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. ❤️
I just popped onto your website and saw this about Dozer. I’m weeping as I write because he is so loved and so lovely and so beautiful. God bless you through the trials.
Dear Nagi, I feel like I know you. Your recipes are always my go to. I hope you and Dozer have some great moments before he moves on. I too lost my retriever, in 2017. Trust me that eventually a smile will come with the tears. Tell him to look for Sequoia at the rainbow bridge. She would love a new friend.
I’m so sorry Nagi. Sending you and Dozer love and hugs. He’s brought so much joy to so many 🐾
So sorry Nagi. Life of Dozer is always my favourite part of your recipes. I hope the sorrow in your heart is lightened by the heavy weight of the love between you both. Sending you love.
Sending you and Dozer love and hugs! What a blessing that I stumbled across your website. Peace to you both! 💕
Our hearts are breaking,,,
big hugs to both of you !!!!
I am so sorry. I have just lost my beautiful girl. After 2 weeks I still cry rivers of tears. They say to remember the good times and it will help. It doesn’t. Love and tears.
My heart is breaking for you. I hope Dozer’s final days are happy and pain-free. I wish you the peace that comes from knowing you have a special relationship that never truly ends.
Sweet Dozer. Hard to lose a beloved one. He is fortunate to have a loving mama. May he pass peacefully. My heart goes out to you, Nagi.
I’m so sorry, Nagi. God be with you and Dozer, comfort you both, and hold you close.
My heart goes out to you, Nagi! I put my boy, Gus down this past week at 15 years, 2 months old. He was my best friend and I miss him terribly. I know you will make the best decision for your friend too when the time comes. They aren’t with us nearly enough time.
Tears in my eyes, Dozer brings us so much extra joy in your recipes. Our prayers go to Dozer and you.
It is with great sorrow I read your beloved Dozer is so sick. My heart breaks for you. Like so many others, I too will pray for more time for you and Dozer to do the things and be with the people he loves. Hugs to both of you.
I have been following your website for a couple of years and have found so many amazing recipes. My family thinks I’m a gourmet chef now, As much as I have enjoyed the recipes, I have equally enjoyed the pictures and stories about your sweet Dozer. Our dog, Sadie, is 14 so I understand how precious every last day is with these sweet, loving, and loyal family members. Thinking of you and Dozer and praying you get to make more memories with him.
Praying for you and Dozer!! So hard to lose a family member who unconditionally loves everyone!
Love your recipes and postings of your Life with Dozer. I grew up with critters and had three fur buddies while raising our family. They’ve all gone to critter heaven, but have left many fond memories.
So very sorry for your loss❤️
People who love dogs are the best people. Dozer is an amazing dog, I’m so glad you are able to bring him home where he feels safe and loved.
Thank you Dozer for being such a big part of Recipetin and always being there for Nagi.
I’m tearing up as I write this and it’s reminded me to give a big hug to my own (much smaller) pup sitting next to me.