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 goes out to you, Nagi. I know this pain firsthand. Hugs
All those beautiful words you wanted to say to Dozer but couldn’t, he already knew Nagi. It is obvious from everything you did together that he loved you just as deeply. Grief is the price we pay for loving so much but you wouldn’t change it for the world.
There are no words really, just ….. 💔😭
Love to you and Dozer Nagi! You gave him the best life a dog could have. Thank you for sharing him with us, the whole world!
For my Brownie I put together a book of our life together. Maybe when you’re ready that might help you. I still look at my book and marvel at my Bubbie dog. You have so many great photos and memories of Dozer.
Sending you love and prayers during this tough time. Take time for your grief and celebrate his life too.
I am so very very sorry for your loss. ❤️ Dogs are magical and having one to call your friend is priceless.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, what a sweet tribute.
Dear Dozer – our furry families are those who love us unconditionally and we in turn love them completely. Let yourself grieve and then in time you will smile at the memories you and Dozer made together.
My heart breaks for your loss of your beautiful Dozer. I lost my Golden boy several years ago and I was in pieces for so long. He was so very special.
I love your recipes but really you had me at Dozer! I cried hard when I heard the news and again when I read your letter to Dozer. Dogs are special angels, no kind of love is so unconditional. Take care sweet, Nagi, take all the time you need to grieve and know Dozer was so loved.
It’s the hardest goodbye. I knew you were the best kind of person by how much you loved that exceptional pup. Thinking about you as you heal and sending lots of love.
Take care,
Tracey
Hi Nagi, I really feel for you and was really upset reading this. Lots of love x
Every time I see a photo of you and Dozer, I see so much love and happiness from you and Dozer looks content. I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. Grieve your way.
My heart breaks for you Nagi, it is so hard to say goodbye. XX
I wish I had some words of comfort but I know there aren’t any as I have been there myself and I know the overwhelming grief you’re feeling. All I can say is hold on to those precious memories, Dozer will always be tucked into a safe place in your heart and will always walk with you. The waves of grief never get any smaller but eventually they will get further apart. Take care Nagi.
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your gorgeous Dozer. Take comfort in the wonderful memories, experiences and love shared together. You were a great mum to him & did all you could to give him his best life. ❤️
So sorry for your loss; I can feel your grief, and your post brought tears to my eyes. I am sure Dozer is around you, though you cannot see him.
So sorry to read about Dozer
It is so hard, our pets take a piece of us when they leave.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can
run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm
and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they
each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His
eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying
over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally
meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the
beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your
pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
My heart is breaking for you, and the tears are streaming down my face – our furry families are those who love us unconditionally and we in turn love them completely. Let yourself grieve and then in time you will smile at the memories you and Dozer made together.
Sending you a massive vibrational hug and healing light Nagi 🤍
Dearest Nagi,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your precious Dozer. He has been such a bright light in your recipes, your books and your stories, and he truly felt like part of our family homes too, through the joy of your creative and delicious recipes you shared.
You were meant to be his Mum, and he was meant to walk beside you on your incredible journey, what a beautiful, lucky life you gave each other. His pawprints are everywhere: in your success, in your photos, and in the hearts of so many of us who came for the recipes and stayed for Dozer.
I like to think he is over the Rainbow Bridge now, free from pain, playing with my beloved Daisy and making new friends. In quiet moments and in your dreams, I hope he’ll still visit you, nudging you with that big golden heart of his.
The bond you shared can’t be undone by time or distance; it will always be there until you’re together again in some other gentle place. Thinking of you and holding you and Dozer close in my heart xx