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 goes out to you, I’m sorry for your loss of your baby Dozer. Such a Beautiful Dog <3
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Losing a dog isn’t just losing a pet — it’s losing a loyal friend and a constant presence in your life. Please know I’m thinking of you and holding space for your grief. We will miss you Dozer. x Nag
I’m sorry for your loss. To be honest I always clicked on the Dozer button FIRST, then went back to the recipe.
So Incredibly sad and sorry for your loss of your darling Dozer x
DOZER
D – Dedicated
O – One of a kind
Z – Zestful
E – Elemental
R – Reborn
All the best,
Bruce
Dearest Nagi,
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. He had such a beautiful heart. I went to your website to look for a recipe today and ended up crying my eyes out. The photos you shared captured the love the two of you have for each other so well.
Take some time to heal….
My deepest condolences go to you in this incredibly difficult time.
As I read your final words to Dozer I had tears in my eyes as I remembered my last day with my beautiful boy Jack (black labrador). Never will you feel a love like it, the total unconditional LOVE.
Time does heal and the memories you will smile at in time. ❤
Nagi, my heart breaks for you. Losing a beloved best friend is absolutely gutting. Stories of Dozer brought joy to so many. My thoughts are with you.
I read your final words to Dozer and felt them in my heart. My thoughts are with you in this time of hardship. It will take time to move on… but eventually you do and then you only remember the good times.
Dear Nagi,
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer, my heart bleeds for you. There is no deeper pain than the loss of a beloved pet. Please take comfort in knowing that Dozer, once again, runs free across the Rainbow Bridge. You take care❤️
So much love for you Nagi and dear Dozer. The loss of him is felt so enormously. I still have moments where the grief of losing our boy in 2019 hits me out of nowhere. But the photos and memories heal my heart as I hope they do for you.
Love is always very precious. Must appreciate it when it happens. U loved my man and just miss him so much.
I’m so sorry about Dozer. What a dude. He will always have a place in your heart and ours.
Oh Dozer, you were so so loved. Nagi I know your heart is breaking right now. Sending all my love from Pittsburgh.
Sending lots of love and condolences from ireland xxx Dozer was a fabulous fella and clearly loved his mum to bits. i dread this in the coming years with my elderly terrier, it makes a good reminder to celebrate every day of doggo love ❤️
Sending you so much love, he’s such a special boy and had amazing life thanks to you xx
Ohhh I am FLATTENED by Dozer’s passing and I am sobbing as I read this. Every dog owner in the cosmos knows the keening of your heart as your furbaby passes into the great meadow beyond. Sending you big hugs Nagi from my heart to yours
Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have loved seeing you and Dozer’s adventures. You will smile again, and Dozer was such a lucky boy to have such a beautiful and caring Mum. Sending big hugs xx
I’m so sorry you lost Dozer.
Our pets truly become family.
His biggest joy was likely loving you. I know you showed him love every day that he no doubt felt till the end.
Find comfort in your memories.
Thank you so much for sharing..
Hi Nagi,
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. I’ve loved ur recipes and Dozer updates over the last few years. He was a Good Boy! And don’t forget, ‘All Dogs Go To Heaven’ ❤️😔