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. ❤️
Sending you love, Dozer and Nagi!
Recipetineats has been my go-to cooking resource for so many years now and hearing about the latest Dozer antics has been a joyous highlight.
Nagi, even my son is using your easy to follow recipes for his upcoming GCSE Food Technology exam this year. Thai chicken skewers with satay sauce, followed by Thai red chicken curry and steamed jasmine rice. He will butcher the chicken and make his own marinade/sauces from scratch.
We are still debating a dessert (something easy, with pastry for extra marks). Any ideas?
I want you to know how much your website and recipes have been a wonderful part of our lives and our dinner table. There’s something so satisfying in cooking for your loved ones.
Take care,
Lisa 🙂
Nothing like the honest relationship of a fur pal. They really get under your skin. And then leave such a gap in our lives with the final wave of a paw. Big feels. Big hugs 🐾
Oh Nagi, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy, Dozer. I lost my beloved Alfie six months ago – he was the same age as your Dozer. We are blessed to have them but it is never long enough. I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but it will take forever… except for knowing you had this special love dog in your life – and this should always bring a smile to your face. We are lucky to have them but miss them forever when they’re gone. Thinking of you xx
Oh Nagi san
So sorry to hear that Dozer has passed away. He has been so lucky to have you as his best friend. Sabishii desune. Am thinking of you all.
Oh Nagi, I am so sorry to hear that Dozer has gone to puppy heaven. May he rest in peace and may you treasure all the wonderful memories you’ve had together. Sending love and hugs 💖
Did Dozer pass away, Maria?
Such a beautiful animal and clearly so loved.
Lisa he passed away on the 5th Feb, and Nagi announced it today on Instagram and Facebook, The video she oatsed was beautiful…
Thank you, Robyn. I’m not on any socials. How incredibly sad. Sending much love to Nagi.
Lisa x
I’m so sorry Nagi, losing a loved family member is tragic and Dozer was truly special. May the memories you made with him bring comfort at such a sad time.
I’m so sorry, darling. It’s all too big for words so please just know we’re all sending enormous amounts of love. Dozer has been part of our lives too, thanks to you. Big hurt and big beauty in this moment xxx
Oh sweet Nagi,
I can’t even try to comprehend your pain, sending u warm hugs and prayers.
Hi Nagi, we lost our beautiful Monty last month so I fully understand your pain. A friend said the stay with us until we’re ready to let them go so be strong ❤️
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost Dozer. Thank you for being so open about the strength of your love for him. You’ve normalised intense grieving for a pet, which makes it easier for others going through pet loss to talk about their feelings, including to ask for time off work. That will have a lasting impact for many.
Oh I am so so sorry. I lost my darling furr baby two months ago and I am still shattered. My heart breaks for you. There are no words. I share your pain.
Hugs and prayers from South Wales 🏴 xx
Sweet sweet Dozer. What an absolute joy you bring each and every day. Sending lots of love your way. ❤️
My heart was breaking reading about Dozer. He was so loved and cherished. Sending you love and gentle hugs xx
Omg my heart goes out to you, wish I could make you feel better, such a beautiful big boy Dozer, my Maremma and I from Tamworth NSW have our arms tightly around you Nagi
Beautiful Dozer, what a wonderful life xx
Beautiful Dozer, what a wonderful life xx
What a beautiful life and a special bond, always to be treasured.
Best wishes.
M x
My heart is right there with you, As soon as I opened this article I started tearing up,I’m so glad you have a little more. My family has adopted elderly dogs and of course give them the best life they could have as they all came from bad backgrounds. It is so hard to let go, I pray you have more time with Dozer, there are so many people sending you and him love.
Just wanted to say we are thinking of you and your family .
Dozer will definitely be missed 🐾🐾🐾