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. ❤️
Nagi reading and looking at your photos of Dozer surrounded with so much love brings me to tears. Love to you and Dozer.
Oh Nagi… we have had beautiful golden retrievers.. our last being Charlie❤️❤️.. looking very much like your Dozer❤️❤️
They are the best doggies and we wish all the very best for Dozer.. I love how he features in your books and online platform. Love to you and Dozer.❤️❤️❤️
Be gentle on yourself, Nagi. It’s not easy to be when you love Dozer so much and you understand the road ahead. Remember to whisper that you love him in his ear. Dogs are super sensitive and he needs to hear you say those words. Thinking of you.
Hi Nagi, Dogs are ‘mans’ best friend. Love them dearly. I know he has had a quality life to date so fingers crossed. Chin up, Rick
Dear Nagi, I am so sad to read your latest news of dear Dozer. My heart is breaking for you. You both have brought so much joy to our lives as you have shared your lives with all of us each week. Thinking of you & sending you love. Know that you are in our thoughts. Bless you Dozer!
Sending you so much love Nagi! What an incredible gift to have 13 years with your beautiful boy, thank you for sharing him with us. Praying that he gets the send off you both deserve
We love your recipes, but we don’t really care about them, in comparison to them to Dozer. 1,000,000,000% all of my love your way xxx
Oh Nagi, sending you and Dozer so much love x x x Hoping for the best for you xxxx
Dozer is part of your global family and very much loved. Sending lots of love and healing vibes from New Zealand.
You and your beautiful boy have bought so many smiles to our household over the years. My thoughts are with you at you at a sad time in your life. But what a life you had together!
You and your beautiful boy have bought so many smiles to our household over the years. My thoughts are with you.
What a life you had together!
I have a plaque by a rose bush called Best Friend, and it’s a memorial to all of my beautiful fur babies who have passed. It says ‘if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.’ Hugs and kisses for you and beautiful Dozer. ♥♥♥
Wow that is so touching 🌹 I love that
What an amazing life you two have had together . Unforgettable and so much love . It’s an unimaginable life without Dozer . My heart goes out to you both while yours will be broken ❤️💔
What a lucky boy Dozer is to have you as his mum. Made me cry reading this. I lost my Evie girl last year and my senior rescue girl Nyx has cancer. They just break our hearts. Sending you and Dozer big hugs. X0
It hurts so much because of how much love is shared between you. If anything at least you are able to spend these precious moments with him. Take all the time you need, Dozer is a lucky dog to be so loved by everyone but especially by you, Nagi. Sending hugs 🤍🤍🤍
Hi Nagi and Dozer. Love seeing you both here and sharing all those special moments together. Thats is what to keep in your heart and what we will remember too. There is no special recipe for this one I am afraid, you just make it up as you go. Love Carolyn xxx
Sending hugs and love. Praying for your beautful boy🙏🥰💙
You have brought all our lives so much joy and I hope you feel all of that strength and love being returned to you as you both navigate this next chapter. There is nothing that prepares you for how to say goodbye – your boy will give you all the time he can and when he’s ready you’ll give him the love and release he needs. His spirit will shine on you forever and he’ll always be around Nagi – you’ll feel him ❤️ 🐾
My heart breaks for you. They are not just pets, but are part of the family. His a beautiful 💔
My heart is breaking for you. 💔 My beautiful fur baby has been to SASH in Adelaide on a few occasions they are the most wonderful and special carers you could hope for. I wish you courage and strength to make the decisions you need to for Dozer ❤️ allow yourself time to grieve ❤️💔❤️
So sorry to hear about Dozer, a very sad time for you.
Enjoy the time you have with him, knowing you have given him a wonderful life.xx
Just by being his own affectionate, food-loving doggy self, Dozer has brought laughter, joy and happiness to so many people. Thank you. Sending love and healing thoughts to you both.