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. ❤️
Like so many, I have loved Dozer from afar. Having loved and lost an incredibly loving large dog after many years of companionship, I totally understand where your heart is right now. You have been Dozers equal when it comes to reciprocal love and caring. If there’s an animal heaven, and I believe there must be somewhere for their loving souls to go, you two will be together again. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. Much love to you both.
Just said a prayer for you and Dozer.
My heart is breaking 💔 hearing Dozer is so ill. It’s so difficult when your fur baby reaches that point in their life. They leave paw prints on our heart we never forget. Hugs to you and everyone at RTM.
I have been a big fan of you and sweet Dozer for quite some time, I’ve always enjoyed your co-pilot. I’m so sorry to hear he’s so sick. Sending my love and prayers 🩷
What a whirlwind of emotions for you Nagi. I love Dozer too. He has an amazing personality. One picture in your cookbook I own cracks me up every time I see it. How he dislikes Kale. So funny. These are the times to focus on. All the great memories of him. God bless . I really hope he comes good soon. Thankyou for sharing Dozer xxx
Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. Sending both lots of love.
Whatever happens, know that he has had the best of lives with you and he knows how much you love him.
Hang on to the good memories.
Be safe in this world.
Karen
I hope you and Dozer are snuggling all day long together while soaking up each other’s love. 🤍
Dozer has led a fabulous life with his utmost fabulous best human friend. He loves you Nagi, from the beginning and through to the end. Don’t ever forget that. Remember and celebrate him always.
How about a recipe for the less fortunate pups out there in the world that aren’t as lucky as most pets? What treat that would be, no pun intended. 😏☺️
Much thanks to you, Dozer, and the team for all that you give to the world!!! Loves, hugs and blessings to you all!!!
Sending you both so much love and strength…. hearts are aching for you.
So sorry to hear you are experiencing all the sadness that the circle of life gives us. Fortunately I have enjoyed seeing how happy Dozer has made you all these years.
So much love to you and Dozer. Thank you for all the joy you have shared with us all these years. Wishing you both a sacred time this last bit of road <3
Sending much love to you both ❤️❤️
Hello Nagi… I’ve only recently started following you, but have enjoyed the recipes and stories. My heart goes out to you as you spend precious days with Dozer. Take care!
Aww, I’m blubbering like a baby over a dog I’ve never met and I’m more of a cat person! I know how difficult it is to lose a pet. It’s the hardest goodbye. Praying you get to take him home for all those hugs, kisses and pats…
You and your beautiful Dog are In my prayers as we speak he is healed amen
You3a
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer being ill! We have a basset hound, Daisy, who is the center of our family, so we get it! Thank you for sharing all the wonderful photos & stories of your awesome poochie dog!! God bless you, we are glad you can be with your dog, hang in there!!
Nagi, I am new to your website
(just a few months)but I want you to know how very sorry I am about Dozer!!! He was a wonderful dog!!! Adorable!!!
I enjoyed seeing the news you shared about him. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. He will not be forgotten. He was a special gift.
Thank you Nagi & Dozer for allowing to share in all the beautiful moments. Dozer – I hope your days are filled with so much love, hugs & pats and may you feel truely cherished and at peace. Nagi – I feel for you, I truely do. Not only are your recipes epic but it’s that Dozer is your front & centre and THAT’S what draws me in. You are a true animal lover and that makes you in my eyes a super special human. My thoughts are with you and Dozer. <3