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
So sorry to hear about Dozer, it’s heartbreaking 💔
I felt like I knew Dozer, what a wonderful life you gave him. It’s so sad, take care of yourself, you will never forget the life you had with Dozer, what a wonderful doggie.
Nagi, I have loved watching you with Dozer. Such pure love from a mom to her dog baby. May Dozer rest out of pain now!
I started to cry just when I read the subject of your e-mail, not wanting to open it. Nagi, you gave your boy Dozer the most amazing and wonderful life full of love, amazing food and friends from the around the world that truly care about both of you. You cry and take all the time you need, because there is not short cut through this journey of grief. I hope it gives you comfort to know that dogs do have souls and he still with you, but just in a different dimension. Much love and hugs and for you and all your staff who will miss him every single day. Thank you for always sharing your funny stories about Dozer. I will miss him too.
Sending so much love and hugs to you Nagi. We know how you feel. Xoxo
Hi Nagi, I cried with you when I read your love note to Dozer. And I am a crusty old bloke. Our family has always enjoyed Dozer since Covid days … he helped a lot of people. Missed fondly.
My heart aches for you. Losing a furry family member is so hard. You gave him a wonderful life. You and Dozer will be in my prayers.
Suburb of Chicago, IL
Nagi I like thousands of readers, have followed your journey with Dozer for years.
My Sincerest condolences…..But I am comforted a wee bit knowing he’s already loved by millions in his new chapter of “life”, and one of those people is my sister, who probably is rubbing his head and ears right now.
Dear Nagi – You and Dozer touched my heart right from the get-go. I know the pain and can only say for you to be kind to yourself as much as you can. Many hugs to you.
I received the email from you today and I’m shocked to hear about the passing of your dog. I’m used to reading your newsletters that included references to Dozer all the time. I hope you will get pass this chapter in your life with the loss of your baby Dozer that dog. My condolences and prayers sent to you. May you find comfort in adopting a new dog as your companion soon. As not to replace Dozer, but to give much of your available love to another less fortunate dog orphan.
-Fan of your easy recipes, Cindy
Although these words will not heal, the pain you feel that’s so real. I hope some comfort they will bring, as I remind you that when you sing, your dear Dozer will be there. When those crumbs inevitably fall, dear Dozer will be there no matter how small. And when you sigh and miss him so, he will be there to remind you how he loved you so.
My heart breaks for you… RIP Dozer xxx
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious baby. I loved hearing about him and your adventures. You’re in my prayers.
I cried with you such an amazing storey of love, affection and joy…..in time I hope you get another puppy not too replace Dozer but to bring back joy and memories. Much love thank you for all the great recipes…….hugs from Canada
Dearest Nagi I am so sorry to hear of Dozer passing much love going your way and beautiful Dozer may you rest in peace and join all the animals who have crossed the rainbow bridge 🌈 ❤️💔🐾
Ohhh Nagi, my heart breaks for you. Hold you up in prayer, may you be surrounded in hugs and support for those around you. I understand the heart break, the numbness and hopelessness without your Dozer. Your heart breaks so much because of the greatest LOVE. Hugs x
Dearest Nagi, I am very saddened about the passing of your beautiful boy and your grief. Our furbabies are our world and worth every millisecond we spend together. You are an awesome mum to Dozer and Dozer was so very blessed to have you as his mum. You were both truly blessed. Loosing someone you love is beyond hard. When your heartache allows know that Dozer is always always with you, especially his eternal loyalty and love. I believe that all living things are created by a life giving force and when we pass, we return to where we were all created. Dozer is there waiting. Take care the best you can. You are held in prayers and courage.
I am so sorry. Our fur babies wiggle their way into our hearts when young, become family members as they grow, and leave us heartbroken when they leave too soon. I wish you peace as you remember the joy you shared with Dozer. Our hearts go out to you. Grieve in your own time. We will be here when you are ready.
so sorry for your loss Nagi
I have followed Dozer and you for many years and feel like you’re my friends. I never enjoyed one of your wonderful recipes without also enjoying Dozer’s adorable antics. Thank you for giving your followers these heartwarming glimpses into your life with this glorious boy. As a dog mama myself, I empathize with your sorrow. Sending hugs and love from Costa Rica. 🪷
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer. How blessed Dozer was to have you as his mum. Sending big hugs to you♥️♥️