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 aches for you. because I loss my 2 elderly dogs passed last year. I’m still hurting and have ebbs & flows.
Oh Nagi, my heart breaks for you. Dear Dozer will be missed by everyone whose lives have been touched by him. Such a beautiful boy xx
God sent to us the wonderful companion the dog, to teach us love 💗
So very sorry, part of the global army who share your pain. I know there are no words. But a dog’s love is such a gift, and he chose you. I absolutely believe they leave us signs to say they are still there with us, even though we can’t see them. White feathers, birds or other animal friends. There’s sometimes a sign when you least expect it. I hope you find some comfort comes your way. You can certainly take comfort in that he was so very loved.
Nagi my heart is breaking 💔 😢 as I read about the passing of your beloved boy. We all loved reading about Dozer’s adventures & journey over the years. His important role as Chief Taste Tester brought a smile to all who read your recipes.
Thank you for sharing your boy with all of us – through your posts Dozer became ‘our dog’ too. There will be a time where you think of him with a smile on your face before there are tears in your eyes.
Thank you for showing us we have permission to grieve the death of our dear pets.
Love ❤️ 🌹🌈
Just good luck there!!! My father’s in charge of dog heaven he said Dozer never says,”No”.
My heart goes out to you Nagi. Cry all you want. We’re all crying with you. ♥️
Dozer was loved by many near and far. Nagi you were the best mum to Dozer and he clearly loved you with his whole heart. No more suffering for Dozer. This is the worst part about loving a pet, dog, cat, bird – whatever it may be. At least we get to set them free when the time comes. The joy received from our pets during their lifetime us unmeasurable and no one can take those precious memories from you. Time dies heal broken hearts. Big hugs to you Nagi and your team who no doubt are also grieving xoxo
I’m so sorry for your lost.. I’m heart breaking.. I know this is so hard.. Dozer had a happiest life with you and you had. RIP Dozer🙏🐾🌈 you’re so loved..
So sad, my condolences. xxxx
He’ll be a hard habit to break. My heart is with you. It’s such a sad time. OMG Gone too soon. Much love.
Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy Dozer 🥺. Losing a pet is absolutely heartbreaking, the love we share with them is so unique. Dozer loved you so much and you him. He is with you forever, in your heart and in the wonderful memories you created together.
Be kind to yourself Nagi. Take time to heal.
Rest now beautiful Dozer. ❤️
We will miss you 😢
Oh Nagi, I cried when I read that darling Dozer had died. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. Please know our hearts are with you.
Nagi my thoughts are with you.
I cannot imagine how you are feeling,
Remember all that you did for him.
You were the very best owner he could have had and he was the best dog for you.
I am sad that you did not have him for longer.
Remember all the wonderful times you had together.
I loved reading about you and Dozer and I love your recipes, books, website.
You bring joy and happiness to so many and help so many with your food kitchen please remember that.
Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Love you, Nagi
Nagi I’m giving you my heartfelt thoughts & hugs. I can only just imagine how you are. I still will
Sob at pictures of the two beautiful now service dogs I raised They were only with ‘me 12 month. & a bit. So 14 years of life with Dozer you can sob cry and bawl as is needed. I , we, the world feels your grief as we too mourn a try special dog in which has an extraordinary life with you & became an icon of RecipeTin. Love you heaps know we are feeling the passing of Dozer but we shall all have a memory of him in his goofiness, his swims, his taste testing & of his life well lived & loved. Take care look after you we are thinking of you during this time and only wish to embelope you in one big heartfelt hug. Xxxx
You know Nagi, we all loved Dozer just as much as we love you. 🤗
Our Goldens – They are a constant loyal presence, intuitive, calm and always hungry! Sending love to your broken heart. X
Nagi my heart breaks for you, may you find peace in all the beautiful memories you have of your time with Dozer. After losing a few of my precious fur babies over the years I have managed to find some comfort in reading the poem “the Rainbow Bridge” google it, hopefully it helps you during this difficult time. RIP beautiful Dozer, we will miss you xx
I am so sorry Nagi, Dozer was so loved by all of us. I’m glad he had you and you had him for those 14 years, and every recipe we got to have a little bit of him as well ❤️🙏
My heart is breaking for you 😭💔 Dozer is a shining light and we’re all better for having him in our lives (even just seeing him in your recipes). Sending you lots of love and virtual hugs during this incredibly difficult time ❤️😔