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. ❤️
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.
Dozer is so lucky to have a mom like you to give him such a great life. Thank you for sharing his world with us. Sending you lots of love.
Nagi, I’m so very sorry to hear of Dozer’s illness. My husband and I were blessed with a special friend “Maggie” who spent her whole life with us. When she became terminally ill, our hearts were broken. It took 7 years before we could open ourselves to another.
We now have a deaf border collie Jack, with limited vision that we rescued at 9 months. He is different than our Maggie was, but every bit as special.
We understand your hurt and send you and Dozer lots of love. Please give Dozer a kiss and belly rub from me.
I will be thinking of you and Dozer.
Sherry Christiansen
This is such a tough time ,your fur baby is so lucky to be in your life ,hold tight and kiss that precious face ,time is so special
I lost my last kitty I shared with my late husband it was earthshattering. It felt like my life was over. But I still think about him. But I got another needy kitty and we have each other. It has helped me fill the corners of my heart. When she does something very loving I feel how worthwhile this new relationship has been. She is very mischievous. She started withdrawn and afraid. I’m good with cats. Patient. Love your baby you will never forget him. He loves you with his very soul.
Such a tought battle, good luck Dozer your humans still need you for a bit. Much care to all
I am so very sorry to hear about Dozer’s health issues. Our pet babies are so very important to our family. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Nagi, and Dozer.
Love to you and Dozer, we have said goodbye to 11 dogs 5 cats over our time. Maureen.
What can I say as tears run down my face. At 74 yrs. Each and every Furbaby I have been blessed to have in my life…each one is an Angel that has captured my heat and soul,
I know I will reunite with all of them at the Rainbow Bridge!
I feel your joys and your pain.
Many hugs and understanding for journey the Two of are going through.
Sending you and Dozer lots of love!
Thinking of you and Dozer. They have unconditional love, and are the most loyal companions and company. I will always enjoy your joint books x Take care. Love to you all xxx
Sending love and positive thoughts to sweet, wonderful Dozer. Thank you Nagi for keeping us informed. It is a tremendously difficult time for you. We are wrapping our arms around both of you.
Thinking of you and Dozer.
I’m so sorry to hear of Dozer’s troubles! Many blessings to you during this intimate, special time with your best buddy. You’ve been good to each other! Love, just love.
I have been dreading this post, knowing that it would eventually come. Saying goodbye to a beloved family member like sweet, funny, clever, oh-so-lovable Dozer is heart wrenching. and I feel for you. I have loved 4 goldens and they are impossibly wonderful. special dogs who deserve all the love we give them. I am so glad DoEr is a part of your life and thank you for sharing him with us xo
It is never easy to say goodbye to your soul/spirit animal – I lost mime 3 years ago and miss him every day – Love and Prayers to Dozer and you!
Can hardly type for the tears. We had no dogs for several years so Dozer filled that gap. Thankyou for sharing him and our love goes to you both.
I’m so sorry, Nagi. I’m sure you know that Dozer is living his best, most delicious, most loved life with you. What an impressive doggy you have.