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, my heart breaks for you and as every other dog owner knows the bond of love we share with our pet is forever. So I’m wishing you and Dozer strength to get through this and you will never forget this gorgeous boy who is loved and admired by so many❤️
Love and hugs to you & Dozer 💙
Sending lots of love and hugs your way .
Losing such a faithful and loving ‘furry kid’ is always heartbreaking – I’ve done this seven times in my 80 years. As dog-lovers we recover and give fresh hope to a new Rescue Dog. You will do it too.
How attached we become to dogs who we don’t even know.
That boy has been cherished and loved. We all wish they could live forever. My heart goes out to you.
It’s been a special privilege to share in your beautiful life as a dog owner through “Life of Dozer”. The love we all witness through the years between you both is surreal and will always be with you and him. Hope you both can the best of whatever time is left, stay present, stay hydrated with all the ice pops in the world. Sending you both lots of love, hugs and belly rubs ❤️ Selina xx
I’m so sorry about Dozer’s condition. We just lost our 16.5 year old border collie lab mix Oreo. Such a joy to have had all that time with her. Please know my heart
Is with y’all ❤️😢
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Love and gentle hugs from my girl Dawn and I
Sending love and hugs to your fur baby. My heart is sad. But also full to know that Dozer knows how much he is loved 🥰
Hi and sweet Dozer,
My 13.8 year old Golden Retriever Charlie and myself send you much love and healing so Dozer can come home to enjoy all his favorite things.
Charlie is currently enjoying all his favorite things on a daily basis, including trips to Bunnings and Petbarn aka the pleasure palaces!
Love you Dozer! 🐾❤️
So sorry to hear your news. Dozer is so lucky to have you for his mum. Thinking of you both as you navigate the days ahead. Big hugs for you and Dozer ❤️🤗
Dear Navi, I’m crying while writing this because I know what you’re going through and how you’re feeling , having gone through the same experience with my beloved Labrador, Dougal.The grief can seem unbearable, but eventually it does lessen if not completely resolve. I hope that continuing your wonderful cooking website will help to mitigate the pain
So sorry to see that Dozer is unwell, our thoughts are with you & your family at this difficult time.
oh my … my tears are flowing and my heart is breaking for you and Dozer, Nagi.
They touch and steal your heart like no other, our fur babies, and they love you so unconditionally which makes this part so difficult and heartbreaking. It is so beautiful that you are there with Dozer and steadfast by his side, pure love and precious time together <3 Sending you so much love and strength xx
Sending so much love. Watching your soul dog in their senior years is an absolute blessing and an absolute heartbreak at the same time. I’ve loved watching the wonderful life he’s had.
Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers. ❤❤🙏🙏❤❤
This makes me cry so hard. We all love Dozer and all wish for a miracle. Take all the time you need with that handsome boy. Make sure to tell him how much he is loved by you as well as all of us.
I’m a silly old man standing in the kitchen crying about a dog I’ve never met butwho has been part of everyday life for many years. Love and gratitude.
Second that, but as a woman crying at my desk.
Oh 😢 like all of us who follow Dozer’s love filled life there will be a void not filled. Great years were spent raising my young family with a golden retriever so looking like Dozer that this is heartbreaking I’m familiar with. Dear Nagi we are right with you feeling your deep sorrow. 💞
Same here!
I have been following Dozer’s health journey and it breaks my heart knowing some day soon he will be a gorgeous memory. I cannot imagine how difficult this is for you Nagi. Thinking of you during this time ❤️💜
Sending big hugs Nagi and my two Silkies send their special doggy kisses to darling Dozer. It is such a tough time but Dozer is in good hands and trusts you to let him go when it is time.