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. ❤️
Hugs Nagi to you both. Dozers life updates at the end of every recipe have always brought a smile and laughter over the years. Thinking of you and hoping you both get a little more time together.❤️
Dear Nagi and Dozer, This makes me so so sad, Dozer you and Nagi are so special and so loved by people all over the world, all 🙏 praying for you and sending loving ❤️ thoughts your way. I feel your pain and sadness Nagi , as does everyone who has ever lost their beloved furbaby. I wish we didn’t have to ever say goodbye to them it’s heart shattering. 💔 xxxxx
Sending you and Dozer so much love as you navigate his final steps. Nagi you are amazing and Dozer wood wood woofy woof woof WOOOOF
Could you have ever imagined at the start, what a difference, how many smiles and how much reach your lovely hound has made. Cherish the special time Dozer has left and the beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing him with us all.
Sending so much love and thoughts. There are no words that can help.
Life without a best friend is unimaginable and heartbreaking. If love could keep our wonderful furry friends with us, they would live forever. 🐾
Oh Nagi, I feel your pain. I had to say goodbye to my two besties within 3 months of each other thankfully at home through the most amazing groups of people who facilitate this option. They were home with me, in their own environment with their own smells and toys and treats. It was brutal for me but so peaceful for them.. It is true love when you let them go with dignity and peace to stop their pain.. cry a river as it shows them they are loved…😪💔
Feeling so much have lost two babies one Labrador’ who was very young (Ben only 3) and Sam another lab but he reached 13. I feel the pain and still miss my babies Thoughts and love to you
I’m holding my breath and sending positive thoughts to you both. Hoping for brighter days but knowing he has had a long and very much loved life. Nothing but the best for the iconic Dozer!
My thoughts and prayers are with you both, all the way from Tomerong in New South Wales, 🌏 Australia.
😍 Carol. Xxx
Sending love and healing hugs that Dozer gets home to spend some more precious time with you. our fur babies steal our hearts.♥️
I’m so sorry for you both with the latest developments. I was hoping a miracle would happen and he would make a recovery.
Take all the time you need, you are losing a member of your family. 💙
Oh Nagi
I feel your pain. Had to make the sad decision for my boy Toby in November just 3 weeks after his 15th birthday with his sister still going strong and turning 15 later this month.
They come into our lives for what is a short time in our lifespan but if the 7 year equivalent is true for them, boy what a wonderful time together we’ve had. Here’s cheers to Dozer for all the joy he brings to our lives,
All dogs are special but some are exceptional!
Oh dear Nagi, I’m so sorry to read this, I wish we could give miracles and turn the clock back.My heart breaks for you, we love our animals and when we have a special dog like Dozer we bond with them and they are our life.Try to take some comfort from knowing you gave Dozer the best life ever, he was such a lucky boy.
Sending you love and strength from NZ.❤️🩹🥀
My heart goes out to you sweetheart.
My thoughts are with you. Animals are so important to us humans and we miss them so much. Grieve as you need
I love your recipes and your passion for Dozer. My Ellie is a 15 year is German Shepherd who has bad arthritis in her hips, a divestive system that can only be described as “challenging” and a heart that doesn’t quit. She swims and sniffs every day for about 45 mins and that is her “time”. We play, throw sticks and I talk to her continuously. I totally understand your pain and the grief that will follow. Xxxx
I lost my 13.9 year old cocker spaniel in November last year.
It has been 2 months since he had to leave.
He had acute leukaemia and we had 1 month post diagnosis to treasure every moment before saying goodbye.
You can sit and love and give endless pats but know you will never be truly ready. I am so sorry you are going through this and it is going to be the worst to say goodbye knowing you have a whole life you have to live without him.
So love love love Dozer, be present, take endless photos (and videos are so important!!) and know and believe you did everything you could. If you get a chance to take professional photos, do it!
Anticipatory grief is bad, but the grief after is worst. I have lost my soul doggy and my heart is broken. I am surviving, and I take solace in knowing I gave him a good life, no one could have loved or
looked after him better, he had to go, I appreciated every moment and I will never forget him.
Again I am so sorry, he is so lucky to have you.
My heart goes out to you Nagi, we have lost 8 dogs over the years and have loved them all dearly and still miss them terribly. Cherish every moment with your beautiful soul buddy Dozer 🐾💙
Sending you much love Nagi, it has to be one of the hardest moments in our lives to lose a much loved friend. I really hope that you get to have him home, with you, where he belongs❤️
Oh dear Nagi, how devastating a time this is for you..a path Ive also walked down just recently 🥹so my heart goes out to you with hugs attached… beautiful Dozer, what a precious treasure he has been in your life and given he’s such a star, he’s also touched so many of our lives..so thank you for sharing him with us..❤️….sending love and strength to you in this most difficult time..💕
So sad, my heart goes out to you. 😥
Much love to you, your team and of course Dozer. XO