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. ❤️
Lots of love to you, lovely Nagi and our beloved resilient Dozer.
My heart and love go out to Dozer and you, his mommy. You are both in my prayers. 🥹🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️🦴
So sorry to learn about Dozer..he has been very lucky to have such a devoted mum like you..your heart will break once he’s gone but up until then, love him heaps ❤️
Oh sweet sweet boy. Sending so much love to you and your Mama today and in the days to come Nose boops from 🇨🇦
oh Nagi!! love up Dozer..and take him all in… softly gently all the time your heart needs we love you both so much.. sending much love and prayers ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lots of hugs for both of you.
Sending much & hugs to you & Dozer. I have loved his journey with you & my favourite taste tester x
Sending you much love and prayers in this season.
I am so sad to read this Nagi and understand your pain so well. Dozer is one lucky doggo to have so much love ❤️
I’ve had 5 golden retrievers in my lifetime. Saying goodbye is so difficult. Wish they could live forever. Sending lots of love from my 8 year old Goldie ‘ monty and myself xxxxx
Oh, Nagi. Dear Dozer is the goodest boy & has been your heart all these years.
Just be with each other & make the most of this time. Know that even when he must leave this world, he will live forever in your heart.
Sending you both love & big hugs. 💓🫂🫂💓
Oh Nagi, my heart breaks for you. I love all your recipes and you are my go to every time I am trying to find a recipe. I have been following Dozers journey since he became unwell last year and am so devastated for you. Sending you all my strength for this difficult time 😘
Hoping Dozer makes it home so he can spend his final time in his happy places.
The days that every pet owner knows will come, but we can never prepare for.
Hi Nagi & Dozer,
Sending my heartfelt thoughts to you and your sweet boy. At 13.9, he’s lived such a full and beautiful life by your side, and it’s clear how deeply he is loved. I’m hoping with all my heart that he feels comforted, supported and held through this difficult time.
Wishing strength, calm and moments of peace for both of you as you navigate the days ahead.
Lots of love,
I went through all of these emotions in December when my girl came to the end of her time. But I wouldn’t trade any of the years I had with her for anything. When we give our hearts to a dog, it’s theirs forever. Anyone can see how much you love Dozer. And how much he loves and trusts you. Peace.
After letting our 14YO gent go a little over a week ago after a bout with melanoma, I feel for you. Take care of yourself!
Dearest Nagi & gorgeous handsome Dozer,
Thinking of you both. Dozer sure is a fighter & has had the best furmumma. Nagi you have so much love for your boy right here. It’s heartbreaking watching your baby age, get sick & to their end of life to cross that 🌈. You’ve gone above & beyond to give Dozer a fighting chance & he thanks you for that. He’s trying so hard to get home for you. I’m crying watching your stories bc I know the outcome 🫂🐾💔. Thank you for sharing the ups & downs. Hang in there. Sending so much love ❤️ & light ✨️& hugs 🫂🤗from Karen, Toby I🐾 and Charlie 🐾 in Qld
Thinking of you and your beloved Dozer. He is family and he has a very special place in your life. Wishing both of you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Lots of love
Oh, Nagi, my heart goes out to you. I know that you will make whatever time Dozer has left with you the best that he could have.
Take good care of yourself
Sending love and prayers for you both… 💔🙏😔🤗
Sending you and Dozer all the love in the world ❤️❤️