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 sad Nagi, you have my deepest sympathy.. Dozer was lucky to have a mum who loved him so deeply. He was also loved by hundreds of your readers, like myself. Thank you for sharing him with us. RIP in peace beautiful Dozer. Love to you Nagi, we share your grief.
I am so sorry about Dozer and the pain you are going through. I enjoyed getting to know him through the cookbooks and your site.
Micki Sandell
Bella Vista, Arkansas
My deepest sympathies. The bond between the two of you was palpable from halfway around the world. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I feel your pain and loss as I’ve been there having to say goodbye to my dear Ollie of 16 yrs just last year. Depth of our sorrow is how we know how much we loved them. It will get better with time. Know they are always with us, in our hearts, and we are all the better for experiencing that unconditional love. Thank you for sharing your journey with Dozer with all of us. You both are incredible ambassadors of love and kindness and his memory will live on. Sending you lots of love and hugs. xoxo
I weep for you and Dozer. My heart aches. He was a blessing for all of us. and his memory will remain with us.
My heart goes out to you for the sad loss of your beloved boy. We who have lost our dear pups empathize and send wishes for peace, strength and a return to happiness. I have always felt that personality plus time determines healing. You seem like a person with great inner strength. I hope you are able to to draw on it. Rest in peace beautiful Dozer.😞❤️
So sorry for your loss of Dozer. Our pets hold such a special place in our hearts. ❤️🐶🐾 sending much love from Canada.
Dear Nagi, I am so sorry for your huge loss of Dozer. The love and life you shared together was beautiful. That you shared it with us was amazing. One day the tears will stop but for now they are what they are, pure drops of love and loss. Dozer will forever live on in your heart. Sending love and a huge hug. Xxx 💕
What a beautiful life you had together. Thank you for sharing it with us. Don’t fight the tears. Cry oceans if you have to. Let them cleanse your pain.
Dear Nagi,
It is with teary eyes and a sad heart that I’m sending this message .. I have been a fan of yours and DOZER since he was a puppy … What an adorable love … He touched my heart as he did everyone who met him. I know how you are feeling, having lost two sweet dogs of our own… It is a complete meltdown and their memory stays forever in your mind and heart … YOU have been a blessing to Dozer, as much as he was to you. Never forget that … the care, love and thoughtfulness you displayed made Dozer a very lucky dog and more than that, a member of your family that you loved more than anything. Your warm and happy memories will brighten your day and lighten your heart as time passes, but NEVER will you forget your sweet boy … Love is eternal and dogs are very aware of the love they had. I, too, wish Dozer could have lived SO MUCH longer but he was given a gift … the life of a loving and caring mom and a life that any dog would envy … thanks to YOU.
He knew how much he was loved and your love is forever.
Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Donna
I’m so sorry for your loss. I recently had to let my beloved dog go to the rainbow bridge and I feel your pain and cry along with you. ((HUGS))
Beautiful and moving. My own dear stray cat died last May after being very ill probably all his life. Have a virtual hug as I know your pain well. God bless you.
Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us and sharing the deep special love between you. Sending love and light to you both..
Dear Nagi,
I sit here with. Tears streaming down my face at the loss of Dozer. It is gut wrenching to know this beautiful dog has passed. I loved him too.
Cynthia
Love from Ohio. 💔
I am so sorry for your loss! I have all your cookbooks and our family loves each and every one of your recipes that we’ve tried. We also love Dozer (from afar) and are sad that he is gone. He seemed like he was adored and so well loved. I hope you know we are all sad with you and I hope the sadness lessens with time.
My deepest condolences on your loss. Dozer brought joy and laughter to many especially on days when a smile was needed. He will always stay in your heart.
Nagi, my heart felt condolence to you. You were an incredible mom to Dozer, thank you so much for sharing him with us through the years. It was a pleasure having beautiful Dozer in your posts. 🥰😘 Veronica. .
Offering sincere sympathy from one who has been in your position exactly. I hope you are like me and realize how lucky we were have the love from a dog that much and to have had the capability in our hearts to have loved a dog that much.
Regards to you,
Gene ll
I’m so sorry Dozer lost his fight. He must have been so comforted you were with him during his last days. Remembering you in prayer.