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. ❤️


Sweet Dozer! My heart sank when I read about his update. I always go straight for Dozer’s updates when reading your recipes. My heart goes out to you, Nagi. Looking at our beloved Golden asleep nearby and grateful for all the joy he brings us. I hope you do get to take him home to spend some more time together. But, no matter what, I’m sure Dozer can feel you there with him. He knows he’s loved and treasured. Lots of love to you and a gentle hug for Dozer.
Nagi it is 2 years today since Stitch went over the Rainbow Bridge but I now he is in a better place. My heart goes out to you and you can take great comfort in knowing that you are here for him and he is here for you and you love for each other is so beautiful.
Lots of love to you both and it has been wonderful that you have shared Dozer with us. 💕🥰😘
We are all thinking of you and special Dozer. Our hearts are so sad with you so just know you are not alone !
I am so sorry about Dozer Nagi. He is a beautiful boy and you have given each other much joy and enhanced each other’s lives. I know it’s the “circle of life” but it’s still an awful time for you, isn’t it?? All the very best, my thoughts are with you. Helen xxx
My thoughts are with you. Beautiful Dozer Angel boy has bought so much joy to us all. Thank you for sharing him with us
My heart breaks for you. I know your pain. He will love you always, as will you him. Sending you strength and love to Dozer x
Oh Nagi, my heart breaks for you both. I lost my beloved Benny of 17 years and feel your pain. Please give Dozer and extra hug from me and take the time you’ll need to heal.
Thank you, Nagi, for sharing so much of Dozer’s life with us. It’s been wonderful to see a dog and a person so beautifully attuned. Don’t worry about taking him home—as long as you’re with him, that’s all he needs. ❤️
Oh Nagi, it’s such a heartbreaking time, when your fur baby (child ) is in their final days. Sending much love, knowing Dozer has the best Mumma and will be there for him no matter what xxx. Love all of his antics, cherish this time 💖
Sending hugs, I hope Dozer can get lots more hugs and ice blocks. It is devasting to lose your best friend (I lost mine last year at 14.5).
Hi Nagi
Enjoy all the minutes and seconds you are sharing with Dozer. Both of you are so lucky to have loved each other. Dogs teach humans how to make the most of each day. The more you love your dog, the greater the hole in your heart. I have some idea of how you’re feeling as I had recently had to say goodbye to my beautiful 14 year old Border Collie. You have incredible memories of Dozer. Take care. Sue and Jacko.
Oh sweet, sweet Dozer and Nagi. My heart goes out to both of you. Dozer has been a joy to follow all these years- his silly antics and excitement for everything food (and Nagi) related. Lots of love to both of you from Canada via Hanoi.
Praying that you get to go home with your family, beautiful Dozer. Keep fighting big boy ❤️
I share your feelings n heartache.i had to euthaenasia my 16yo
Verra sad,best mate I ever had says me with tears.she is beside me.her urn n pic they are such wonderful companions. From Australia 🇦🇺 ♥️
So terribly sad for you and the love of your life Dozer. What a heartbreaking time 😥. My 16 1/2 Kobe passed away last year so understand your pain. RIP wonderful doggy x
💔😥 such sad times
Sending much love and thoughts to you both. I have so loved Dozer”s contributions to Nagi’s cooking adventures
I hope Dozer gets to go home for a loving Goodbye. My heart goes out to you.
I know how heartbreaking it is to lose your loved ones. All my love to you and Dozer x
I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. Thank you for sharing and we wish you and Dozer strength and we join with you in hoping he can regain his health enough to have some more special moments with you.