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
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. ❤️


Tears in my eyes now. I’ve been there and I’m sending you the biggest hugs.
May loving memories heal your broken heart.
I am terribly sorry about Dozer! Big hugs.
Dearest Nagi, I’m writing this with tears in my eyes. Outr previous golden Quincy crossed the rainbow bridge several years ago and my hhsband and I were devastated. We thought we’d never get another, but finally Lucy entered our lives a year ago and we are in love again!
Here’s hoping for a peaceful end with your dear boy. Remember that you gave him a glorious life and he repaid you a thousand fold!
💕 Suzanne in Durango, CO
Sending prayers for you and your bestie Dozer. I loved the way you both shared your stories over the years, I’m in the USA and never met either of you bout I am absolutely feeling this. Sending much love ❤️.
To have a much loved member of your family become seriously ill is heartbreaking. When that one is a furry bundle of fun and joy it is doubly difficult. Dozier has been both and will stay as long as he is able, while your heart breaks with the coming loss. Send him off on his next journey with all the love in your heart Nagi, he’ll be waiting for you when your time comes to cross the rainbow bridge. Much love and hugs to you all.
Hugs and prayer for you both. My heart breaks for you.
I am so sorry you had to go through this difficult time. As a dog owner and I had a dog who was 18 years old, I totally understand your pain and frustration. But I know for sure Dozer is one of the happinest dogs. You are doing great, Nagi! Sending you big hugs and love to you and Dozer.
I’ve had the honour of living with many cats and dogs over the years, and each one has given me so much pleasure and love (and laundry and stinky messes). And always at the end, excruciating sorrow. Blessings to you and Dozer as you prepare for that sorrow. I am glad you are putting him – and you – first now. Thank you for sharing this sweet pup with us all.
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer! I cannot even imagine how difficult this must be. Know that we are all sending you both love and strength.
I feel like we’ve all been lucky to have Dozer in our lives, even if we were never in-person with him to give him a pat and a hug. Thank you for sharing him with us all over these years.
I can’t see the words because I can’t stop crying. All of us Nagi and Dozer people are attached and share the sorrow of loss even though we are mostly connected by the internet. We are here for you and when the time comes shall lift our prayers of strength and love.
Letting our furbaby go is SO very hard. My heart hurts for you. Hugs and head scratches to Dozer! 💔
i wish you lots of strength and love for you and Dozer from the Netherlands
Love never dies and he will be with you always. My son passed on five years ago and three months later we had to let his dog go home as well. So much heartbreak, But I feel them both with me daily and I feel gratitude for having the time I did with them.
When Dozer goes home, I know how painful it will be. But know that he is a mighty soul who brought much love to this world and touched many lives. And even in bodily death, he will continue to inspire and help you and your family.
Love and light to you and yours.
Nagi, I am crying while writing this. We just lost our beautiful little girl, Luna, our stray cat who came into our lives and left last September. She made things so much better as I know Dozer has done for you. I hope he gets better to do some of the things he has loved over the years with you. But if not, he will live on in your heart and the memories you have of him. I am more of a cat person due to allergies but you and Dozer have captured my heart. Love and strength to you all!
Love to you and Dozer. Any fur, feathered or scaley parent knows the pain you are going through but we have to hang onto the joy we had. I just lost my feathered friend and my cat will be joining him shortly. Lots of extra hugs and kisses
Nagi following along with you and Dozer for so many years! I know how hard this must be, I have gone through this. I am sending you all my love ❤️ stay strong
I’m sending a zillion wishes of peace for you and Dozer. May your time together have some laughter amid the tears. I started out following because of your recipes but what kept me coming back was your lovely sense of humour and goodwill AND the stories of your sweet Dozer. Sending many, many kisses and hugs to Dozer. If I could hug you I would and send you an ice pop full of comfort.
My heart is with you and Nagi. I have alerted my beloved family, both two and four-legged, who are waiting on the other side for me, to keep a lookout for you and welcome you with open arms and paws whenever you arrive. Dozer, I know that in your next life, you will continue your story with Nagi. Wishing you peace, Love Rebecca