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 sorry nagi you will miss him but no pain now xx
So sorry for your loss it’s not what you would have said to him but that you were there holding him and it was you that he saw last.
such a special doggy – your beautiful, precious companion for so long…..thinking of you Nagi.😢💕
❤️
Dear Nagi,
Nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of your pet (family). Nothing. I have never had children but my cat (and current cat) are my world. My sweet soul cat lived for an additional 14 months after being given 2 weeks to live. Those additional 14 months, while I adored the extra time, could still not prepare me for the moment it happened. I wear the ashes of my baby around my neck everyday. I “cuddle” his ashes in the cat-shaped urn I have him in.
Let NO ONE tell you how you should grieve – EVER!
We all loved Dozer but none of us as much as you did.
You do you x
Sending you all my love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My heart is breaking 💔 😢 for you at this time. Thank you for sharing your boy with us all these years. It feels like I’ve lost my dog because Dozer was all our dog – he belonged to everyone who read your posts, cooked your recipes or just looked at him enjoying his life.
You were truly a great mum to him.
Sending much love ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️
You are in my thoughts and I know the deep hole that beautiful amazing Dozer has left. But he filled your heart with so much joy and I know the pain will ease dear Nagi. Take care of you xx
Dear Nagi, I know how you are feeling. I too loved and lost my precious Great Dane Anna. My tears, like yours still fall. It is no small blessing to love a dog as much as you love Dozer. It is a a love that lasts forever. Meanwhile, he will wait for you at Rainbow Bridge. xxx
Dear Nagi, My heart aches for you.at 66 years of age I have lost a few older furbabies and it’s heartbreaking. I lost my 17 year old 4 months ago and I have never sobbed for so long or so much ever before. I can finally smile at her pictures but the fact is it is so damn hard every single day. RIP Dozer you and Nagi are so lucky to of chosen each other.
Losing a beloved dog is just awful. Many years ago, when our golden retriever died at âge 10 from cancer we were devastated. Our vet said, when you are ready you should get another dog. When you lose a friend, you don’t refuse to have another one. I’m 80 years old and have lost my share of dogs. My current dog will most likely outlive me. I know she will be taken care of by people who love her. I’m very sorry for your loss. Dozer had hundreds of fans. Best thing to say is, he was a good dog with a wonderful life.
How could we not love Dozer. He was a gorgeous companion, canine taster and much much more to everyone. Remembered always with love.
Dear Nagi
Sending love to you (and Darling Dozer)
❤️❤️❤️
It’s so unfair that we outlive them and the pain runs as deep as our love for them when it’s their time to go.
Sending you love and hugs Nagi, and if there is comfort to be found, know that every time we open your cookbooks Dozer is right there in our kitchens with us. Xx
So, so sorry Dozer is not on this earth any longer… but will always be with you in spirit.
Worst day of my life was when I lost my dearest companion, my dearest four legged Sally.
Our thoughts are with you and Dozer.♥️♥️
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s immense pain to lose a family member. They forever leave pawprints on our hearts. Hugs to you and yours.
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. He was such a beautiful dog and watching the two of you together always made me smile. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed. ❤️
Dear Nagi,
I’m sorry that you had to watch Dozer leave you. You were a part of his life just as he was a part of yours. When you have grieved sufficiently then perhaps you can give yourself to another puppy who will welcome your love with their whole heart. Be strong during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Gloria
Nagi
Dozer you will always carry in your heart. You will remember him well. I can say the days do get easier but the tears still come , and that ok. Dozer left this world knowing you and he fought the battle he knew your unconditional love and felt it till the end . They say never leave a dog when their time has come and you never did they were loyal to you for years and your best friend its only fair we are with them . May you navigate this next chapter in life as best you can with the loads of love and support we know you have xxx
Dear Nagi, I’m writing this crying with you, I love Dozer like he was my own dog ad will miss him terribly. Love your recipes as well and it’s really nice to get some from Australia especially as I know all the ingredients because they are local. It will take time but you will get through it from experience as I had several dog die of old age , being 81 I still remember them all. At the moment I’ve got a Hungarian Puli [marvelous dogs] but she is now 9 years old so I’m not sure who is going to go first she or I. Regards Erika
Dearest Nagi!
You have written just the most beautiful memory of Dozer! As I sit here, I am crying for you both. Losing a very beloved furry friend and companion, is just about the hardest thing one can do. I pray that your heart will heal and that the beautiful memories of times spent with Dozer will bring you much happiness and smiles going forward.
Sending much love and hugs, all the way from South Africa!
Thea Bothma
Dear Nagi,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Dozer.
You said that all of your love wasn’t enough to allow Dozer to come home one last time, but I believe that Dozer was at home in his last moments, because for our dogs, home isn’t a place, it’s a person.
You were by his side as he crossed over the rainbow bridge hearing your voice, seeing your face, smelling your clothes, feeling your heart beat and touching your hands. I just know that that was all Dozer ever wanted and needed.
Please try to be kind to yourself and take any offers of support from the people that love you and care for you as you process this grief.
Dozer brought joy to millions and although that joy may look and feel different from now on, we will all carry it with us through this world. As we walk across the sand and splash about in the ocean, or even as we encounter a plateful of kale(!), we will think of Dozer.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us xx