai, Peta and families xox
So sorry to hear the very sad news Nagi. Sending you lots of love and hugs. Know that you were blessed to have each other and that your souls will always be connected by love. Andy x
Nagi, sending love and condolences to you. Dozer was such a beautiful and special companion
Hi Ngari,
Sadness, loss and heartache are perfectly ok and there is no time frame on how long this will be.
Your love for Dozer was palatable. I am so pleased that you had your long goodbye.
I want to share one of my Dads amazing stories with just one of his amazin dogs with you. It might just bring a smile to your heart..
My Dad (after my Mum passed)lived until he was 94. He and his little dog spent the last 10 years of their lives together. My Dad had dementia and I know that Milly knew this..She was so protective of him (people often thought she was snappy but she wasn’t she was protecting her mate).My Dad and Milly
shared EVERYTHING food if Dad ate it so did Milly, TV, beds,lounge chairs, gardening, lollies,hearing aides and false teeth( which Milly ate on a regular basis) at great cost to Dad. The love,companionship and bond they had for each other was a joy to witness. They even shared their medication.All their medication was in one basket. Milly would have a heart tablet and Dad would have a worm tablet and vise versa more than once. Dad had enough medication to treat a third world country. I spoke to Dad’s Dr and I canceled any new prescriptions. Dad and Milly lived on Dads stash for 2 years until Dad passed at 94 and Milly at 11 years.I know that people will react to this but this is for you and not the general public.Dad and Milly lived their lives out together loved and happy.What more is there ❤️ Heal well.
Dear Nagi,
I am so sorry for your loss. The gift of unconditional love and companionship is a treasure not everyone gets to experience in a lifetime. A blessing but so hard to manage when they go.
Big hugs and licks (from my 4 paw support team)
Carol xoxo
Nagi – There are no words for how sorry I am to hear about Dozer. You both have been part of my online life for many years. He was such a fun and loving part of the stories. I know the pain of losing our loved fur babies. I am sending caring thoughts to you.
Nagi I am reading your tribute to beautiful Dozer as tears stream down my face. He was such a beautiful boy and was so blessed to have you as his “mum”. If we had them forever it still wouldn’t be enough. Thinking of you. Lou Meers
I’m crying now — I came on here to make some fried rice. Very sad to hear this 💔 I loved seeing the bond you shared, it brought joy to us frazzled home cooks as well. Kept the cooking in perspective.
I have tears for you. Much love. I’m so so sorry
Dear Nagi, my heart goes out to you. Only you will know how hard it is to lose your Dozer, but I know you will always remember your time with him.
Sorry for yourloss
BONJOUR NAGI, I have followed you & your recipes&your love forDozer for years, so please accept my sincere condolences on his passing.
Dear Nagi, I’m so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your mate and best friend Dozer. You know what? Dozer Boy will always be remembered in your heart, and your outstanding cookbooks. He was a beautiful boy, and I shed a tear reading your post. I hope you’re ok. Sending you lots of hugs. Xoxo
Arohanui from NZ!
Both you and Dozer are incredible!
Cooking your recipes have helped me smile!
Much aroha (love) to you in this difficult time.
So deeply sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Dozer,