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
Love is a Labrador so true! What a beautiful story with Dozer! He had the best life feel blessed dear Lady
From me and my Lab Daphne xx
So so sorry for your loss Nagi. You were a great mum to Dozer and we’ll all miss seeing news of his exploits
Dogs give us their best self every day of their too short life. What a wonderful world this would be if they could live with us for as long as we do….. Take care Nagi, it does get a little easier with time., However his memory will never be forgotten, everyone who has ever visited your website, socials, knows about the Life of Dozer. He will forever be part of recipetineats x.
Hi Nagi
I’m so sad for your loss of the passing of Dozer. Our pets are our children. They are always going to be with us. As from the day we welcome our pets into our families. From that day we start to save a very sacred place in our heart. But Dozer always made you happy and your family, and everyone he met. And you both shared with us some amazing stories and pictures.
Your friend
Paul.
My heart is breaking for you so much 💔
I am sorry, Nagi..
I have experienced the same thing 8 years ago. I know exactly how you feel. I could not function for months till I realized that I had to compartmentalize his memory to survive. Reading your letter to Dozer brought me back that memory. Do not be sad, you will be with Dozer again, I am sure of it. God told me so… ::hug::
I sit here reading your beautiful piece in remembrance of your amazing friend Dozer with tears running down my cheeks. He was an outstanding mate and I am so, so sorry for your loss. I’m very pleased though that you both got to have such an amazing near 14 years together sharing your love.
So sorry for your loss Nagi.
You were just the best mum.
Rest in peace Dozer.
I am deeply sorry for your loss Nagi. Losing a pet is so hard. The stronger the grieve, the deeper the love, his memory will bring a smile on your face.
Much love, Winnie
Dear Nagi,
I loved always seeing your new recipes, but what I loved more was seeing Dozer and the photo at the end of your stories. As lucky as you were, he was even luckier to have had a mom like you!
May the fond memories give you comfort in this time of need. I am so so sorry for your loss. Sending love and healing light xx
My deepest condolences. May you find comfort, peace and strength. Dozer shall be missed
Dear Nagi,
So very sorry to hear you have lost your beautiful best mate Dozer.A very sad time .Big hug and take care
Hi Nagi – I am sorry too. I know words won’t change your loss and grief, but I am sad that you had to experience this.
Thank you for sharing the life of Dozer with us.
With Love,
S.
Hi Nagi – I am sorry too. I know words won’t change your loss and grief, but I am sad that you had to experience this.
Thank you for sharing the life of Dozer with us.
With Love,
S.
Nagi,
Deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful Dozer! Whilst I enjoy reading the recipes I’d always skip down to the Life of Dozer! What wonderful adventures you had & such love for each other! I have a rescue goldie, Maggie! Dozer will forever be in your heart!
Dear Nagi, I’m heart broken to read your post about the passing of your glorious boy Dozer, please accept my condolences for the loss of him. Whenever I used your recipes I always looked for Dozer and just loved seeing him. Sending love and hugs
Chief taster, event ambassador and an all round tail wagger. How lucky you both are to have found and spent precious time together. He was a good boy.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Dozer was certainly a lovely soul. We have 3 dogs in this household. All different, all loving and great companions.
Do yourself a favour and fall in love again.
Deepest condolences. He has left for canine heaven and left paw-prints on your heart. RIP Dozer.
Sorry!🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️
They walk/ stomp/ jump all over our heart.. and we only feel their love …. Surely he in not visible BUT THERE 🐾