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
Dear Nagi
Let me, another dog mum, offer you all my love in this time of sadness and loss. I dread the day that I will have to face the pain you are feeling right now. Dozer loved you, he still does, that doesn’t go away. Just know that you are loved and we all are feeling your loss with you now. Much love to you.
Perfect words. He knows how loved he was.
Your beautiful boy Dozer, his time had come but he will live in your heart forever.
I have a 13 year old goldie and I treasure each day I have with him, that’s all we can do.
My heart aches for you Nagi but he will live in your heart forever, that’s his gift to you.
And you – you provide us with not just recipes, but love as well. Thank you. Anne
I can’t imagine the sadness, pain you must be feeling. As I was reading your letter to Dozen the flowing down my face. I’m so sorry that you are going through this. I wish I could give you a big hug. I know that thousands of people would want to do the same. It’s so comforting to be able to remember the special moments we share with our fur babies. Know we all love you Nagi and we will never forget your beloved Dozer ♥️❤️🩹😢
Sorry for your loss Nagi. Every time I saw a photo of Dozer amongst your recipes, I had a big smile & heartfelt warmth. Loads of good memories in your photo albums to be sure.
My heart breaks for you, such a hard time saying goodbye to a fur baby, I have been through 4 heartbreaks 💔
It does get easier just keep the wonderful memories close ✨️
I’m so sorry to read of your loss. What a sad time. I have gotten to know Dozer through my love for your recipes. Take care. xxx
Aww Nagi, that was absolutely beautiful, to say I had a tear would be an understatement 😢 just know we are all thinking about you. Dozer left his print in all of our hearts, my 10 yr old daughter had a cry as she loves to ask about the CEO from my fave cookbooks. This is heartbreaking, I know the pain, it gets easier in time. It took my about 6 months to be able to put the pics back up of mine. He will never be forgotten xxxx
We have all dreaded this day Nagi. As fellow pet owners we fully understand.
But what a lucky boy he was to have found you as his mum. xx
So sorry for your massive loss Nagi. You have so many wonderful memories and photos to cherish of Dozer. He will live on in each of these. You and he made the best team. You gave him a beautiful life and cared for him right to the end.
RIP Dozer. Take good care of yourself Nagi at this distressing time.
Know you are loved all over the world.
Jane❤️❤️
He has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and is at Peace. May you find the same Peace as time goes on. Hugs from Michigan.
Dear Dear Nagi,
Thank you for sharing Dozer the way you did- our hearts break for you. Yes, you will smile again as you recall the joy he gave you, that is life, but be happy for him too – you gave him your best!
Kia kaha, Nagi. Dozer is etched in your heart forever.
I’m so sorry that he has gone over the rainbow bridge. Deepest condolences in your time of sadness
Oh Nagi, just cried all the way through your beautiful words for your much loved Dozer. He was certainly a once in a lifetime pet and companion for you. You were both so fortunate to have found each other. Such a special soul. 💖
My heart is breaking for you Nagi, RIP Dozer xx
So sorry for your loss Nagi💔truly heartbroken for you.
RIP Dozer 🦮 run free 💔🌈 will miss your beautiful face in the recipes 💔
We cry with you Nagi – you were the best mum to Dozer and Dozer has touched so many people around the world – you were both blessed to have each other. You are loved and Dozer is loved by everyone who loves Recipe Tin Eats. One day at a time…..one hour at a time. We will never forget your beautiful boy ❤️
We love you, Nagi. Thinking of you in this difficult time.
Dear Nagi
Sending you lots of love and hugs. You were the best mum. Dozer lived his best life with you. He was such a sweet guy. My condolences to you, your mum, and family at RTE. Be gentle on yourself in the coming months. Xo