I’ve cried a thousand tears and there’s a million more to come.
Almost a fortnight ago, Dozer was hospitalised at SASH with a double lung infection (pneumonia). If he was a spritely young chap, it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. But he’s 13.9 years old, with other medical conditions, and with that comes the reality that is the circle of life.
The initial prognosis was dire, and he went downhill worryingly fast. But my boy is a fighter. Against all odds, he improved, his lungs showed some healing and his vitals were strong. He worked hard on physical rehab and was even discharged on the weekend ………
…….only to be back in ICU a mere 2 hours later with complications. Discharged again….then back in ICU again 10 hours later.
We’re in the final chapter of Life of Dozer and we all know how the story will end. But before we get to the final page, it is my greatest hope that Dozer can come home in good enough condition to have some time to do the things he loves the most – spending time with his favourite people, scavenging around the table, playing with friends at the beach.
And being by my side, 24/7. All the neck rubs in the world. All the hugs, all the kisses, all the pats.
So for the next little while, I will be taking time away from work. JB and my brother Goh are taking charge of both RTE and RTM (our food bank). JB is going to start sharing new recipes and bring some much needed cheer to this website. Hopefully one a week, if he can manage it with the extra business operations responsibilities he’s taken on. He’s been dropping off recipe samples to me at ICU, which I appreciate greatly, even if eating French delicacies next to beeping machines feels slightly surreal.
I can’t promise to share Dozer updates on all his recipes – to be frank, it depends how Dozer is going – but you’ll see some interesting insights into how JB and I work together on recipes remotely. 🙂
Thank you for all the years of love you’ve shown Dozer, for sharing your own fur baby stories, and for making him feel so deeply adored far beyond our little world. I hope to be able to share some more light hearted Life of Dozer tales for the next little while.
Love – Nagi x
Update: I am brokenhearted to share that he didn’t make it. See the Dozer Tribute post here.
Life of Dozer
In honour of the joy Dozer has brought to this website over the years, I can’t finish this post without bringing some cheer to the Life of Dozer section. 🙂 Here he is eating an ice pop – literally just plain ice. It’s his absolute favourite treat these days! Funny how much the bar drops when you’re in hospital, gourmet expectations reduced to frozen tap water and he’s living his best life. ❤️
oh no Nagi, so sad to read this post. I wish you all the strength you need. Best wishes.
Thinking of you, Nagi, and your beloved Dozer. Unconditional love ❤️. A very special boy.
Dear Nagi, to love and be loved by a dog is a truly special thing. As one of your many followers I want to thank you for sharing that love,
God saw he was getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So he wrapped his arms around him, and whispered ‘come with me.”
A golden heart stopped beating,
Playful paws were put to rest,
God broke your heart to prove to us, he only takes the best
Vale and safe travels dearest Dozer.
God broke your heart to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
Vale and safe travels dearest Dozer.
Special love to you Nagi, may each day be a little brighter as you navigate this painful loss.
Nagi
I am grief stricken for you with your beautiful Dozer passing on.
Your heart must ache.
I’m so deeply sorry. It is heart breaking news.
Thank you for sharing his life with us all. We have all been lucky to be a part of it.
I’m so very very sorry for your loss Nagi. There is so much love for Dozer and you. He was such a beautiful boy and you gave him such a beautiful life. Wishing you healing and love through this devastating time. RIP Dozer, what a good good boy you were xx
I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. What a beautiful boy, and what an amazing life you gave him. xx
Oh Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was such an epic companion and fellow tester of your recipes. No wonder your food tastes so amazing, how could it not with your hard work and Dozer’s approval.
I hope you take all the time that you need before returning. And even when you do return, grief will visit at unexpected times. I am confident with what you’ve done to normalise pet-loss and grief, you will deal with it with your usual grace and openness.
I mourn the loss of Dozer with you. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear about your darling Dozer. It’s hearbreaking to lose your best friend, I know, because I’ve lost a few over my long life. I hope he passed peacefully and I hope you will be okay. xx
Dear Nagi heartfelt sorrow for your great loss of the beautiful Dozer. Thinking of you at this sad time. Patti
Got no words. Shattered. Always knew it had to happen, but it’s one of those things you refuse to think about.
Heartfelt hugs to you, hoping you’re OK.
Dozer’s beautiful heart and personality shone through in all your pictures. And so did the love between you two. Wishing you much warmth and strength. You’ll always have the crazy ridiculousness that you shared together. Lots of love to you x
Dear Nagi
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a special boy Dozer was. Every time I look at a recipe the first thing I go to is Dozer. Then your recipe. Rest in peace Dozer. Condolences to you Nagi . Xxxx
My deepest condolences for your great loss Nagi. Dozer gave us so much joy over the years and will be much missed. He was clearly loved and he had a wonderful life 🐾🐾🐾❤️
So sorry to hear about Dozer, Nagi. We lost our beloved Mini before Xmas, and the pain is still so raw. Nothing can make this time less painful, but know that Dozer was loved and the thoughts of so many are with you.
Hi Nagi. Deepest condolences on the loss of your handsome boy, Dozer. We loved the time at Baywiew and hearing you cry “Dozer!!!! Our “Joanie” is in her final stages of her time here with us. So the passing of Dozer is particularly poignant. Great to see Joanie’s face in your memorial to Dozer! Take care Bruce Parfett & “Joanie”
Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss of your dear Dozer. They leave a such a big hole in your heart when they go. They are not just pets, they are an integral part of the family and it’s just a great pity they don’t live much longer.
Dozer may be gone, but he will live on in your heart for the remainder of your life.
Take care, Chris
Im crying I’m so so devastated by his passing
I laugh at the memories and his cheeky golden ways
I’m crying for the love of your Goldie that you shared
I’m crying because as much as i had never met him he was loved and treasured
I’m crying because saying good bye I’d never easy
Sending you so much love and hugs Nagi! Thank you for sharing Dozer with us through your beautiful stories and experiences. He will forever live through your recipes and cook books.
Nagi my tears are flowing for you and Dozer
I am so lost for words
What a beautiful friendship and love you two shared
Rest peacefully dear Dozer and
Nagi may you find peace in that you gave Dozer a truly beautiful life full of love kindness and lots of adventures
Take care of you