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
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, you are the most beautiful person and Dozer was meant to be by your side all these years and in your heart forever! Sending so much love your way from NY.
Oh, Dozer. You have brought so much joy. Nagi, sending all my love to you and Dozer. The best boy.
Poor Dozer…..it’s like saying goodbye to your best friend who has heard and seen all your struggles and triumphs. He is one lucky boy to have you and you of him. Thanks for sharing him, just a little, with us. Harley (my epileptic cat) and I have wept a few tears with you hoping to bring him home one last time. 💕🐾💕🐾
Nagi, we’re so very sorry. Dozer has had the best life and brought joy to us all. My two Boxer boys (one over 12 so we know the pain when they age) and I are thinking of you both 😔
Dear Nagi and Dozer, sending you love and strength. You’re an amazing duo and this must be so wrenching.
I am so sorry. It never gets any easier to let one of our beloved companions go; their lives are just so short. Even knowing from the day they come to us that we only have a handful of years, it’s still so much grief and pain when their time is over. May his passing be painless and surrounded by love.
I’m crying. May we all have this kind of love in our lives.
Dear, lovely Nagi,
Just a quick note to send heartfelt thanks to the inimitable Dozer for the wonderful joy he has brought to so many of us. My thoughts and love are with you both.
Nagi, I’m so sorry for what you are going through. I shed many tears for Dozer, he reminds me of boy Zac who I still shed a tear for and it has been 10 years..
All my love
I’m so very sorry. Such a hard time. Made me cry and think of the recent loss of my big boy Chompie. I’m sure they would have been best mates if they had the chance to romp on the beach together. I hope it gives you some small comfort to know that so many of us are thinking of you x
I feel very sad for you having gone through the pain of losing my precious fur babies over the years. They bring us the best joy ever and my heart goes out to you and Dozer.
Love and hugs from Heather
❤️
Dear Nagi and dear Dozer.
I am sending both of you lots of love and strength during this very difficult time.
Nina and family
Oh Nagi, my heart is with you, I have been there more than once.
You have given him the best amazing life and without a doubt he knows how much you love him and will always love him after. Much love to you and Dozer and your family to get through this. You will see him again at the rainbow bridge. x
Dear Nagi, So sorry to hear that Dozer is unwell but so happy that you’re able to make more happy memories in his remaining time. We lost our rescue German Shepherd Jax at 12 years 4 months just before Christmas and the memories from his last few weeks are precious. Love to you both, Annette x
Very sad times but he’s had a wonderful life with you.
Hugs from me
Many of us share your sadness today, I hope joy and happy memories of Dozer will replace how you feel today. Such a loyal friend.🧡 Take care. 💞
Nagi, I have followed your and Dozer’s journey and I’ve loved all of it. This time is the hardest ever for we animal lovers. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
To Nagi and Dozer. The A team. I have followed the life of your boy for years now. At 71 I have been blessed with 6 dogs, and just as many cats over my time on this flying rock. We know when we get them that we will probably outlive them and that it will end with pain, grief and tears. But we still keep doing it, because the rewards are immense, the love, the fun, the joy that they bring to our lives is immeasurable. Don’t despair, you won’t ever lose him, there is a place in your heart that is forever Dozer. Grant
With all the beautiful stories you’ve shared of Dozer over the years, it feels like he is part of our family too. Sending you lots of love, strength and virtual hugs, Nagi ❤️