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. ❤️
The loss of a pet is huge. So much grief and sadness. So sorry. Thinking of you all. Dozer in a better place. x
Hi Nagi, I’ve been cooking from your food blog over the last year. I’ve seen pictures here and there of Dozer and he always brought a smile to my face. He was clearly so loved and happy. Sending prayers your way. How fulfilling must it be for him to live a wonderful (almost) 14 years being so loved by you and yours. ❤️
Sending love and prayers from Vancouver Canada. Dozer and your family are in our thoughts.
Nagi, please accept my deepest sympathies for Dozer when his time to go to god is due. Thanks,Al
Much love and hugs! 💕xoxo
Hi Nagi, I just want to say that even though Dozer only graces my conciousness every so often, I feel extremely sad to say good bye. I can tell you and Dozer brought great joy to each other and that is beautiful. I hope you both find peace, and if I didn’t say it before, thanks for all that you and Dozer and the whole team do.
Keep doing what you are doing. Don’t leave him alone. I am told that you being there let’s him know how much he means to you. He doesn’t know what is happening, but he knows you are there.
Dozer and Nagi all our love from Tasmania what a joy you bring us x
All the love and strength from Australia to you and Dozer. Xxx
So very sorry to hear of your loss xxx
May I just add my virtual love and hugs, as well as prayers for you and Dozer during this time. I realize no words can really make it better, but after reading so many kind and loving sentiments here in the comments and knowing how I personally feel, I truly hope you will find some comfort in all the love and support of your readers and “fans”. 💕
Much love, thoughts and hugs to you and Dozer … The RTE family are all here with you ❤️💜🤍
There is only one word to describe Dozer irreplaceable. Know that I am praying for him and you. It is difficult to witness and enjoy the entire life span of a beautiful creature only to see it end. Dozer will be resting in the arms of God. Happy and no longer struggling. I too have been in this situation.
There is only one word to describe Dozer irreplaceable. Know that I am praying for him and you. It is difficult to witness and enjoy the entire life span of a beautiful creature only to see it end. Dozer will be resting in the arms of God. Happy and no longer struggling. I too have been in this situation. Praying for you.
Crying for you Nagi – Dozer and you and are in our thoughts – Dozer has touched so many hearts all over the world
Sending so much love to you and Dozer.
Hugs and prayers from Canada.
Thank you for sharing with us his endless joy. You are magic and so is he! HUGE hugs and positive vibes coming from the other side of the world. You gave him an amazing life- and I know he gave you the same:)
Nagi, My heart goes out to you. I have enjoyed your recipes and your adventures with dozer. I am so grateful to you and dozer for being part of my life. I am sending you both a virtual and lots of love and energy. You both are in my prayers. Love you both. Remember breathe
Dozer has constantly been on my computer and I have loved every minute reading about him. I know what you are gong through as I lost my beloved Wolfhound Banjo last October and I have cried ever since. Spend your time with Dozer and love him as I know you do.