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 and family. Wishing you and Dozer all the love and hugs at this difficult time. This is one of the hardest times of all. We are all sending you both our heartfelt thoughts ♥
Love to you and Dozer 💞
Oh my heart ❤️. Dozer has touched everyone’s life in some way. Sending you strength and love ❤️
Oh Nagi… this is sooo sad! My heart is breaking for you…and the rest of us! I’m sure I’m not the only one who would go straight to your Dozer update before going back to your amazing recipes! Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. Sending you both e-hugs galore xox 💗
I am just a follower on your Facebook post…and wish to send my sincere concern for Dozer and yourself as he is your world … a beautiful doggo with a heart of gold and a bundle of love and joy … they are God’s unique gift of pure joy. Take care and give Dozer a hug from me too. God bless.
My hearts breaking for you. Losing a companion dog is so painful. But he had a wonderful life and an owner that loved him. Thats all any dog wants.
My heart goes out to u Nagi. It’s always such a hard time to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Wishing u and Dozer lots of love
Sweet, sweet Dozer. Oh Nagi, I am sorry for what you’re going through. I lost my cat last year and it was so hard. Try and be strong for Dozer. He needs you now more than ever. He will need you to talk to the vet when he is too tired to fight on. In the meantime, I know you will cherish him and this time together. Sending love.
You have given him a wonderful life Nagi. I know that doesn’t take the sting out of what lies ahead. I’m sure he knows how deeply he is loved, by you, the RTE team, and strangers all over the world. We will weep with you when the final chapter ends. Please take care of yourself, because Dozer will need you to be strong for him. Many hugs.
Sending love, hugs and prayers for the love the two of you have for each other. 🙏💕🙏💕
Dearest Nagi, I am so sorry that you and Dozer are having to go through this very sad stage of his life but how wonderful that you, and he, have been given this very special time to spend together.
You and Dozer were made for each other.
Special thoughts and wishes for you both 💙🩷
Dozer is so lucky to have had an amazing life with you. I am so sorry for both of you. Sending lots of love and hugs to both you and Dozer. Thank you for being so brave to share this final journey.
Dear Nagi, I’m so heartbroken to learn of Dozer’s health struggles. Dozer has been such a delightful inclusion as I peruse your amazing recipes. My heart goes out to you and to all who love Dozer. I have had beloved dogs I have had to say good bye to over the last 5 years and seeing your photos with Dozer in this post brought the ache back. I truly hope you can have a little more time with him. I wish you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Hugs to you Nagi and Dozer. Its never easy to say goodbye. Enjoy his final moments make them memorable. That golden fluffball is the reason I followed recipetineats. I had my own called Demus and he was stolen. Not a single day passes without thinking of him. But it does get better with time.
Dear Nagi, thank you for sharing with us all, Dozers journey through life with you My heart breaks for you on this his final journey May your memories ease your pain Many prayers blessings 🙏
Dear Nagi and Dozer, you have both given so many people joy and happiness. My Stella and Oscar will be there to welcome you, Dozer when the time comes. Two beautiful, loving black Labs that gave our family joy for an eternity. Much love 🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾
Thank you Nagi for all that you are and all that you share through your professional n personal life – sending much love for your time in needing comfort for Dozer – what a fabulous gift you’ve shared with us all 🩷🩷🩷
My thoughts are with. Dozer is not just your dog, he is your child too. You are surrounded with support.
tight hugs for both of you ❤️
Nagi you’re right you will cry a million more tears. Believe me I know, but you will smile when you think of all the funny, silly, sweet things Dozer has done over the years. Our pets really do become a vital part of our family. Nagi seeing your Life of Dozer posts over the years it’s clear to see how very much you love him and no doubt he returned that love. You made a wonderful life for him. Sadly something not every dog gets to experience. I’m sure a lot of us have shred many tears over what we know is to come. So many of us love Dozer and our hearts are breaking. Yet I know this will be a profound loss for you especially. Cherish every memory you have of your precious boy. ❤️