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. ❤️
Sending you and sweet Mr. Dozer love with grace. You will know when it is the right time to do the hardest thing imaginable. Sending you prayers for the strength you will need. With hugs & ear-rubs. 💗
Sending love to you both, such a difficult time. I lost my boy 2 years ago , same age as Dozer . The loss is huge 🥲
Sending love and hugs to both you and Dozer. Bless you both. Here’s to Dozer getting in all the love and cuddles from all his favourite people that he can. My heart is with you Nagi.
My heart bleeds for you Nagi. I wish Dozer a sustained improvement allowing some special time with you Nagi,
Love from Sue and Wilson ( a not so well, but always hungry 13 year old choc lab)
XX
Dozen is a fighter, bless him! Best Wishes Nagi, may he keep fighting! Our animals mean so much to us, so precious! Xxx Lots of Love!
Dear Dozer & Nagi, tears pouring, heart breaking, love always for you both ♥️ the most precious time is the honour of being the love of each others lives 🙏 every animal that I have said goodbye to in my 70 years of life has been a bittersweet & privileged moment, emblazoned forever in my heart 💔 it isn’t the end, it is simply a different journey where love may meander awhile until you meet again ♥️ your love story has no end x
Praying that you are able to take Dozer home. We have 16 and 17 year old dogs who are failing and we know the grief you must be feeling. Praying also for the skill of the Vet ICU team.
Enjoy every second with your special boy. We lost our gorgeous girl a week ago today – the pain is immeasurable. Sending love and hugs to you both x
We’ve been there recently and it’s heartbreaking. Make the most of the precious time with him. He will be with you always no matter what happens x
My heart reaches out to you… thinking about you both 💕
I know the devastation of losing a loving and wonderful friend…I still mourn my loss…but remember…you gave Dozier the best life possible and he will have the joy of your life everlasting. Prayers for you both and the biggest hug from me and my gone too soon Max.
Oh Nagi, I am in tears. I know what you are going through. We lost our 3 heelers within a 2 year period (they were close in age). The only positive I can say is, what an honor it was to be with each of them when they left this life. I still cry over them. Take a long deserved rest. We will be here for you when you get back ❤️
I wish you both the most precious time together with only love, warmth and closeness. I lost my dear tomcat last july, I know how you feel. Much love.
Many prayers for you and Dozer. Spend as much time as you can with your baby, he is your priority. Much love from Maryland.
I am devastated to hear if Dozers condition. Yes, tears have flowed and prayers said daily.
Come on Dozer, keep fighting old man.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I am sorry to hear that Dozer is not doing well. You are right where you need to be now – by his side. Wishing you comfort through many precious memories of Dozer.
My Heart is aching for you Nagi,Dozer always was and still is the magic touch to your blog and why I first started following you years ago,take all the time you need to get through this and keep thinking of the good days love to you both and give him a kiss from me
I am so, so sorry and sad reading your post, Nagi. The joy and love shared between you and Dozer, (and then oh so generously shared again by you with us), have leapt off the page and filled our hearts with joy and love too. Thank you Dozer, and thank you Nagi, for each and every moment. Thank you too, Nagi, for your courage and generous heart, that lead you to post even now, and include us ‘friends from away’ who you haven’t met but know and love you both. Our lives are all the better for having you both in them, and it is such a privilege and enrichment to count you both as ‘friends from afar’.
Much love to you both.
Big Hugs from Arizona.
My heart goes out to you, your family and of course your precious Dozer who has been, even for me, as a reader who has been following you for years (love, love your cookbooks too!). I too am a doggie. As soon as I read today’s header I burst into tears. I know first hand how the loss of our fur babies tears at our hearts. They are from the angelic realm to love, be loved and to teach the human race what it is to love unconditionally. They leave us too soon. Their massive hearts should, if all were fair, reign for decades upon decades. Sending you love and light for the days ahead. – xoxo – Debbie