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,
I am heartbroken to read about Dozer. You gave him the BEST life and loved him to the fullest possible! I am definitely sobbing right along with you. I wish I could be there to give you hugs! You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring you comfort in this most devastating time!!!
I am sobbing with you, I have had to say goodbye to several dogs in my life and it is always a heartbreak. So sorry….
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Nagi. My daughter and I have made so many of your recipes and we loved reading about Dozer at the end of each post. Praying for you.
I never thought I’d be crying over a dog I never even met. I have enjoyed your videos, cookbooks, and recipes for years. And I’ve enjoyed getting to know Dozer through all of that. My heart just aches for you. I’m so glad you got to enjoy so many good memories with him for all those years. He will live on in all of our hearts.
We are so sorry for your loss and grief. The love between you and Dozer showed so brightly for us all!
So sorry. I know how you feel. Big hugs!
Dear Nagi
deepest condolences for your loss. RIP Dozer
Oh Precious Nagi! Sobbing with you over the loss of Dozer. Thank you for always sharing him, he brought so much joy and blessing to me and so many others. He is in heaven with his Creator, and now my prayer continues for your pain and heartbreak to be lifted. you are very much loved.
Nagi, I have been reading your recipes for years and joyfully following ‘The Life of Dozer’. I loved every minute of watching you 2 together. So special. I have 3 dogs and my heart just broke to read this though I knew Dozer was tired and putting up the good fight. May he always chase the ducks….. we are all with you My Friend. ❤️
Naji, I cry as I write this. I’ve lost fur babies in the past and it rips your heart out, but all the love they gave you and all the love you gave them in return will remain priceless. As hard as it is, Dozer went over The Rainbow Bridge and is happy and healthy. I believe God will reunite you with Dozer again. I love you for sharing his life with us over the years.
I am so sad to hear of Dozer’s passing, your recipes and stories I have been following for several years, and Dozer was a beautiful soul. and will be missed sincere condolences to you.
Thank you for sharing all things Dozer with us this past years. Your heart is heavy at this time but hope that in time a smile can be back on your face as you reminisce about his love and antics with you.
And thank you, Nagi, for your love for Dozer which you have shared with us. May you find comfort even as you gave it to him and to us.
My heart breaks in a million pieces for your loss. I’ve had to face the loss of the loves of my life — dogs, cats, guinea pigs — and even wild birds I thought I could save. You’re right, though, Nagi. The bargain always was that there was a time limit and the main thing is the gratitude for every moment and the love. God Bless you, Nagi. I will keep you in my prayers and will be sending you my love to help you heal though this unbearably difficult time. You are an earth angel if I ever saw one — Godspeed.
Thankyou for sharing Dozer with us over the years. We all shed tears alongside you Nagi.
I am with you Nagi. I’ve been in this place few times and I know how hard it is. My thoughts are with you. I am new to your website, but I was so touched that you included your dog Dozer in this journey with us. So beautiful. One day we’ll meet our wonderful friends. Thank you.
Dear Nagi, so sad to hear about the loss of your beloved boy Dozer, try and remember that as lucky as you were to be his mom he was just as lucky to have you !
Nagi, I would like to share with part of a letter I recieved from a dear family member when I as an adult lost my first dog:
” In this box are deposited the ashes of one who possessed Beauty without vanity, Strength without insolence, Courage without Ferocity and all the virtues of man without his vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes is but a just tribute to the memory of Bella, a dog”
Rudyard Kipling wrote ” Brothers and Sisters, beware of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
I have kept this letter with Bella’s ashes since 2008.
Sleep tight Dozer, thy good and faithful servant.
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Dozer.
Nagi! I am sorry for your loss. I have so enjoyed reading about Dozer’s escapades over the years. He will be missed by all. Thank you for sharing him with us.