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
I’m 10 days late in hearing this, Nagi, and im so sorry.
Dozer will be sorely missed but forever adored. ❤️
So very sorry to hear about Dozer. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us too. He was so loved by you and he had the best life with you. Sending love over this difficult time ❤️
So very sad to hear about Dozers passing. What a lovely boy he was. Sending love
So sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy Nagi.
That is the only thing wrong with dogs – they just don’t live long enough😭
💔😢 The thousand of comments say it all Nagi, sending love to you
Hi Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. I really wish our dogs could live with us our whole lives! We miss them so much – because we love them so much. Wishing you comfort, peace, hugs and permission to not be upbeat 🙂
It’s amazing how beloved a dog can be, halfway around the world. And I’ve never even met him. I’m crying again, hurting with you Nagi, over the loss of Dozer to this world. But especially because we pet parents who have the privilege of having adorable furry creatures adopt us and change our entire existence can’t help but fall apart when we lose a Dozer, even if Dozer belonged to someone else. Love and comfort to you Nagi, and thank you for continuing to share the Best of Dozer. I share your heartbreak.
So sorry for your loss Nagi. Our dogs are family and losing one is heartbreaking. Remember the wonderful times to help you heal.
R.I.P. Dozer.
Thinking of you Nagi, with a sad heart, it is so hard to say goodbye to our wonderful family members that give so much love. I also wanted to say how lucky Dozer was to have you as his mum. Everything photo of you both together radiated the love you shared together. XX
Dear Nagi, so so very sorry to hear about Dozer..many a times I came on your site to enjoy Dozer than the actual recipes. It must be so tough losing him. He is in doggy heaven now but will always be with you in spirit. God bless!
I just bought your cookbook the other day and learned about your fur baby from there. I loved the addition of him and learning his favorite recipes in your “Delicious Tonight” book, with his cute self on the cover. I checked your web page for a recipe and seen this. I felt so bad. I read this article and cried, too. My deepest and sincerest condolences. You know your fur baby will be watching over you!
So sorry for your loss Nagi, totally relatable experience let me assure you. As time passes your heart will heal and you have so many wonderful memories together and that’s a wonderful thing. Love Jenny 🌸
Dear Nagi,
Sending you lots of love and strength to help you through this difficult time. You’ve both been such an inspirational part of my family’s life — we’ve loved hearing your stories, and you’ve brought so much joy to our table. Thank you, and take care of yourself. x
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find consolation in knowing that you have given Dozer an incredible life.
I’m so so sorry Nagy! I truly feel your pain ad I know exactly what you are going through.
All I can say is how wonderful it was for you to have had his love, company and loyalty for 14 year!
He will be in your heart forever, with the fun you shared and you will treasure those happy memories, The many photos and videos you have will make you cry but will also make you smile.
It will take time to heal and nothing will replace Dozer but who knows if the future will bring your way a new 4 legged furry companion…..
My most heartfelt condolences.
Hello Nagi, I’ve followed you (and Dozer) from the very beginning. I received your recipe for Rainbow Chicken and saw your notice about Dozer. I couldn’t read the recipe…
He will be much missed. My thoughts are with you. I’m old now and don’t think it’s fair to have another dog, but believe me, every dog I’ve ever had stays with me. Dozer will always be with you! X
Oh, Nagi!
So, so sorry for your loss!
First thing I did after reading your beautiful post about Dozer (well, right after I stopped crying), went to my kitchen, took out your cookbook and looked at all the Dozer pictures.
He will continue living in our hearts thanks to you.
He was loved (and will continue to be loved) not only by you but by all of us.
My sincerest and deepest condolences.
Sending you a huge hug.
I just signed on to your post to check out a recipe & read your posts about your lovely friend, Dozer. I know how hard that loss is as I nursed my brave kitty, Jemima, for many months until it was time to let her go. And my daughter is facing the same struggle with her 15 year old Boston Terrier, Trixie. We know the end is near & are just trying to give her as much love as we can while she’s with us. Your heart will mend & some day you will find it is big enough to welcome a new friend.
So sadden to hear of sweet Dozer passing. Sending you lots of love. He truly was your life, your best friend and your shadow. I love that dogs enrich our lives and make us better people but when they leave us, they leave us too soon and saying goodbye is heart breaking. When the time is right I hope you will consider letting another fur baby in to your life… for you and for Dozer xx
So very sorry for the loss. I have followed your recipes and Dozer for a long time. It’s really hard to lose any close friend. Take care!
So sorry to hear this, we can all tell he was a very good boy. Praying you know God’s comfort in this time, he is a constant and reliable refuge when life is upsetting and in turmoil.