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
Brighter days will come when you will be able to laugh at the memories of your beautiful boy.He had the most wonderful life with all the love in the world x Big hugs to you x x
So sad for you Nagi. Our pets love us so unconditionally in all weathers & they live on within us for ever. I hope the love & support from all over the world bring you comfort. 🩷🌺
I was so sad to read this post and can only imagine the pain you are feeling. Dozer was such a big part of your life and also your readers too. He will be sadly missed. Sending you love and healing xx
So sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Dozer. Reading your recipes was always a cheer up with the Life of Dozer. As they say never work with children or animals!
The bond between humans and our furry friends is something special even when they are gone.
Thank you for sharing your love of food, your delicious recipes and your wonderful Dozer.
Oh, so sorry for your loss. I have been following your recipes for a while and always enjoyed the Dozer part! 🤗🤗
So very very sorry for your loss of Dozer. It feels so so bad, I know. But just think of all the happy times together. With kind thoughts. Your days will become bright again, in the future. Xxx
Your love for Dozer will live on Nagi and carry you through your grief. Tears streamed down my face reading your beautiful letter, helping put to words the grief and loss I still carry for my dog I lost 1.5 years ago. Thank you for your love for Dozer, it has touched many strangers hearts. He is waiting patiently for you in Heaven
I am so sorry to read this – heartbreaking. I had a big cry reading your post. I am so glad a beautiful dog like Dozer got 14 incredible years with an amazing mum.
RIP Dozer. Sending you so much love, Nagi
Dearest Nagi – your heartbreak resounds around the world. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you tons of love, support and hugs from Cape Town, South Africa.
Remember the good times you had with your faithful friend.… it will get easier but it will take time.
He was a very lucky boy to have you in his life💗
Sending you a great big hug from Scotland
Sending you lots of love during this sad and difficult time dear Nagi. We have watched and loved Dozer alongside you since the beginning of RTE and will miss him and his antics. I am sure he is frolicking in the waves and enjoying the sun and many ice-creams on the other side of the rainbow bridge xx
Thank you for sharing your boy with the Recipetineats community!
Dog owners everywhere understand your pain, your grief, your loss. Their contribution to our lives differs from the human relationship because we bond through a base level of loyalty and trust.
I cried for three weeks solid and was prone to break down for another three months after my lad died; my boy was my shadow also. But we move on – we learn to remember with love. That was 2009.
My current boy will ultimately leave me (when the time comes) likely as you are now….shattered. It will get better.
Here’s to Dozer ☺️
Dearest Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer is so lucky to have you but you were also very lucky that you experienced the love he was able to share with you. It’s unbreakable and irreplaceable. I wish we have the words to comfort you, but to be honest, nothing can do it. I’ll pray for your strength and comfort as you go through this difficult journey which is painful but only proves that the love between you and Dozer is genuine and superb. Hugs to you Nagi!
RIP. What a wonderful relationship you enjoyed
Dear Nagi, thank you for sharing your wonderful boy with us. Your story with him always kept us in the family loop. It was always delightful but now your news is so sad that his happy life has come to an end.
Wishing you love and hugs to you and the team to get you all through this difficult time.
Donna
Just so sad for you Nagi😪😪😪
Dear Nagi,
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your little boy. My heart goes out to you.
Isobel
dearest nagi i feel like i knew you and dozer so well even though we never met my heartfelt warmth and compassion goes out to you your pain will heal but your heart will always have a special place for dozer as our pets become a big part of our life and family
my thoughts are with you and i have shed tears over your post
goodnight dozer
much love
gina from england
So sorry to hear about your beloved Dozer passing away. Awwww Nagi it’s so hard I know. He’s in Rainbow Bridge now with all our fur babies that have passed. That’s what I like to think it makes me feel better and helps me get through it. Memories will keep bringing him back and you will cherish these. Take good care of yourself.
There is no greater love than the love of a dog.
Though his voice is quiet his spirit echoes still.
Love and hugs to you Nagi
I know your pain is beyond words. Take care x
Nagi, my heart breaks with you. Just remember the almost 14 years together. My tears also flow. Xx