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. ❤️
It is very heartbreaking to learn of Dozer’s situation. I have been there and it’s not easy. You are both in my prayers and it’s in God’s hands. God Bless
First time I’m commenting but been following your recipes since our move to Australia few years back and love hearing about Dozer and the connection you guys have. Dozer is family and I’m glad he has you by his side. Big hugs Nagi and lots of love for Dozer.
Sending you much love and hugs, Nagi. I have a golden retriever, too, so I know firsthand how they are a true family member. Sadly, we had to euthanise our nearly 14-year-old Samoyed two years ago (and the tears still flow for him now). We actually had it done in our home by a visiting vet. It was sad, but the best way to say goodbye to him. Make the most of these lasting days, knowing that his life was full of love.
Hi Nagi, sending you and Dozer hugs and prayers
This is very raw as I had to say goodbye to one of my girls just 2 days ago. She brought 12 years and 3 months of joy to our lives and we will always miss her. To make matters worse, today is my birthday and she’s not here to share some cake with me. She was always front and centre for the birthday song because – CAKE!!!
There’s never enough time with them. Be strong for him Nagi, as I was strong for my girl. When it’s time to let him go, just know that you’re freeing him from the prison that his body has become. Much love and healing to you Nagi xx
Oh Nagi,
So sorry to hear about beautiful Dozer,your best mate.
Hopefully you can spend some more time with precious time together . Love to you both
My heart sank when I saw the email in my inbox.
Recipes can wait. Like most people I skip straight to the Dozer section anyways 😜. His antics are the highlight of my day.
Much love from one puppy mammy to another. Spend all the time you can with him xxx
Dogs lives are shorter because they are born with compassion, unconditional love, affection, adoration and warmth, something that takes humans 80+ years to learn.
I love your last comments – so true, and something I will remember in the future. They never live long enough.
Oh Nagi, I feel for you & Dozer. I’m crying as I write this. You’ve had such a wonderful, loving time together. He choose the very best human he could have to live with. He has had an extraordinary life.
Oh Nagi, I feel for you & Dozer. I’m crying as I write this. You’ve had such a wonderful, loving time together. He choose the very best human he could have to live with. He has had an extraordinary life.
My heartfelt love and sympathy to you and Dozer during this heartwrenchingly, difficult time. I hope that you and Dozer do get your wish to spend some precious time at home. I will be thinking of you and understand how emotional this time is for you both. Love to you both xox
Dearest Nagi I’ve followed you and Dozer for a long time and am very appreciative of your delicious and easy preparation recipes. Thanks so much.
Well, your latest post about Dozer and yourself had
me in tears. I’ve been through the experience and my heart goes out to you.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us all.
Thinking of you and Dozer! Life is hard, but losing a fur baby is heartbreaking. Sending love and prayers.
Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear Dozer’s time has come. Thank you for shring your lives with us. Dozer had a great life with you.I know how sad you must be, because i have tears to. My love to you and Dozer.
Praying for a miracle .. I lost my 2 dogs in the same year recently.. devastating .. don’t think I can go down that path again..sending you and Dozer many hugs and kisses for you both
So sad to see Dozer not well…we love him and hope he will be able to go home soon!
Hey Nagi, my family is pulling for you both. You are his favourite hooman. I’m sure he’s happy with you there. Love from Ashfield, Murray & Trish (hoomans), Lachie & Molly (Black Labs).
Thank you for sharing Dozer and his stories with us. Something i always look forward to.
It is sad to hear about his final stage a d many tears will be shed by all his fans.
But I’m grateful that you have shared his many adventures over the years withbus.
Thank you Dozer and Nagi.
Loved reading about Dozer. We have them for such a short time & it’s never long enough.
My thoughts are with you
So sorry to hear your sad news of Dozers ill health. Have enjoyed his contributions to the production of wonderful recipes & the endearing pics in your books. All the very best to you & your family at this time.
Bless you Nagi and Dozer ❤️.