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. ❤️
this is a hard time. dozer was such an important part of your life: i am so so sorry. sending you hugs and strength. ❌❌❌🅾️🅾️🅾️
I cry with you. I send lots of love to you xx
My deepest condolences. Dozer was loved and he lived a great life. I am very sad so I can’t imagine how Nagi feels, but I hope she finds some solace in the fact that together they brought joy to and helped so many people.
I always dreaded this day….this post. I am crying while typing this message. I know all too well the heartbreak of losing a beloved dog, a child, you heart. My heart was shredded the day I had to put my dear boy down. It is still shredded today, but I do have a day or two here and there where I don’t shed a tear. The level of grief and the pain of loss is reflective of the love shared. No words can ease your pain. I truly am sorry, but I loved how present Dozer was in all your posts, and often went to his section first. Run Dozer, swim Dozer, free from pain and illness. May he send you whiskers or some other sign he is watching you. My dog truly sends me whiskers….I find them when I truly need them.
I too dreaded this day. I had to whiz past the Dozer section 18 months ago after losing my golden boy. I sometimes see flashes of white out of the corner of my eye and my littles start barking. I’m sitting here crying for Nagi and all of us who know that kind of love. And you’re right, no words can ease the pain.
So sorry to hear that Dozer is not with us anymore. Will miss reading about his antics 😢 God bless Ngai
My heart sank when I read your beautiful tribute to Dozer, who I came to love from the first time I joined your site. My eyes filled with tears reading how you stayed with him until the end .Your story reminded me of one (of many) kitties I had who had a rough few years before her end. The emergency hospital’s veterinarians and staff let me stay with my beloved kitty as long as I wanted because they saw how devoted I was to her. Kitty and I were in and out of this facility like a revolving door where she was treated with every conceivable treatment to save her life. Even though she was ” just a cat” she was my special partner, the sweetest, most lovable animal I’d ever had. When it was time to say goodbye, I held her in my arms for 3 hours before she received the injections that ended her suffering. A young vet sat with us the whole time letting me decide when it was time. My grief, like yours, was overwhelming. A month later, I received the most beautiful bouquet of white flowers from my vet, and a lovely card signed by all the staff from the hospital. They, too, felt the pain of my loss. Now, I have 2 kitties, one of which is a beautiful male Maine Coon tabby that I rescued from under a large cedar tree a little over 13 years ago. Puffin was 2 1/2 months when I brought him home. I know my time with him will be coming to an end in a few years so I take each day as it could be his last. I try not to dwell on the inevitable. Because Puffin is so very special, I know I won’t handle his passing well at all. This is part of owning an animal which never
gets any easier. My heart goes out to you, Nagi, and I wish you peace in the coming days.
So sad – have lost puppies over many years and my current dog go is 12 this year so time is running down. Be proud that you gave Dozer such a wonderful life – he will never be replaced but I hope you know that there is another puppa in the future just waiting for you to share your love.
I’m sad Dozer has gone..I’m crying for him..Dogs are our everything,true deep love..rest well Dozer..you were loved..
Oh Nagi, I am so so sorry on the loss of Dozer. I cried my eyes out watching your reel & I know what you’re going through. They really are our family. I loved reading about his stories & antics. Thank you so much for sharing him with us. It’s true, they really do take a piece of us when they cross over that Rainbow Bridge. We are all with you Nagi, please take good care of yourself.
So sorry. Glad you could be with him all the time x
There is nothing like the love of a great dog. (((Hugs)))
So sorry for your loss. It is really hard to lose a loved one. They just don’t live long enough and it will leave a huge hole in your heart for a very long time.
But Dozer will live on in your memory and also in your heart.
My sweet Dozer gone ?
I can’t believe it.
I looked forward to reading about Dozer and keeping all the pictures of him you used to send us in your posts.
Now I won’t be seeing any more.
Oh Nagi I’m with you in your sorrow.
I know how your heart is breaking with this terrible loss.
I too feel so very sad at the loss of
Dozer.
I don’t know either you or Dozer personally, but I’ve had to say goodbye to three 16 year old Golden’s and I understand your grief. What a wonderful friend and companion you’ve had in him for nearly 14 years, that’s so special – they are such a joy! When you’re able, your many pictures and memories will be such a treasure. With tears in my eyes, I wish you peace and comfort.
Dear Nagi, my heart bleeds for you. I’m shedding a few tears myself as Dozer was a big part of our Recipetineats community. He lived a good life and I’m sure loved you dearly! Take all the time you need. Losing a pet is losing a family member and it hurts bad! Big hugs and sweet dreams dear beautiful Dozer! Xox
When our Dogs Die, they Leave Paw Prints on our Hearts…
Rainbow Bridge – Author unknown
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing – they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and when you and your special friend Dozer finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, Dozer, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
Such sad news Nagi Dozer will always be with you right by your side urging you on to feel the same energy you both shared, loving each other and laughing at the most magical snippets of your life together.
I cried big tears for you and Dozer it’s not easy saying goodbye knowing it is goodbye.
Big hugs Nagi ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nagi I’m so sorry. Although I don’t know either you or Dozer personally, it was clear he had the absolute best life ever. Take all the time you need in this immediate grieving stage. Definitely one of the tough times in life. X
Hi Nagi, So sorry about Doser,
we all love our pets and are so broken when they leave our world! Just remember him and
visit the SPCA and other places of homeless animals and think of him again. Mike in Durban. LOL!
My heart goes out to you Nagi and my thoughts are with you as I know your heart is hurting….
Dear Dozer, doze now peacefully..
Dear Nagi…Dozer left with part of your heart but he will care for it like you cared for him…Let the tears flow as they must..Big love and big hugs to you xx