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, I’m so, so sorry! I know that pain, but I also know that, as time goes on, even when it never truly fades away, it’s made sweeter with the memories of the love we got and gave. All my love,
Claudia
Dearest Nagi, my heartfelt condolence for your huge loss. We lost our beloved dog of 13 years 2 days ago and I know the pain and void in your heart. Time will be our slow healer but we know deep down in our heart, there is nothing that will replace that space once occupied by our best friend. Big hugs and much love during this most difficult time XX
To Nagi and All the recipeTin family my heart goes out to you all, for you have lost a team/family member. Like many, Ive had tears for a dog I have only meet here online. He was loved worldwide and Im sitting here wondering how to tell my young children the news. For they always wanted to see the pictures of him when I look up recipes. Ive said this before, but I will say it again, I would happily donate for a statue of Dozer to be made and errected in a public place for all to admire and pay tribute too. He was a very special dog. Heck he had a book produced with him in it and appeared on Play school, that doesn’t happen to many. Take your time Nagi and the team to heal. We understand ♥️♥️♥️
Oh my, Nagi. What a journey you and Dozer shared. Lots of laughs, joy, tasty food, the blue sea and salty breezes. Every moment so special and which will remain with you. Dozer is still with you and lives in your heart. Sending love to you, and to Dozer who has set off on the next adventure. He wouldn’t want you to grieve. Dozer loved his life and would wish you to continue finding the best that life has to offer.
The deeper the love the deeper the loss – Dozer was integral to the team X
I have followed you from the start with little Dozer. I was just starting my coffee house & eatery in the UK. I had 3 dogs who I loved so I looked on your emails as coming from a like minded friend. Dog lover, recipe developer & cook, just like me. Watching Dozer grow, & he certainly did, was a joy. His life looked perfect. How I wish every dog could have the love & companionship Dozer had with you. He knew he was loved & what more can we give than that. A life well lived was your greatest gift to him. The pain you suffer now is testament to your immense love. It’s a horrible place to be. But your courage & Dozer’s memories will keep you going & eventually will become a comfort. Take care Nagi, you have a big heart. Dozer will always have a big space in there.. xx
We are with you in your grief Nagi . RIP Dozer❤️❤️❤️
Great love = great grief.
Bless you Nagi for the joy you have shared so generously over the years. My heart aches for you but one day you will find peace.
Dozer will never be far from you as you will always carry him in your heart.
RIP beautiful boy.
Just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing Dozer with everyone!
He will never be forgotten. ❤️
I am so sorry to hear this. RIP Dozer
My heart goes out to you Nagi, my time help you.
So sorry to hear of your loss, it is so clear to see how much he was loved and you should be proud and happy about the time you spent together. You gave him such a great life. RIP Dozer.
Dearest Nagi
Our hearts break with yours, with the loss of darling Dozer. We have journeyed with you for years, especially in the past months, sending silent prayers. Go gently in the minutes, hours and days ahead and know you are loved by so many. Dozer will be by your side always. Our Labradors Daisy (9) and Wilma (2) send lots of loving slurps.
Vicki & Simon
I am so sorry to hear this. Don’t be sorry you are so sad. It is tribute depth of love and to the life you had together.
I am so sorry for your loss Nagi… sending you all the love and strength at this terribly difficult time 😔💗🙏🏼
I’m so sad for you. What a horrible experience to go through. Hold on tight to all the good memories. Run free Dozer.
I’m not sobbing at all – what a beautiful tribute.
Sending you much love Nagi and RTM family
One day, only you will know when, you will suddenly realize that what once brought tears will now bring a sweet smile, perhaps even a giggle.
Oh Nagi, what a beautiful letter, it made me cry. Dozer will aleays be with you❤️
It’s heartbreaking knowing how much you’re hurting right now Nagi. I hope all the beautiful memories of the time you spent with Dozer will help heal your heart ❤️
So sorry💔💔💔😭