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
So very sorry for the list of your best friend. The one that was always there thru thick an thin. I have a 20 year old Shih Tsu and I am so grateful that Jesus gave me this time with her. I don’t know how much more time I will have with her but I treasure very moment. I will pray for you and Dozer. I know he doesn’t want you to suffer. And I strongly believe you will be reunited one day. Best way to move on is to get a rescue. There are so many waiting for years And I believe that will make Dozer very happy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dozer is in the big kitchen in heaven tasting all the dishes! He is watching over you and is always with you
Very sorry to hear about Dozer. He is in a beautiful place looking at you. RIP. Thanks for all your delicious recipes which you share with us. Thanks
Lots of love Nagi. We miss Dozer. Rest in all those amazing memories and how loved he was.
Nagi, the love you and Dozer had was so special that the heartache you feel will never fully go away, but that’s because true love never really dies. How beautiful that you were able to create such an incredible bond with such a wonderful boy, and to be able to share that bond with the world. I loved reading about his silly antics and seeing his sweet face at the bottom of each recipe. His legacy will continue to live on. Sending you big hugs from AZ, USA as you go through this unbearably painful time.
Dear Nagi. I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your beautiful, faithful friend, Dozer. May the wonderful memories of him and the incredible love that you shared comfort you in the days to come. Sincerely, Rosalie and Ernie (my beautiful Golden Retriever).
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a regular recipe tin eats user and always come for recipes for the household to eat but today I was thinking about my two puppies and thought to myself, I wonder what dozer eats and hence I searched to see if you had any dog food recipes on the site and stumbled across this post. I am so sorry sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace and may you be granted with the patience to needed to bear with this loss!
My deepest condolences for the loss of Dozer. I came to find a recipe for dinner and saw the story of his life and the time you spent with him. I am sad because I have enjoyed the times you have shared him with your viewers. Praying for you.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dozer. You were such an incredible team – he will be a wonderful memory forever. Take care… Roberta
It is the hardest and most loving thing to do, to see our furry soulmates on this, their final journey. Much love to you Nagi xx
I am so so sorry. This made me cry so hard. I miss my baby who left 3 years ago…..I understand. It is like losing your best friend. **hugs** from Canada
Oh Nagi, I am so very sorry for your loss of Dozer 😭💔 saying goodbye to your fur baby, sidekick, soulmate is the hardest goodbye 💔 he will always be in your heart and I do believe he will always be by your side, albeit over the rainbow bridge 🌈 looking out for you and being your constant presence from doggy heaven. Sending so much love xx
Dear Nagi, I’m so, so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. My heart aches for you. Take care of yourself. Sending you hugs
So very sorry for your loss . I will miss him . Take care Nagi x
Beautiful Nagi, I’m sending you my love and deepest condolences on the loss of your dearest Dozer.💗
So sad to hear about Dozer, and all that you both have been through. Know that he was beloved all around the world, by so many of us who chose a recipe, then immediately tapped the “Dozer” tab to see what he was up to. xoxo lots of hugs
My sincerest condolences to you. Dozer was very special and I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Nagi,
As soon as I read the caption to your post, the sobs burst from my chest. Please know that there are many many RecipeTin people, around the world, that are crying as well.
Dozer was a VERY SPECIAL BOY. Thank you for sharing his life with us. By doing so, you multiplied the joy that he brought to this planet more than a million-fold.
Please take care of yourself. You provided an exceptionally wonderful life for your boy. You both were blessed to have each other.
I will hug my Sarjah a little more tightly tonight.
Praying for peace and comfort and joy.
KrisB & Sarjah
I popped in to find a recipe and saw Dozer had passed. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us over the years. He is already missed.
Lovely Nagi. In honour of you and beautiful Dozer I went back to the beginning of your journey and cooked your maiden recipe – Sticky Pantry Chicken. Got teary thinking of how brave you were, an idea, a gorgeous pooch and some recipes. What an inspiration you are. Your website has brought so many ppl together (love of food and dogs🐶) and I hope you feel the love and support of us all. Sending you much love and a big warm hug ❤️🥲