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
After reading your letter to Dozier. I just started balling for you, feeling how sad you were and how precious that dog was to you. I have been following you for years and have experienced all your fun times together in every post and meal that you have posted,
Dozier was always front and center.
And I know he was your best loyal friend.
My heart aches for you. Nothing will ever take his place. Im so sorry and I’m sending you one big hug. Dale
Sooo very sorry Nagi! I know exactly what you are going thru. It’s been 5 yrs for me and I still choke up when I speak of my precious Paxton! Deepest condolences to you!!
Sooo very sorry Nagi! I know exactly what you are going thru. It’s been 5 yrs for me and I still choke up when I speak of my precious Paxton! Deepest condolences to you!!
What a magnificent relationship! Thank you for sharing so many of the beautiful times you had together. And, oh, the pictures. You offering your love of Dozer to us, made us love him too.
Dozer will live in your heart so embrace yourself too.
Such a beautiful story of life and joy through all the years – you and Dozer! Thank you for sharing him with us. May time and all the beautiful memories do their quiet work in helping you heal!
I am so sorry. Dozer was an inspiration through all your recipes. He was a joy to have along as I learned how to make your meals. What a great dog!
Dear Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer with us. I feel your heartache.
Te abrazo con cariño desde la distancia.
Reading this and hurting for you but glad you had Dozer for as long as you did. RIP Dozer and peace to Nagi
Stay strong for our Dozer. He was so much part of our lives too.
Love your recipes
My heart bleeds …..i couldn’t read all your script, i know your pain…😪😪😪😪😪
Several years on i still grieve time to time.
Love is deep.
Rest easy Dozer, you bought joy to many and will be remembered.
🙏
My heart is broken for you Nagi & I cry as I write this. Those of us who have loved & lost a pet know the indescribable pain and grief of no longer having the unconditional love and daily companionship of our soulmates who gave our lives so much meaning, joy & comfort. I found a YouTube video on “The Psychology of Losing A Pet” by Midnight Oracle so so helpful & hope it provides u the same. Grief is in the driver seat now and we send our love as you mourn the loss of your beloved Dozer❤️ .
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3wqx5UGcpG8
Oh, Nagi, I am so sorry. I am crying with you.
You gave him the best, he gave you his unconditional love too.
Unfortunately, we all have to go through this intense suffering. At this time, I wish you continued love and sweet memories. Be brave, keep him in your arms.
Congratulations for expressing your emotions so well.
Anne
Hello Nagi,
I’m saddened to hear of Dozier’s passing. It will take some time for you to not feel so sad when thinking of him. It was a picture of you and Dozier that interested me to take a look at your website. I have successfully made some of your recipes. I lost my Peanut ( an 80-ish pound black lab/rottie mix) several years ago. Wishing you peace of mind.
Hi Nagi, you and dozer were an incredible team together!! A joy for us to watch! I’m so sorry for your loss!! Please take care❤️❤️
Thanks for showing us what love is!!!! We will all miss dozer, sweet hugs to you….
I’m weeping as I read your heartfelt farewell to your precious Dozer. The tears are for you and your grief, but also for my future self as I know my beautiful boy, now 14, fragile and battling multiple conditions, will not be with me forever. We love ferociously and grieve deeply. May time heal your hurt. Rest now, Dozer.
I know your pain so well. It is still fresh for me. So very sorry for your loss. When I was strong enough, I placed pictures of my boy around the house in all the areas that were special to me. 16 months later, I still look up at these photos and it brings a smile to my face as I look at his eyes.
Nagi, what a beautiful tribute to Dozer. There are no words to say to assuage the grief. You were both so lucky yo have had each other.