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
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. ❤️
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Nagi. We share your concern for Dozer and the slide towards end of life cycle. Our much loved 16 year old red kelpie Mitzi is sliding away too. Hang in there.
Oh Dozer! Oh Nagi! My heart hurts for you. The end of a beloved pet’s life is one of the hardest things to go through. Sending hugs and love from California.
What a fighter and still living his best doggy life! May this last chapter be filled with much happiness and lovely memories despite the incredible sadness of the situation. Sending lots of love from the UK xx
Love to you & Dozer – we’re so thankful for you sharing Dozer with us readers over the years!
The frozen water pops bring back a huge dose of nostalgia for me, this was the first “recipe” I made as a child, and always felt like a treat! Ours were made in empty, washed film canisters, and we would wash & reuse the popsicle sticks multiple times.
Cheers Dozer, I’ll make some (sans the film canisters), for my kids today.
From the beginning, I’ve read a posting including a wonderful story of Life of Dozer. You’ve never failed to Always end with a positive outlook you Both were facing, no matter the current situation, difficult or not.
This posting says it all!
You Both possess indominable spirits, I continue to pray for Dozer and Yourself. All my Love!
Oh Nagi, my love to you and Dozer. It’s always a tough call, and takes forever to recover. Big hug XX
The closing chapter when losing a loved one is the hardest to go through. Pet babies hold a special spot in our hearts, Sending much love to you and Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us out on the inter-webs.
My heart goes out to you and Dozer, Nagi. That dog is loved around the world and certainly none of us begrudge any time you take off from RTE to be with him.
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. My thoughts are with you both. Just know that you gave him an awesome life.
So sad to hear this news, thinking of both you and dozer, my fingers are crossed he gets to come home to spend the last of his days happy and comfortable.
Thank you for sharing at this difficult time ❤️🤞
Knowing he is loved is all that matters now. Loving thoughts to you and Doza. ❤️
Oh no Dozer I can’t help but cry. 💔You are such a special puppy 🐶 Big hugs & love to ur mummy.
I’m so sorry Dozer has been sick. Sending so much positive energy and healing thoughts to you both. Thank you for sharing him with us!! He is so special. ❤️
My heart and thoughts go out to you. Only yesterday I shared your recipes for woof cakes. Look after yourself and let others look after you too. X
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So very sorry to hear about Dozer. It is so difficult to part with our most loving companions. Wishing you and Dozer more time to share. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Nagi,
There is a specific, heavy kind of helplessness that takes hold when the companions who ground us—whether human or fur—become so unwell. Even when our minds understand the logic of life’s journey, our hearts simply aren’t built to carry that weight without a struggle.
I have loved every moment of reading about Dozer’s antics and his beautiful life. He has truly felt like a member of my own family, keeping me entertained and bringing so much light to my days. Knowing what is ahead, my heart aches for you and for the entire community of followers who feel this impending loss so deeply.
Please know that while I am not there by your side, I am holding you both in my thoughts and prayers. I am with you in spirit, sending all my love and strength to you and your inner circle during this incredibly intense time. May you find some comfort in knowing how much Dozer—and you—are truly loved.
We’re all rooting for you Dozer!
My thoughts are with you as you struggle with this emotional mountain of a challenge that no owner with fur babies every wants to face. My thoughts and prayers are with you.