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 am so, so sad to read your e-mail & understand how much you are hurting & grieving. Your care & love were without limits for your dear companion. Be gentle on yourself & give yourself time. Love & hugs from NZ. Bless you Dozer for all the wonderful memories. Rest in peace.
Such a great Mummy to an amazing boy
I’m so sorry Nagi. He meant so much to you and all your readers. I too am weeping while I type. I have been with you both since 2017. Take your time to grieve.❣️🐾
Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. I am crying right with you. I know the pain you are feeling right now . But you loved him with all your heart, anybody could see how much you loved him and how much he loved you. Keep all your memories close to your heart, Dozer will always be with you.
So sorry for your loss
Dearest Nagi, I wanted to send you my heartfelt condolences. I know you will be devastated, and probably for a while. I’d like to say how wonderfully special Dozer was and I know you’ll always have him in your heart. Thanks for sharing him with us.
I’m so very sorry. They take so much of our heart when they go.
Biggest hugs to you 💔💔
Your beautiful boy. My heart breaks along side you.
So sorry to learn your beautiful companion passed away. He would have felt your constant love till the end. So sad for you.
Nagi, Thank you.
The two of you were kindred spirits – you both provided a brand new dimension to cooking, to your recipes and your two fabulous cook books.
How honoured and lucky we all were to share Dozer with you Nagi.
RIP Dozer – Hugs and smiles to you Nagi 🤗😊
I feel so much for you and am tearing up as I write this.
I lost an adored creature – she had an unusual and incurable syndrome – a few years ago.
I now have a beautiful animal, rescued from a backyard breeder who enjoys loving care.
But my memories of my beautiful Charlotte are always with me. All my love
🌹❤️
I understand you. I had a dog from I was 8 years old until I was 21. I am now 84 but I still miss her and tink of her very often. If you have a good dog you will always miss it when its too short life is over.
Nothing anyone can say can make you feel better at this sad time. Go forward, heal in your own way and at your own pace. Your loyal readers will be in the background thinking of you. Lots of hugs to you x
I hope you believe in an afterlife. I do and I know that Dozer is there and you will see him again. Thanks for sharing Dozer
So very sorry for losing your best friend, sending healing vibes
Dear Nagi,
So sorry for your loss, It’s so hard to say goodbye,
Take care xx
Hi Nagi
Bitter pain, unconditional love. To be valued forever.
Chtis Harris
Oh Nagi, saying goodbye to our fur kids is always heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing beautiful Dozer with us through the years. Sending all my love
Well after reading this… I have decided Uber eats tonight. Love you and your recipes- I know the love and pain of loosing someone precious. Xxx all the love to you and hoping that each day gets easier for you. Xx
Nagi, condolences on the loss of your beautiful Dozer. Thank you for the stories, the photos, the chuckles and for sharing them all with us. You couldn’t have loved and looked after him more, and he knew it.