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. ❤️
Dear Nagi,
I’m so sad for you.
Dozer has been a real light in your life and whatever happens, he’ll always be around for you in other ways.
I’ll be sending you and Dozer lots of love,
Yours,
Colleen
Nagi you and Dozer have brought much joy and laughter to many. Hugs and strength to you both xx
Dearest Nagi, as a mum of 3 fur babies (cats) my heart aches for you. Our fur babies never complain, they are always there. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Savour each and every moment with Dozer. How blessed he is to have you. 💚
Sending lots of love. Dozer could have no better mumma ♥️
Praying for strength for you and your family. Of course many for Dozer as well. Run the beach with new found strength sweet boy.
I know this time is the hardest we have to endure, to know this precious boy for nearly 14 years is a blessing in itself.
Hugs from the States.
Oh Nagi, I’m so sad to hear your faithful companion is heading off to whatever is next for him, I’m sharing a few tears with you as all the times I’ve used or read your recipes Dozer has been there by your side, take your time, grief needs to be lived & it’s important to feel deeply, he has been there for you through thick & thin, sharing good times & sad times. He knows he was loved. Look after yourself please & let your brother hold things together, they can be good that way. Be gentle & kind to yourself. xx O McCarthy
Hi Nagi
As a newcomer to your web site & a dog lover (I have a 3 year old dog..just me & the dog), I keenly look for news of Dozer first & then your delightful recipes, makes good reading, so enjoyable seeing yours & Dozers interaction. Am sorry to hear that in his senior years he’s had to endure so much ICU, hope that what time Dozer has left will be more peaceful & let you do the “things” you both enjoy . …& I guess time to say goodbye. 🐶🐶
I know how much this hurts Nagi. Sending you so much love.
“Sending so much love and healing thoughts to you and your sweet fur baby.”
Heartbreaking news re Dozer. You’ve given him a lovely life. Sending love. xo
Nagi what joy you and Dozer have brought all of us over the years. I hope you can get him home for a while.he deserves a state funeral when he eventually crosses the rainbow bridge. Love to you both
Dear Nagi and Dozer
How lucky you have both been to have had a life together and have loved deeply. Keep those memories close in the days to come
Much love to you both xx
My prayers and thoughts are with you Nagi. Stay strong. X Dozer X
Dozer, beautiful boy, have had the best life. Time to rest is near. Much love Nagi❤️
So much love and cuddles and healthy healing vibes to you both.
I’m bawling already, stay strong Dozer ♥️♥️
I know exactly how you are feeling. I just put my little girl to sleep yesterday 03/02/26. It was sudden and now even though I have 4 more dogs I feel so empty and alone. I hope Dozer pulls through, Much love to you and Dozer xxxx
It is the most heartbreaking part of pet ownership. That all things being equal, we will outlive them. How lucky you both are to have had a doggie lifetime together. They really are the most incredible company.
There’s no chance he will be leaving wondering if he was loved. What a beautiful pooch he is. I’m so sorry for the heartbreak that we have all felt in our own pet losses, he’ll certainly leave a scar…or a beauty spot perhaps?
Oh, Nagi….I have read every post that you have done about Dozer….in fact, I feel like he is part of my family.
My boy, Boris, is 4 and I know that day will come also…
& it breaks my heart. So, I know how hard this is for you.t Thank you for all your recipes, (which I go to every day), but ,more thank you for your grasp to be wonderful. I pray that Gozer comes thru & gives you just a bit more time……but, if he doesn’t……I pray that you get all the hugs you can, & he goes knowing you love him.
My heart is with you Nagi and Dozer. I’ve recently been through this, and my heart is breaking for you. Our pets become a part of our life. I know he is feeling the love right now, from you, and all his adoring fans. He has made an impression in our lives that we will not soon forget. XX
Thanks for sharing Dozer with us, it feels like he’s apart of all our families. Sending you and dozer lots of love hugs and thoughts. Enjoy every moment with him xx