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
It is the hardest and most loving thing to do, to see our furry soulmates on this, their final journey. Much love to you Nagi xx
I am so so sorry. This made me cry so hard. I miss my baby who left 3 years ago…..I understand. It is like losing your best friend. **hugs** from Canada
Oh Nagi, I am so very sorry for your loss of Dozer 😭💔 saying goodbye to your fur baby, sidekick, soulmate is the hardest goodbye 💔 he will always be in your heart and I do believe he will always be by your side, albeit over the rainbow bridge 🌈 looking out for you and being your constant presence from doggy heaven. Sending so much love xx
Dear Nagi, I’m so, so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. My heart aches for you. Take care of yourself. Sending you hugs
So very sorry for your loss . I will miss him . Take care Nagi x
Beautiful Nagi, I’m sending you my love and deepest condolences on the loss of your dearest Dozer.💗
So sad to hear about Dozer, and all that you both have been through. Know that he was beloved all around the world, by so many of us who chose a recipe, then immediately tapped the “Dozer” tab to see what he was up to. xoxo lots of hugs
My sincerest condolences to you. Dozer was very special and I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Nagi,
As soon as I read the caption to your post, the sobs burst from my chest. Please know that there are many many RecipeTin people, around the world, that are crying as well.
Dozer was a VERY SPECIAL BOY. Thank you for sharing his life with us. By doing so, you multiplied the joy that he brought to this planet more than a million-fold.
Please take care of yourself. You provided an exceptionally wonderful life for your boy. You both were blessed to have each other.
I will hug my Sarjah a little more tightly tonight.
Praying for peace and comfort and joy.
KrisB & Sarjah
I popped in to find a recipe and saw Dozer had passed. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us over the years. He is already missed.
Lovely Nagi. In honour of you and beautiful Dozer I went back to the beginning of your journey and cooked your maiden recipe – Sticky Pantry Chicken. Got teary thinking of how brave you were, an idea, a gorgeous pooch and some recipes. What an inspiration you are. Your website has brought so many ppl together (love of food and dogs🐶) and I hope you feel the love and support of us all. Sending you much love and a big warm hug ❤️🥲
Oh Nagi I am so sorry to read of the incredible Dozer’s passing. I wish you continued comfort in the coming days as we all celebrate his life and the unconditional love that he offered you.
Thinking of you Nagi. We both tear up years later after saying goodbye to my cat and partners shepherd after having to make that dreadful decision to ease their pain and say goodbye.
My heart goes out to you Nagi, there are no words to describe the emptiness and silence in your home now. Just know you gave Dozer the best life ever and he gave his love and loyalty back to you in spades. Thank goodness for memories and photographs. Sending much love and healing vibes but you will get through the tough days, from Wendy and my Golden Murphy 🐾❤️🩹
As sad as losing a best friend is I can say from experience you will never forget him.
So sorry for your loss…
Rest in peace Dozer ❤️🩹
Oh Nagi, we are weeping with you. Losing our beloved animal companions is the hardest thing in this world. We all wish our love could heal them over and over. Dozer was the most wonderful (and famous!) dog. His spirit will always be with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Nagi. I lost my heart dog just before Christmas. He was 15 1/2. I too, had so many things I wanted to say to him and had planned to say to him in his final hours but instead all I could say was thank you, Ian, for being here with me and for taking care of me all these years. I brought him into the world 15 1/2 years ago and he’s been at my side most days since. I understand your loss… It is overwhelming. But now they are running and leaping and enjoying life w friends again, as they did when they were younger. My heart and prayers are with you and Dozer. Love, Mary.
Sending you hugs, Nagi 💕
I’ll miss seeing your photos and sharing your adventures Dozer, stay close to your mum 💕
I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was lucky to have such a great Mom and be so loved.