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
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!
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.
Dear Nagi with love and thanks for letting me know, My face is streaming tears, You and sweet, beautiful utterly loved, beautiful Dozer forever.
Dear Nagi
I’m so very sad to hear of Dozers passing. We too had a Dozer his name was Cookie and he was the best, we now have a rescue she hasn’t taken Cookies place but has filled a gap. It takes a long time but you will know it it is time to love again. Dozer had the best life because he had you. Sending BIG warm HUGS 🫂
Dear Nagi
So very sad to hear of Dozers passing. We too had a Dozer his name was Cookie and he was just the best , and now we have a new addition and she is a rescue she will never take Cookies place but has filled a gap. Take all the time you need to grieve you will know when it’s time to share your love again. Dozer had the best life because he had you. Sending you BIG warm HUGS 🫂
Oh noo. I’m so saddened to hear of your Dozer’s passing.
I know we’ve never met, but i’ve been following you and Dozer for a few years now. (And my nieces and nephews got your recipe book for Christmas). I just feel compelled to send you some warm wishes. How wonderful to have had such a beautiful relationship with your gorgeous doggie – this time must be so hard for you. But no doubt everybody knows you’ll keep going on, working incredibly hard, being a lovely human and making people and their tastebuds so happy. Also, no doubt at all that, whenever you’re ready, you know you’ll find your light and joy again. I know this sounds over the top, but it’s people like you Nagi, in the public eye, out there being a goodie, who give people their faith back in humanity. Sending love and strength to you and yours, Lindy, (once a Northen Beaches girl), now in Mornington VIC.
living with and loving a dog makes life richer and more interesting , but we have to say goodbye too soon. rescue another soon, it will help both of you.
Nagi, please get another dog. Dozer won’t mind, he knows you’ll never forget him. Squeeze as many dogs into your life as you can, they will help you grieve xx
Hi Nagi, I read your email and tribute to Dozer, it stirred up emotions when I had my baby put to sleep. She was in my arms when I found her and in my arms when I said goodbye. I wish I could be there or meet you, the pain never goes away, it gets tolerable. I cried for Dozer as if he was my baby. It’s been maybe 2 years since my baby, and I hurt daily for her, I still have good and bad days. It will get better, you seem to have GREAT support from your team and followers. Love you ❤️
There hasn’t been a post AD that I haven’t cried with you. What a special friend you had, one that will never be forgotten 🌈🐾
Hi Nagi,
I have followed you for a number of years and tried many of your recipes. No duds!
I also thought highly of the way you included Dozer. Well done.
May he rest in peace, and may you continue to thrive.
You are part of what makes Sydney an incredible city!
Keep on going.
Regards,
Walter.