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. ❤️
Nagi, thank you for sharing… the good and the bad, the fun and the sad. All of us who have been your followers and friends throughout many years feel for you and Dozer and the entire RTE family. PLEASE just focus on Dozer and Yourself right now. Your community has enough recipes to enjoy for months to come, all created by you and your team and tested by Dozer. Thank you and lots of love. Ursula
You have been the most amazing mum to Dozer and he has given you so much joy in return. Sending heartfelt love to you both,♥️♥️
Oh Nagi,
My heart aches for you. I burst into tears even before I read your post. This stage is so difficult to navigate. Just concentrate on making more wonderful memories during this time. YOU know, WE know and DOZER knows just how much you love him and how much you have sacrificed to give him such a wonderful life. (And us, through him as well.)
Cry, yell, pound the floor. You deserve the release.
My prayers for you and Dozer are lifted up.
Love and hugs from Kris and Sarjah (my furry one).
The amount of sadness reflects the amount of joy, love and friendship Dozer gave you. These times are the most difficult ones in our lives.
This is a hard time for both you and Dozer. Remember when that time comes Dozer will meet you ay the Rainbow Bridge. He will always be with you.
I have seen and read all your posts and enjoyed all the lovely photos of your lovely boy and can see the devotion between you both. No doubt you are feeling very devastated to see Dozer having such a health crisis. I’m sending my love and prayers for both you and Dozer and hope that the time away you are having together will be very special. God Bless you both🙏
While I’m so pleased your hope of Dozer living long enough to see the publication of ‘Tonight’ was fulfilled, my heart breaks for you Nagi. Sending strength to you, and love & hugs to you both. From a huge fan ❤️
So sad to lose one’s friend and constant companion. Over my 76 years, I have watched so many 4 legged friends meet their final days, and yet I feel each subsequent friend encounter provides solace and a guaranteed committed and large community for me when I too cross the rainbow bridge for my eternal home. That thought gives me strength to continue efforts to seek out new friendships. I hope the devastation of your loss does not deter you from taking on the task of making some other companion a friend
So many of us have been there… our hearts go out to you Nagi. To walk the path of having a dog/cat/sentient being of any type, join your family is one life’s true privileges. It comes at such a cost but worth every ounce of the pain of saying goodbye. Would not have traded our 3 pups for anything. You have blessed our lives with the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food and along the way shared the fabulous Dozer. I’m sure we all have you and all your team in our thoughts at this toughest of times. We understand the preciousness of each minute. Go well.
All my love to you and Dozer, I hope your last times together are as happy as they can be in the circumstances. To quote my 6 year old grandson- don’t worry Gran(Nagi) Duchess(Dozer) is going to doggy heaven and doggy Jesus will look after her(him). It did soften the pain 💕 💔
Goodbye Dozer, made me tear up.
So sad
Nothing to say Nagi except so sorry, and wish they could live longer. He is very much loved, hugs to you.
Sorry to hear that Dozer has been unwell. Sending lots of love to you both at this very challenging time <3
My heart goes out to you ❤️ Nagi.
Having said goodbye to two of my own it is truly one of life’s hardest things to do, yet we do it all over again because they bring us true love and joy. We remember the good times forever in our hearts 💞.
God Bless you both xox
Dozer you’ve brought us all such joy! Love & kisses. Tess, Jeff, HM and The Frey
Oh Nagi, I’m gutted to hear the news of Dozer. My heart aches for you. He was clearly your soul dog. Sending you all big love and hugs during this time. I know the feeling too well. Not an easy time to get through. He is a beautiful boy and you showed him exactly what the life of a furbaby should be.
Dear Nagi. My heart breaks for you. How do you say goodbye to a beloved pet who has been your constant companion By your side throughout your cooking journey. He will be so missed by all of us who have followed you from the beginning. Spend these final days with him, continue to spoil and love him. He has been so fortunate to have you to love him. 💕
The worst thing about our beloved dogs is we just never get long enough with them.
I’m so sorry Dozers time is coming to an end . I’ve been reading about his life for years.
And I’m so glad that he has been lucky enough to get a wonderful, joyful, long life with you.
I can’t begin to tell you the joy your sweet Dozer has brought to me over the years! I feel like he is part of my family! I cook from your website every single night (seriously) and have done for years and seeing his sweet face at the bottom of each page is my motivation for cooking! I’m heartbroken for you. Sending you all love and strength from across the miles in Zimbabwe…
I can’t begin to tell you the joy your sweet Dozer has brought to me over the years! I feel like home is part of my family! I cook from your website every single night (seriously) and have done for years and seeing his sweet face at the bottom of each page is my motivation for cooking! I’m heartbroken for you. Sending you all love and strength from across the miles in Zimbabwe…