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 feel so sad for you over the loss of your precious, amazing Dozer, take comfort in remembering all of the good times and love you gave each other those wonderful 14 years.
I am so sorry for your loss. You shared Dozer with us for years and we’ve come to love him too. Bless you Nagi.
My heart is breaking for you, Nagi. Dozer was such a joy to read about; he always brightened the day! Thank you for sharing him with us. Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort.❤️
Cooks are those who love deeply. We create and share as way to show our love. We bond closely to our furry friends because they remind us daily that we are also loved, unconditionally.
My prayers and thoughts are with you, I know that’s not enough, especially for losing someone like Dozer. Dozer was your family, and he was our family too. I’m thankful that you shared pictures, moments, and stories about dozer. I will keep you in prayers Nagi. PSALM 120 vs 1
As you see from all the loving notes from your (and Dozer’s) fans….everyone is sending tons of love to surround you and all who love him! My dear cousin –who has spiritual connections beyond most people—told me, when we lost our dog, that “they are never more than a thought away from you.” It was comforting then, and now. He was the BEST boy and you gave him his very BEST life. Bless you.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I completely understand as I still miss my beloved Chesapeake Retriever who crossed over in 1998 after 12 years of devotion and love. It is so hard to lose a furry family member and best friend and their lives are so short compared with ours. What a wonderful life you shared with Dozer, he will always be your best dog forever. I am weeping as I write this.
My heart aches for her. And I understand your loss. Last April I lost my Chessie girl. You understand how devoted a Chessie can be. I now have another Chessie; a handsome boy full of energy and endless love.
He was well loved and cared for RIP
Sending healing thoughts to you Nagi. Dozer will forever be with you now. We love you Nagi and we love Dozer. You both brought us so much joy over the years, its now our turn to support you and Dozer. We are here for you.
Hi Nagi…I am so sad to hear of Dozer’s passing. Its so hard when they leave us…our love for our pets is so deep. Just know he is no longer hurting and your memories will last a life time. HE has given all of us many memories..and great joys.
Its the journeys they give us….Keep the memories alive.
With heartfelt sympathy…Willie
He was so fortunate to have you loving him so much.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy. Time will ease the hurt eventually and he will always be in your heart. Hugs and kisses to you at this time.
Sorry for your loss, Nagi.
We all lived vicariously through Dozer.
I was in tears, and glanced lovingly at my dog, Luna, as she takes one of her umpteenth naps.
Much love,
Vik
Oh, Nagi I am heartbroken for you as I read this. I’m so very sorry to hear of Dozers passing. He was an amazing dog and I am so thankful you shared Life of Dozer with all of us. I’ve had to read this in 2 parts, because I was crying so hard thinking of you and what a tough few weeks this must have been- and how hard it must still be.
I know how hard losing your best buddy is and I wish I could send you a million hugs for the times you will miss him and his lovely antics.
Oh, Nagi…..I am so very sorry for your loss. I sit here with my Golden, Tuukka and know that some day I will be dealing with the same thing and I dread it beyond anything . I know what you went through and know how heart sick you felt. It is like taking a piece of your heart away. Dozer knew you loved him and he loved you, too. There will come a day when you will be able to look at pictures of him and smile for the thoughts you have at the moment and that will be somehow comforting to you. I love you and Dozer, too. Take care, my sweet. You will see Dozer again and don’t be surprised if you even see him in your dreams. Take care.
Praying for God to comfort your broken heart and cover you with His peace.
O Nagi I wish I could give you a hug. I am crying as I write this as Dozer was part of all of our lives. What a sweet doggie. Please take the time to mourn. When someone like Dozer leaves you it does take a chunk from your heart but remember that he gave you so much of his that the gap will eventually be healed . You will never forget but you will be able to go on. All my love, Liz
So terribly sorry for your loss of Dozer. He was/is a highlight of your email posts. Losing a precious pet is impossible, but it gets better.
Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, but my thoughts are with you. Just remember all the wonderful memories of the almost 14 years you and Dozer had together.
I feel I’ve also got to know him a little through your contributions for all of us.
Whilst writing, many thanks for some wonderful recipes you’ve shared with your readers/chefs.
Take care, Vivien
I’m praying for you to feel peace and comfort during this difficult time of grief. I lost my sweet boy, Rocky, of 14.5 yrs. It’s been 4 months and the tears still flow when I think of him or look at his photos. Our precious babies become a very close part of our family and our hearts. Take comfort in knowing you loved him well and helped him to have a long, happy life. Remember to take care of yourself during this painful transition. Sending hugs!!