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
I know how you feel and am so sorry Nagi. My dog was shot while I was overseas. She was my friend and companion through so many years and I was heartbroken when I found out she was gone. I haven’t had the heart to get another 35 years later as it broke my heart. I feel for you.
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Dozer. The pain of grief is the price we pay for the love we have received, and it is a price well worth paying! Hugs to you and your’s!
So sorry to hear about Dozer.
My husband and I here in NZ are thinking of you and Dozer having said goodbye to our own wonderful animal friends over the years. We love your recipes and all the photos and stories you have shared about Dozer and your journey since starting Recipetineats. Much love Jo and Tom xoxo
Grief is the price we pay for love. Big hugs to you. I lost my 14 year old furgirl just before Christmas. By heart breaks for you.
So sorry to hear your heart is breaking for Dozer’s passing, but you’ll later be comforted from the beautiful memories always with you that you shared. Just know that he’s happy playing in the fields of Spirit world, dropping in for a nudge & a hug now & then… waiting for when you arrive home in Spirit too! Yes, I’m sure:) No hurry though.. haha. He’ll be waiting . . . .
My heart goes out to you for your loss. Dozer was a joy to follow and you were so lucky to have each other for as long as you did. Big hugs to you and may all of your wonderful memories comfort you and keep him in your heart!
Dozer will be in your heart forever, Nagi. Best wishes, KL
Dogs are magical. Go well Nagi. xx
I am crying as many in the world are crying. I am quietly hugging you without saying a single word. None are necessary. He is in peace now – and we will forever remember. Love’ya beautiful lady . . . cry until the tears will stop . . . and sweet memories take over . . .
My heart is breaking for you Nagi. He was the most beautiful boy, your shadow in everything you did.
Sending love 😘 and hugs 🫂, thinking of you through this time of deep sorrow and loss.
So, so sorry to hear about dear Dozer. Tears were pouring as I read it
I dont own a pet but tears forming based on your bond. You have helped hundreds of thousands be better cooks and be a model of excellence – you help the less fortunate as well – in these days you are an inspiration – yes my last pets long time ago was traumatic
I’m so sad for your loss , you loved him deeply. I know the pain you are going through now, after my lovely boys beau , Ruben, sunny & shadow. Days will get better but you never forget the love they give us xxx
I’ve had dogs most of my life and you can never explain how special they are.
A Dogs Purpose is a great book and could help.
I know when we go to the other side they are there to greet us and play as much as you want. He knows how much you love him.
Dearest Nagi
It is so hard to write this as I know how much your heart will be breaking…
I am just so incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful baby boy, Dozer. You both put up a very brave battle.
Nagi, you were the most devoted Mum to Dozer. His Princely shaped paw imprint will always and forever be on your heart…
I hope you find some comfort that Dozer will never be forgotten as his wonderful memories have been immortalized on your website and in your recipe books forever.
Thank you for sharing him with us; we adored seeing his joyful antics with his buddies both in and out of the water, his star attraction with all of his fans, and esp. seeing him amongst all the action in the kitchen, and endless cuddles with you.
Wishing you blessings and comfort in your time of loss and healing.
Biggest hugs ever x
Katherine Robertson (from Brisbane) ❤️
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose… All that we love deeply becomes a part of us (-Helen Keller)
What lovely words of love and kindness xxx
Thank you Jeanette 🙏
Nagi, am so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to think of it now, but there will come a day when you’ll be able to look at Dozer’s pictures and reminisce without tears (believe me, I know, I have lost three very beloved fur-babies in the past 10 years). It will take time, but right now let yourself grieve. Big, big hugs. Rest in peace over the rainbow bridge Dozer
I am so very very sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy
How loved he was by you his mum and all of us out here
You are in my thoughts Nagi
Rest easy Dozer xx
Words can’t describe the loss of a faithful dog, they never really leave our soul. Thank you for sharing Dozer with the world. And now the world is sending love back to you both.
Dear Nagi, sending you love and strength. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of the recipetineats community over the years. He was loved so much by all. We will miss him dearly.
So sorry RIP Dozer
Nagi, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Whilst the pain is unbearable just now hang on to all of your wonderful memories and know that because of you Dozer lived his best life. Sending you big hugs xxxx
Your words are beautiful and express everyone who ever has loved and been loved by a fur baby. Unconditional love….
You will one day be able to look at photos but occasionally your grief will come back with tears.
Remember, all your followers are sharing your loss and thinking of you and your beautiful Dozer……