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 to hear the news. The adventures of Dozer (and you, grin) were always a wonderful additional highlight. We’ll miss him too.
What a great life though, he was SUCH a delight.
Dear Nagi,
I am so deeply saddened to hear about Dozer. Anyone who has followed your journey could see how extraordinary the bond between you was. The way you wrote about him — with such joy, pride, humor, and fierce love — made it clear that he wasn’t “just a dog.” He was your shadow, your taste-tester, your studio companion, and such a huge part of the heart behind RecipeTin Eats.
It was equally clear how much Dozer adored you. In every photo and story, he looked at you like you were his whole world. That kind of love is rare and beautiful.
Thank you for sharing him with all of us over the years. He brought so much happiness far beyond your home. I hope you can feel how many people are holding you in their thoughts and sending love during this incredibly difficult time.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Valerie
I have no words. I will just cry with you. Dozier was such a big part of why I loved reading your blogs. The hole they leave eventually heals some but never always. I still cry for Bud, Jezebel and Rose and it has been 6 years. My prayers are with you and Dozier. 💔
I am so deeply touched by your love for Dozer. May you find peace.
Nagi~
So sorry for the loss of your best friend 🙁 He’ll always be in your heart~Bless you~
Deb Branco
Rhode Island, USA
My heart hurts for you. I know what you’re going through. I’m so sorry
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Dozer. We all understand your pain and feel your grief. He was such a special boy, and I know how deeply he was loved. Please know we are all thinking of you during this sad time and sending you strength and comfort. xx
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Nagi. I have been following you via your newsletters and recipes, and have really enjoyed reading about Dozer, and seeing the lovely photos.
Sending you love and gentle hugs. Take time to look after yourself. 💙 😢🤗
💔 And here I am, bawling my eyes out again for you and your sweet boy 💔
If love alone would have been enough to keep him with you, I’m sure he would have stayed forever. I hope that, one day, you can stop crying and that you will be able to have a smile on your face when you think of him. It can take a while, but the day will come. Please know that he has never left you and will stay with you forever.
All my sympathy for you. Take care, dear Nagi 🌻
So sorry for your loss, I know it well!
It is so hard💔
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Dozer
Cherish all the wonderful memories of your time together
You were the best muma he could have had
Oh noooo Nagi , I am sooo sorry. Dozer was such a gorgeous boy .
It is hard to understand why our loved one are taken from us , but find comfort in knowing that you were a special part of his well lived life. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Hold on to those memories and let them guide you through this time of sadness.
😢 🌹
My heart goes out to you, Nagi. Dozer had a lovely life, with a lovely mum…that’s the most important thing xx
I am so sorry for your loss! Dozer was the best!He was so loved and he loved back. He is in doggie heaven, avoiding kale.
Oh Nagi I’m so sorry for your loss. They take a piece of your heart with them when they leave because they love you wholly and unconditionally. Dozer’s spirit will stay with you because of the very strong bond you two had for each other. You gave him his best life. Love & hugs
Nagi … Feeling your deep loss & pain, Sending you lots of big hugs.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
So sorry to about Dozer he will be keeping an eye on you and still giving you his love. Talk to him as if he is still there in physical form be safe LOL
So sorry for your loss Nagi. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all through the years. May you be comforted by the memories and love that you both shared. Sending you love, light and strength. ❤️
He was a lovely boy.
Credit to you for loving him so much.
Looking at the posts, he loved you back.
Rest in peace Dozer .
PS. Hug for you Nagi.
We all love you with all our hearts Nagi and your beautiful boy Dozer. You must be in the most immense pain. We are all yours & Dozers biggest fans, we are here with you and will always be here for you. Anything you need. We love you both so much ❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, it brought tears to my eyes when I read your letter to Dozer. He will be missed by all your fans. RIP Dozer 💔