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. ❤️
So sorry to hear that you have lost your beloved Dozer. The joy he gave you will remain forever in your memory. Take the time to grieve. Your many followers will still be here when you return. Xx
Love Dozer ❤️ this is always the hardest part of loving a pet x you’ve given him the best possible life he could ever have dreamed of
So sorry to read this Nagi. You will miss Dozer so much and need to give yourself time to reflect and grieve for your best friend. All of us who have loved and lost our dearest friends know what you are going through. Heartbreaking and no easy way. We love you and Dozer so much. 💔
Dear Nagi,
I heard the bad news today about Dozer. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve followed you and dozer for years. My heart goes out to you. xx
Hi Nagi,
I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. He was the best friend a girl could have and I know that there will be a huge hole in your heart and your life for a long time. I’ve followed you and your recipes for a many years now and a huge part of the joy of your site has been Dozer’s presence and his antics. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Take care of yourself and take all the time you need. I, and I’m sure many others, will be waiting patiently for your return, whenever you are ready and able.
Cat
I cannot stop crying reading about beautiful Dozer….no words will be enough to comfort you dear Nagi, but you have been the best mother for him, he could have never had more love, fun and care. My heart truly goes for you… i know exactly how you feel , as I had to say goodbye to my beloved pets who were the center of my life.
Sending you virtual hugs and prayers 💔
Dear Nagi. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your best friend, the love of your life, beautiful Dozer. You poor woman. I feel your pain. After losing a fur baby the heartache 💔 never goes away. You will learn to live with it in time. God bless 🙌
I am sorry to hear that Dozer has gone to that big kitchen in the sky my deepest sympathy.
Oh Nagi I just read the sad news…Im so sorry! I’m crying hard…Dozer touched my heart through your posts and his ever presence here on RTE. I’m just devastated as Dozer was your furbaby and a buddy to us all following you and your amazing growth in Recipe Tin Eats. Please feel our love and prayers here as we light a candle to guide his way to Rainbow Bridge.
We love you forever Dozer. Nick and Patricia.
❤💔💔💔
Fly high Dozer, spread those wings. Dear Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss he will be missed by your staff & followers that love all your recipes & the good that you do for others. xx Kath – Melbourne Australia
I left home at 21 and learnt everything I needed to know about cooking (staples include beef stew, lasagna, beef ragu and creamy garlic prawn fettuccini all learnt from you!) for the past nine years of adulthood. Throughout my endless rummaging of recipes on your website I have seen constant posts about Dozer and felt like I knew him all these years as well. I feel so sad that his time has come however so grateful you shared his stories with us! Sending lots of love and hugs to you and Dozer, I will miss reading his posts 💕🫶
Hi Nagi,
So sorry to hear of your loss.
With condolences,
Geoff.
So very sorry to hear the news that Dozer has gone. All my love and many, many hugs to you, your family & friends, and to everyone who loved Dozer. He will always be missed, but never forgotten.
Dearest Nagi and Dozer,
Nothing I can say can do justice to this loss. I can only send my deepest sympathies and e-hugs to you both. Dozer, you are irreplaceable, and we are all so lucky to have been in the world with you, and share in the sweet and funny photos and videos of you -thank you for all the joy you have brought us from afar ❤️
You two are both so special, and to have your physical bond torn apart is so heartbreaking 💔 I am glad you have years of happy memories and photos and videos, and he will always be in your heart and part of you, but of course these things pale in comparison to even just one more day of being in eachothers company and snuggling.
I am so sorrowful for your loss, and so impressed at the bravery of you both in navigating the difficulties of the past few weeks. Dozer couldn’t have asked for a better mum, and Nagi you couldn’t have asked for a better fluffy son -truly angels among us. This is an enormous loss, and i send my deepest sympathies, and e-strength for hanging on, one minute at a time.
Love from sam and 🐶sonny
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, Nagi. Dozer was such a sweetheart. I loved reading updates about him first before reading the actual recipes. He stole all our hearts. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. We have a Golden too. Our fur babies are angels in disguise. My thoughts are with you as you take the time you need to grieve.
Dear Nagi
You and Dozer are a big part of my cooking world. I haven’t say I have enjoyed the stories and photos of Dozer immensely.
On that note as a fur baby owner all be it Ebony is only 18 mths. She came to us at a difficult time in our lives and made life more bearable
I truly understand the love, laughter and companionship that these fur babies bring to our lives, thus being our 3rd dog.
Ebony and u send you love and hugs as you travel through this time of loss and grief.
Teresa and Ebony xx
I am so sorry for your loss!! I cannot believe how hard this hit me!! I have followed you for years and tell my grown kids about you and your story!! Please know you have so many that adore you !! Sending love and hugs from Michigan!!! We love you and Dozer 💕💕💕
Dearest Nagi,
I’m so deeply saddened by your loss, and I can fully relate to your pain as a fellow goldie owner (ok more like his slave because he had me wrapped around his little paws too :P).
The day Beau passed was bittersweet as it meant that he was no longer suffering, but it also marked the horrible day that I’ve lost my golden shadow forever. For days, weeks and months, my crying jags came on without warning. I’d imagine you may experience the same too as you two were closer than close. All I can say from my own experience is to let your tears flow freely and grief properly for as long as you need to. We all understand and feel your heartbreak and are all here to support you. Please take very good care of yourself. It would be what Dozer would have always wanted. To see you happy, healthy and to embrace life with gusto once again in due time.
Bless you both and rest in peace dear Dozer. You have brought so much joy to everyone who have had the good fortune to know you.
Thank you for sharing your beloved Dozer with us throughout the years Nagi. He will be sorely missed.
Oh Nagi, my heart is broken to hear the news of sweet Dozer, he will always be with you in spirit. I lost my golden Labrador a couple of months ago suddenly, the pain takes a long time to ease but your memories never die. Look after yourself, you are in my thoughts and prayers
Love always
Dear Nagi, and Dozer,
We are never parted from beloved friends, animal or human. They just wait for us to come home too. Much love to you both xxxx