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 I’m so sorry! It’s a terrible thing to go through. You’ve given him such a beautiful life and he loves you so much. Nothing that can be said will take the pain away but I’m sure if he could speak he’d say ‘Thank you Mum, I had a wonderful time’. Sending you both lots of love
I am crying with you my dear friend Nagi (I know we don’t know each other but I’m claiming you as my buddy in spirit). And to you Dozer, what a champion you’ve been all these years and even now when life’s playing its final song, you’re still charming us and breaking all of our hearts again. You hold on for as long as you can Dozer. Your mummy is broken but she’s one tough chick. She will be ok. Nagi, we are all beside you. Recipe or no recipe. ❤️
Sending you both love and hope Dozer can grace your insta squares in the future, but as fur Mum’s we understand that like us, we can’t fight their timing either. As heartbreaking as that is for us.
So traumatic saying goodbye to a best friend. I hope knowing that you gave him a wonderful life and you’re his best friend too helps a little.
These beautiful animals steal our hearts and souls. They love us unconditionally and they’ll always be in our hearts..thinking of you and Dozer 💔💔🙏🙏
Dearest Nagi and Dozer,
Sending all our love to you both, and many virtual hugs and ear scritches, belly rubs, snoot boops, and snuggles ❤️
May this last chapter be a blessing and full of beautiful moments and memories, just as the other 13 years have been. Dozer, you brave, sweet boy, i hope you are not in too much discomfort, and Nagi, i am in awe of your bravery, too ❤️
Read this while sitting next to my own pup, my best friend, and was bawling and wiping my tears in his fur just from reading the title.
You have both brought so much joy and love to the world, we thank you for all the smiles and laughter, bringing us together over a love of food and beautiful companion animals ❤️
My heart is breaking for you both. I wish dogs could live forever.
Love from sam and sonny 🐶
I am weeping. I know the pain. I think of Caesar Milan the dog whisper .. our precious animals teach how to live and let go. Bless U as U release your beauty Dozer to doggie heaven. Thinking of U ❤️
I have no words nagi. I have lost 2 dogs last year and it’s genuinely the worst thing I’ve ever been through. My daughter has a 7 month old Goldie. I absolutely know it doesn’t help but my goodness this beautiful and his adorable mumma has touched my heart in so many ways. You and dozer are a wonderful partnership that will endure. I’m so so sad to read this. Sending all the love and strength in the world. 🐾🐾🐾🌹🌹♥️♥️
As a fellow golden mum (11 years but having some larangeal issues) I’m tearing up reading your post. My thoughts are with you both xx
Nagi, such a brave boy, he is hanging on for you because he knows you will be utterly heartbroken. He has given you and us readers such great, funny segments.
Take some comfort Nagi knowing we are feeling your pain. ❤️
Our fur kids love us unconditionally.
Big hugs. 😘😘😘❤️❤️
Hi Nagi and Dozer
When I first opened a recipe from your website a couple of years ago I was througly impressed but I fell more in love with the little Dozer updates. Sending Dozer much love and prayers 🙏❤️ and big hugs for you.
Feeling for you Nagi and sending lots of love and support at this very sad time. Dozer has had the best life a dog could ask for, and if I return as a dog could I please be YOUR dog? xxxx
So much love to you and Dozer. Our household has been fans of you both for years. It’s precious to know you are able to stay with him at the vet. Also rooting Dozer can make it home soon
I am so sorry to hear that Dozer has been so ill. My eyes are filled with tears for you and he. He has been a joy to see on your postings and we all shall miss him. He looks tired and if it is his time to go over the rainbow, remember, he will be waiting for you on the other side. xx
OMG YOU TOOK ME DOWN MEMORY LINE RATHER PAINFUL COS I WAS IN YOUR SHOES WITH MAZA / CAT AT 16 y of age and Dr Peter was in and out of my place so many times that I’ve lost count.
I am crying and am “ SORRY” but we all have to go through this so you are in my thoughts and prayers and my heartfelt thoughts for you be strong. Love you all.
What a wonderful Mom you are. What a wonderful pup Dozer is. You are so very lucky to have each other! Sending strength & love to you both during this tough time. Thank you for sharing your lives with us xx
Oh Nagi !! I know the pain of losing a beloved family member….I feel your pain and send tonssss of love to you and Dozer…He is adored !
Love to you and your precious boy as you savor your bittersweet moments.
Dozer 💟
Had trouble reading your latest Dozer update due to tears in my eyes 🥺 These beloved fur babies bring so much joy to our lives, but of course with that comes the inevitable sadness.
Much love to you and Dozer💕💕💕💕