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, may the many wonderful and happy memories you have of Dozer help you get through the coming weeks.
Allow yourself to grieve and know that the Sun will shine again for you soon.
His spirit will never be far from you.
I had a golden retriever, Jezabel. She was in my life for 15yrs. The hurt was hard. All she did was look at me seeming not to be in any pain. She was my constant companion. Every day I had to remember she was no longer there in the usual routine. It took months. To this day, 12yrs later, I have never forgotten her. I can so relate to what you’re saying and feeling. I cried because I know how hard this is for you. Dozer had an incredible life because you included him in every thing and every where.
I’ve never cried so hard for a dog I’ve never met. As a lifelong lover of goldens, I know on such a deep level how intensely they imprint themselves on you, and you on them. To have ‘known’ Dozer has been such a gift, especially as he’s grown up alongside my sweet girl. You loved him with everything and it radiated across the world. May every memory, every rogue strand of fur, every one of his toys, may all of it be a beautiful reminder of his pure perfection. Sending you so much love and holding your grief alongside you.
RIP Dozer
Dearest Nagi,
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could take all of your heartache away. Dozer was such a special boy. He will be missed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. All my love, Susan. xoxo
I gave my two dogs an extra special cuddle today and told them how every day spent with them is a blessing. Dozer has been a part of all of our lives and we will miss him dearly. His presence lives on in every recipe we make from your site and any time we turn a page in your cookbooks. Heartfelt thoughts to you and your team at this difficult time.
RIP Dozer……Nothing can compare to the love you feel for your dog. my thoughts are with you at this very sad time, in time you will smile instead of cry when you see Dozers picture. Im sure he is looking down on you as you continue to cook and create your marvellous and delicious dishes xxx
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Those of us who have lost for babies know what you’re going through..
Rest in peace, beautiful Dozer!!!
Rest in peace, sweet Dozer.
Most of us know the pain and anguish of losing your best friend. I cried for you because I too laid in the hospital with my best friend of 15 years and held her until she took her last breath. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Dozer with all of us and please don’t stop. It will help you heal.
Nagi so terribly sorry to hear about Dozer. He bought such joy into all our lives – such a beautiful big caring boy! Thank you so much for sharing him with us all.
Rest and recover. Your heart will eventually heal and Dozer would want you to be happy again.
Nagi
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer was awesome. He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss, sending hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer was awesome. He will be missed.
I am so sorry. I cried reading about Dozer. I know the heartache you’re going through. 😞🙏
Always sad to loosethat special friend. Be forever in your ❤️
I am very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories you made together bring you comfort at this time,
There are no words that will help you with Dozers passing. We know the pain of losing a pet, let alone a Golden, that special, eccentric ratbag in a stunning golden fur coat, who never seems to grow up, but at times can be so intuitive to your moods its scary. Allow the grief to come, we need to feel it, to try and heal. Eventually, the pain will dull, and you’ll be able to remember with fewer tears. It’s been 10yrs since our boy, Ben left at 14, and we still smile through our tears😭😭😭.
Sending you big hugs..I am so sorry 😢😢😢😢
My heart breaks with yours, Nagi. We feel like we know you and Dozer, because you have shared your life with us, and we thank you for it. Dozer had the best life with you, loved right until the very end. What a lucky dog, and what a lucky human. 💔