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
Dear Nagi, I am so very sorry 😞 RIP Dozer
Nagi, I’m so heartbroken for you and the loss of dear Dozer. I hope that knowing how deeply we all are affected will help you in any small way to ease your pain. I think that perhaps we all shared in his life through you. Look for him in the clouds, I’m sure you’ll find him there running free.
RIP beautiful boy. Heartfelt sympathy to you Nagi. Trish
p.s. I hope that in time that you’ll be able to talk to us about him in your posts.
Feeling your pain,,,,,
It’s like losing a family member..
Love is pouring out for you Australia wide…
Dear Nagi ~
Grief is the price we pay for love.
He will always be with you. Sending love x
So so sad. It reminds me of when my beautiful girl left me, the most heart wrenching pain watching them slowly leave whilst you pray and beg for them to heal and be well. Dozer will be missed so much, it just won’t be the same reading your posts without him being a big part of them. You will heal Nagi, as you said you will always remember the time you had with him, positive happy times that brought you so much love and joy all through his long life. Take care Nagi, you’re in our thoughts, with love.
Oh my dear Nagi, your pain is palpable, I am crying reading this, and I don’t do tears, only when one of our beloved 4 legged friends passes – I feel your pain with you… and send you love from me
Dear Nagi I am so very sorry for your loss of Dozer your beautiful Golden Retriever companion. The death of a beloved pet leaves a very large gap in your life and can be devastating. I hope the memories of your happier times together will bring you some comfort.
Oh Nagi, I’m so terribly sorry. Sending best wishes to you, and to Dozer as he waits for you to cross the rainbow bridge. Where I guarantee there’s a beach.
My heart is broken for you. Never was a furry friend so loved. I understand so well how you are feeling. May he rest peacefully in the knowledge of your love xxx
Dear Nagi I am so very sorry for your loss of Dozer your beautiful Golden Retriever companion. The death of a beloved pet leaves a very large gap in your life and can be devastating. I hope the memories of your happier times together will bring you some comfort.
I’m so sorry Nagi the passing of Dozer
Words cannot express when we lose our fur baby. They are the greatest most precious loving unconditional souls we could ask for. Heaven just received a beautiful soul in Doggy heaven.
From Victoria BC 💕💕💕💕
So sorry for your loss, I loved all the posts about Dozer xx
What a lovely friendship. Nagi and Dozer. We can all remember yhese moments. 💜💜💜
I’m so sorry for your loss, Nagi. Dozer was such a beautiful dog, a loving force and loyal partner for you for so many years. It’s hard to think of one of you without the other. You both brought smiles to so many around the world, who now share in the sadness of this time. Much love and sympathy.
Magi I am so very sorry to read about Dozer. I always loved seeing his photos- what a boy!
He will always live on in your heart and you will talk about him forever. He is now pain-free and waiting patiently for you on Rainbow Bridge 💕💕💕
Aww, bless you, Nagi. I’m so sorry to hear the news. Dozer was a little bit everybody’s dog in the Recipe Tin Eats community. We all piggybacked a bit on the enormous love you clearly held for him.
I am sure everyone is sending you, and Dozer, their love and thoughts at this awfully difficult time.
I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that that dog had THE BEST life!
Thinking of you, Peter xxx
So sorry to hear about Dozer. Thank You for sharing his life with all of us. Your post with Dozer made me smile and laugh so many times. RIP Dozer
Dear Nagy so sorry for your lost and Dozer will be always in your life. It’s so heartbreaking to lose our pets whom we consider family. Take care
💔
Ooh Nagi, my heart breaks for you. I wish you peace as you navigate this new chapter without your precious Dozer. He is already missed by so many, and like everyone else I’ll continue to enjoy the beautiful shots of your boy in each of your cookbooks, each time I make one of your recipes. Take care and take all the time you need to grieve. Sending much love to you xx