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
I am so sorry for your loss, Nagi. Sending you so much love and light. 💚🙏🏼
No offense, Nagi, but Dozer was the first thing I looked for in your recipes. After first seeing what he was up to, I almost forgot the recipe😊.
He will not be forgotten ❤️.
Words cannot express what the heart wants to say. My heart goes out to you and yours. 🙏🩵♥️
Too sad, sending love and hugs ❤️❤️❤️
They Don’t Know…
They tell you not to cry.
They tell you that it’s just a dog, not a human being.
They tell you that the pain will be over.
They tell you that the animals don’t know that they have to die.
They tell you that it’s important not to let him suffer.
They tell you that you can have another one.
They tell you it’s going to happen to you.
They tell you that there is more pain.
But they don’t know how many times you’ve looked into your dog’s eyes.
They don’t know how many times you and your dog have looked into darkness alone.
They don’t know how many times your dog was the only one who was by your side.
They don’t know how much fear you have at night when you wake up with your grief.
They don’t know how many times your dog slept near you.
They don’t know how much you’ve changed since the dog has become a part of your life.
They don’t know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.
They don’t know how many times you’ve acted like you didn’t see her hair getting whiter.
They don’t know how many times you’ve talked to your dog, the only one who really hears.
They don’t know that it was just your dog who knew you were in pain.
They don’t know what it feels like to see your old dog trying to say hello.
They don’t know that if things went wrong, the only one who didn’t go is your dog.
They don’t know that your dog trusts you every moment of his life, even in the last.
They don’t know how much your dog loved you and how it is enough for him to be happy, because you loved him.
They don’t know that crying for a dog is one of the most noble, significant, true, clean and warmest things you can do.
They don’t know when the last time you moved him with trouble… made sure it didn’t hurt him.
They don’t know what it felt like to pet their face in the last moments of their life….
In Memory of all those who went over the rainbow bridge. You all have a place forever in our hearts
– author Emanuele Spud Grandi
I am so sorry for your loss of Dozer.
There really aren’t any words one can express.
My heartfelt condolences,
Camille
So sorry for your loss, I loved seeing Dozer with you. They bring so much into our lives. He will be missed.
Nagi- Praying for your broken heart to heal as this pain is so fresh and sharp. 💔 I know Dozer’s loss has left a huge hole in your heart and life, Hopefully in time there will be another four legged friend to accompany you on your journey that will help ease the heartache and fill that hole. For now, may the memories bring comfort along with the tears -you shared a wonderful life together 🐾💔❤️🩹
I’ve very sorry for your loss.
Dozer was the extra joy that came with your newsletter & recipes. He will be greatly missed. ♥️
I only write comments when my heart tells me to. Having lost my lab Mercy last April, my tears now include Dozer. I always went to the Dozer button first. I’m so sorry
Dear Nagi, my heart breaks for you. Sending love to you. Janet x
Nagi, we surround you in love and prayers. What a blessing it is to have such a beautiful walk through life with Dozer. May time heal your sadness and loss. Much love to you.
Our furry friends show unbiased, unwavering love for their human families. May the time Dozer provided support, love, and stability to your life continue to resonate within you. Thank you for sharing this part of your life. Sincere condolences for your loss.
Rest in Peace Dozer. Be at peace Nagi
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Dozer. Our dogs are truly members of our family. At times like this, I am always comforted by the knowledge of the trade we make when we bring a four-legged friend into our lives: many years of love and companionship and one heartbreaking day at the end. I share you sorrow today but take comfort with the knowledge that there is another puppy out there, when you’re ready, to share your companionship, affection and love of cooking. God Bless you and Dozer.
I’m also shedding buckets of tears for you Nagi and for beautiful Dozer. I’ve been there several times and have been utterly bereft each time – and years later still miss every one of my darling goldens. Take care of yourself, it will take a long time for life to be good again, nothing anyone writes or says will make any difference, the pain and sadness will be overwhelming. Just know that your boy was loved by so many and could not have been more loved by you. He had the best life possible.
I was so sorry to hear that Dozer had died. It breaks your heart when you loose a loved pet. He will always have a place in your heart.
❤️RIP Dozer
Hugs to you Nagi
Cry all you you want😘
I’m with you, Nagi. I feel your sorrow and pain. Hope you will get better although I don’t know how you will heal your heart.
I pray for Dozer to be happy in the heaven.
We ALL love you Nagi