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
He was one lucky Dozer, and you were one lucky Nagi. They never leave, always in your heart. 🐾 ♥️
I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful, loyal companion. Our dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family, and the love they give is something truly special. I know how much your heart must be hurting right now.
I hope you can find some comfort in the memories you shared, the happiness you gave each other, and the life filled with love that you created together. That kind of bond never really leaves us — it stays in our hearts always.
Thinking of you and sending you so much love during this difficult time.
😘
So sorry to hear about Dozer Nani my heart goes out to you rip Dozer xx
So sorry for your loss, I know it is heart breaking…
Have followed you and Dozer for years…
Will be sadly missed…love to you..xxxx
So sorry for your Loss. My heartfelt condolences.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
I have loved seeing beautiful pictures of you and Dozer and hearing so many delightful stories. Know that you are in the hearts of all your readers, world wide.
Navi,
I sorry for your loss, and I know you are hurting. But also remember that Dozer is no longer hurting and he is in a better place. And just think of all the mischief he is getting into as he waits for you to meet up with him again!
Take some time for yourself and when you are ready you know where to find all your RTE friends.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with all of us.
Mike
My deepest condolences. I am with my number 6 Golden Retriever. My heart goes out to you. A beautiful book for you to heal. The Invisible Leash by P. Karst and J. Lew-Vriethoff
It’s a book that will make you feel better and cry too.
Dozer crossed over the rainbow.
I’m so sorry. May the days ahead be filled with sweet memories.
Dear Nagi, sorry for your loss, it’s never easy losing one of our beloved pets, sending you big hugs from South Africa, RIP Dozer lots of love Julie
My sincere condolences Nagi.
Rest peacefully Dozer 💔
So very sorry to hear your beautiful Dozer has passed. Just sending you a very big hug. Please take all the time you need & be very gentle with yourself.
My thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace for you.. Loosing a furbaby is always so hard. Thank you for sharing him with us. That was the part of your post I always looked, at even if a recipe didn’t interest me. Thank you
I’m so sad for you Nagi Dozer is resting now 💔Thinking of you
I am so sorry for your loss, always having had animals it never gets easier to say goodbye. What a wonderful tribute you have written
My thoughts are with you ❤️
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all! I am so sorry for your sadness and loss Nagi. Take care of you now.
This post made me cry so hard. I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. I have all your dozer posts since I began cooking with you. I looked forward to seeing him. It made my day. You will see him again. You were the bestest mom . As much joy,Doser gave you You also gave to him. He felt your love at the end as he trotted over the bridge .Remember, the Rainbow Bridge it will bring you some comfort.
So sorry for your loss sending love and hugs from Canada…
Vale Dozer. Your life made Nagi so happy. I always enjoyed reading her delightful posts. But I know what is is to lose a precious one. Go forward Nagi. xoxo
Dear Nagi,
Don’t ever let anyone minimise your love for Dozer. Please take your time, have many many photos of him around you to ease the loss. The smallest reminders will set you off on the ocean of grief that is….when you least expect it. It hurts, but as you said, the pain is as great as the love ❤️ Be kind to yourself.
Ps I cried big ugly tears when I saw your post last night. I can only imagine how tough you are doing it right now❤️