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. ❤️
I’m so sorry. Seeing your fur baby go downhill is such a difficult experience. Hugs to you both.
Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. Enjoy every minute with him. Make more memories. That’s what eventually will get you through this. I’ve had many dogs in my lifetime and this stage is one of the hardest to deal with, but that being said I would never change a thing. The unconditional love they have for us will get us through the hard times. So love and enjoy your time with Dozer. Big hugs!
We are in the same position with our daughter and son in law Bill, making the most of our wonderful friend, Doogan. So we share your beautiful memories , loads of love and thanks to our adorable Doogan and your wonderful friend and ours Dozer. Thank you for allowing us to share Dozer.
Much love to you Nagi and Dozer. Your soul dog will be forever in your heart. I’ve loved following you both over a fair few years now from the uk. Your recipes have inspired me from small kids to their now grown up status. Much love, I hope your gorgeous boy has the best life that’s left, that best life you gave him xx
I will miss all Dozer’s antics and pictures he’s such a lovely dog and you’re just THE best dog Mum he couldn’t have asked for a better life. My heart is breaking for you 😢 x
I’m crying for you both right now. What’s coming is one of the toughest things you will ever do in your lives. I read someplace that a vet said can’t be there at the end and leave their baby to die alone. I didn’t, I couldn’t. I know you will be there for Dozer no matter how hard it is. Remember the joy of having him in your live. Bless you both.
I’m heartbroken for you. Dozer has the best life. Prayers and comfort in the days ahead. Been there many times 😞
Loosing a furry friend is never easy. I’ve been watching him age the past couple years and felt such sadness knowing his times closing in and he’s such a big part or RTE and will be greatly missed. Hugs to you both Nagi and Dozer 💜💙🩵
Sending prayers. The roller coaster ride is difficult. Having dealt with it multiple times, it never gets easier.
My heart goes out to you 🩷 Tears flowing when I read this. Been praying so hard for Dozer💙. Always sad to loose a pet. Mine was a cat named Tiger. Praying for you Nagi🩷🩷
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer, I’m glad you shared his life story with us. I to had lost my Dandi dog many years ago, but I think of him every day with a wee smile. He was the best friend I truly had .
Sending hugs and love to you and Dozer x
So sad for you, I know how heart breaking it is to see a family pet deteriorate and suffer. I suspect Dozer has a wonderful human mummy and that you have both enjoyed life together. Relish the precious time you have left with Dozer xxx
Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. My heart breaks for you both. Been there.
Another ” dog mom”.
So sad to read this final chapter of your beautiful companion’s life. I am reliving the final hours of my black lab’s time on earth as I read of Dozer. My fella crossed the rainbow bridge with the entire family surrounding him. He was unresponsive – but when my young grandson came in, Blackwood wagged his tail, the only movement he could make. That did us all in. My thoughts are with you from here in Canada.
I’m sitting here in tears for you and Dozer. Been there. It is just SO HARD.
He is a wonderful part of your life and always will be. Spend as much time as you can with him and be secure in the knowledge that he knows he is loved. Our prayers are with you.
I have loved seeing your life with Dozer for several years. He is such a great boy and it is obvious the bond you have with one another. Losing your best friend is difficult without a doubt. Many of us have lost one or more of our best friends through our lifetimes, so we get what you’re experiencing and feeling. Know that we are all rooting for you and Big D to have sometime together before leaves you and goes onto his next great journey.
You will always have him in your heart, because these friends leave an indelible paw print on our hearts and souls.
I wish you peace and time to say all the things you want him to know.
So sorry to here this sad news you are in my thoughts and prayers especially Dozer lot’s of love ❤️ ❤️
Dozer is a good boy. He has the best mommy. Lots of love to Dozer and U.
Thank you for sharing Dozer’s news. He is in our hearts and always will be. We wish him comfort and wish you courage at this difficult time.