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 for your loss. Dozer wa so special and no words can express my deepest condolences for you. Go Dozer fly with the angels!
I’m so very sorry for you to lost your lovely boy. Some day you will meet again. He was big joy for all your subscribers. My best wishes ti you <3
From South Africa we send love, thank you and Dozer for always making your recipes so special…
My dear Nagi, My heart hurts for you and Dozer. I too am a dog lover, I too have a Dozer. He is 13, a little Min-Pin Rescue. He is so loved and loves us back. I lost my Hannah, a 10 year old Brittany last June to heart failure. The deep sobbing has stopped but I still cry. I miss her so much. We have her sister, Lilly still with us but she & Dozer still look for Hannah. They give us comfort. Thank you for sharing your Dozer with the world of Dog lovers. We shall miss all your stories and the wonderful pictures. Bless you , and Bless your sweet Dozer. Until you meet again, may you feel his presence always.
I am sorry for the loss of your favorite dog in the world hope you can still move on from what happened
Hi nagi, so sorry about dozer.
I also have a dog, i can imagine the pain and lost.
Take care of yourself.
I’m literally crying with you Nagi. I LOVED all your pictures with Dozer for many years, and so I feel it in my heart too the huge loss you are experiencing. I’m with you all the way Nagi. Sending healing love, Gigi
Hi nagi, so sorry about dozer.
I also have a dog, i can imagine the pain and lost.
Take care.
Nagi, I can feel your loss. What a gift to you both for you to be with him as he finished his time on Earth. His frosted face is beautiful! (crying)
Nagi, my heart breaks for you.
Oh dear Nagi, I mourn your loss of your sweet Dozer! I so loved following him on RTE and discovered fabulous recipes along the way. Unlike us complicated human beings, a dog’s love is so simple and pure, the best kind of love. There are no strings attached, no conditions, no judgement and no compromise. Like you said in your post, we are loved by them no matter what we look like, believe or that we yelled at them yesterday, they just love us, pure and simple. After reading your post I took my own adorable, loyal and furry companion on a walk and thought about you and Dozer and how to comfort you in this time. There are no words, but please know how much I adored Dozer and I know a little of the pain you are going through. I wish you peace and strength in the days ahead.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your precious Dozer. Our sweet Zesta (Dalmatian) is now 14 and 3 months, and we know that she won’t be with us that much longer. Dogs are the best. I know how much you must miss him. Hugs to you from a fan of dogs and of your cooking.
Oh Nagi. My heart breaks for you. I’m so very sorry for your loss. There is no love like the love of a dog… except for the love we have for them. Dozer was extremely lucky to have a mum like you and I suspect he knew it every day. Take care my love.
Sorry for your loss of the animal/buddy you loved. Be Strong and Positive about the life you shared with Dozer.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It hurts so much because there was so much love and it was an amazing gift.
My Carissima Nagi – when my best friend from Australia said Daniela let me tell you about Nagi & her Dozer – try her recipes they never fail and since than I have bought your cookbooks via Amazon as I’m here in Italy and you & Dozer have a special place in my home.. I’m so so sad for you – its not going to be easy – he really was your boy and you his Mamma – it will take time alot of time but slowly your tears will turn into memories.. Just reading all the lovely messages that you have received shows you how much you were both loved from so many people..You are lucky to be surrounded by special people who will wipe those tears..I hope that you are able to bring Dozer to your/ his new home – maybe in a different way ( you know what I’m trying to say)..Take Care Nagi and like you said you held his paw from the start until the end – I hope he went peacefully knowing that you were with him..Tanti abbracci from Asolo Italia – courage Nagi
Rest is peace Dozer. It looked like he had a great life as an assistant chef. He lived the dream doggy life with a great momma. Thank you for sharing his beautiful journey.
My Carissima Nagi – when my best friend from Australia said Daniela let me tell you about Nagi & her Dozer – try her recipes they never fail and since than I have bought your cookbooks via Amazon as I’m here in Italy and you & Dozer have a special place in my home.. I’m so so sad for you – its not going to be easy – he really was your boy and you his Mamma – it will take time alot of time but slowly your tears will turn into memories.. Just reading all the lovely messages that you have received shows you how much you were both loved from so many people..You are lucky to be surrounded by special people who will wipe those tears..I hope that you are able to bring Dozer to your/ his new home – maybe in a different way ( you know what I’m trying to say)..Take Care Nagi and like you said you held his paw from the start until the end – I hope he went peacefully knowing that you were with him..Tanti abbracci from Asolo Italia – courage Nagi
I’m crying so hard reading your beautiful message. I too lost my dog of 11yrs together last June and I still cry when I look at her picture. It’s getting a little less painful and my wish for you a time to grieve and in time to heal. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. I will miss his beautiful face and love for you and life. 🐾😢
Dozer was clearly a special dog that brought much joy to your life. My sincere sympathies on the loss of your beloved companion.