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
My heart aches for you. I went through a similar experience, and it took me more than 12 years to heal.
St. Francis said: “Be kind to those that have no voice.” He meant this to tell mankind to love the animals. Take comfort in the love and kindness you have shown Dozer and that your actions make you a credit to mankind. Well done.
Gracie, wonderful goofy goldendoodle, Mr Cat and I send our most heartfelt thoughts and condolences for your loss.
So very sorry for loss
He’s now your guardian angel
I’m so sorry for your loss. Anyone could see the deep love you had for Dozer, and just how lucky you were to have each other.
The most loved dog ever. I’m so so sorry for your loss, Nagi.
I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. Thank you for giving so much love to Dozer. The love you two shared was a bonus to the world, and that energy never dies. Peaceful thoughts and energies heading your way for a smooth transition for you both. Beaming them over from Maine, USA.
It’s hard on the heart to lose a beloved furbaby, I know. Hopefully, given time, sweet memories will replace the pain of loss and sorrow you’re feeling now for Dozer.
Oh dear Nagi Im so sorry for your loss & feeling your pain & crying so hard over here in NZ atm! Being a Labrador mum myself I just loved your boy & everytime I clicked onto one of your recipes I’d always get side tracked & go straight to the Dozer bits first…so yes he really did steal the show lol bless him. Last night as I was bawling my eyes out I held onto my boy & told him all about his big celebrity chef brother up in dog kitchen heaven!
Go well dear Nagi, in time the healing will come.
Sending lots of cuddles & aroha from NZ
Karen XOXO 😘
I have been following you for several years now and watching you go through this with your beloved Dozier touches me so deeply. I have loved and also lost beloved pets over my lifetime. I know your pain and my heart aches with yours. Sending you healing prayers and love.
Love this pup and you for many many years!
My heart is breaking reading this!
My Reilly laid by my side till his last breath and even then I didn’t want to let him go.
Love you, Nagi and Dozer
💔🙏🏼🫶
i’m sobbing for dozer but I know he lived a good life but I will miss that furry guy
I am so very sorry.
My dear Nagi, you and Dozer are a household name around here. When I tell my friends about your website I always add “the lady with a beautiful dog named Dozer.”
Besides speaking of your wonderful recipes I spoke about your constant companion Dozer and how attentive you were to each other and how much he was a part of everything you did.
I enjoyed all of your stories about him and laughed with you. What a beautiful dog he was! Handsome and intelligent dog! Always looking sharp and strutting his stuff beside you. The joy he brought you transferred to your readers. He always put a smile on my face because I’d find myself saying “look at Dozer” and chuckle at your comments. He was a part of you and you of him!
He’s gone only in the physical on to another dimension, but his energy will continue to be around you to comfort you with the tons of beautiful memories you’ve shared.
He doesn’t want you to be sad. He wants you to continue the journey you’ve started so that he can still be a part of it.
So wipe your tears my dearest, put on that beautiful smile of yours, because Dozer will always be in your heart and ours as we all fondly remember him and the joy he brought us through you, forever!
Thank you for sharing him with us!
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. We loved him from afar. He touched us and confirmed what I always knew, not all angels have wings! It’s clear that you gave him an incredible life and he enriched yours. He will never be forgotten, nor will you. Sending you love and praying for your healing. Watch for his paw prints in the sand. I’m sure he’ll always be with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that pain all too well. Dozer had an amazing mom and an amazing life. The pain eases over time. 💔 I truly believe what helped me was speaking with an animal communicator. Praying for your heart to heal.
I’m so sorry. My heart is broken for you 😭💔
Dozer made the world brighter. Thank you for sharing him ❤️ with us. He is deeply missed.
It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. He’s in a better place now. You have all your memories of him that will see you thru. I’ve enjoyed my time with you two. I loved him too. Thanx for those memories.❤️
Crying over your loss of Dozer. Love your recipes