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. ❤️
Dozer has been the luckiest boy in the world to have had you as his Mum, oh to have been loved, every day, with a full heart ❤️
Hugs to you Nagi
Thinking of you and sending hugs and strength. We love you Dozer xx
So sorry to hear the news about your beautiful boy. Enjoy him as much as you can and shower him with love. You have been the best dog Mum! 🐶 ❤️
I have tears streaming down my face thinking of the heartache you are experiencing as you prepare to say goodbye. Through you Dozer has brought joy to so many of us, and we all know he has lived the best life any dog could wish for. The bond you share is so special and heart-warming. My thoughts and prayers are with you both to achieve your desire for some time at home together ❤️ 🙏
So very sorry to hear about Dozer’s condition. My thoughts are with you both. ❤️❤️❤️
OMG I’m so so sorry we just love our fur babes – I just wish they could stay our whole lives. Much love to you and Dozer ❤️❤️❤️
All the years of unconditional love will forever live in your heart ♥️ such a beautiful boy 🧡 my thoughts and prayers for you and Dozer 🥺😢
Oh my heart. Really feel for you as losing a fur baby is so hard. Sending hugs and love to everyone.
What a wonderful life you have given him Nagi. Filled with love and happiness. Thank you for sharing his adventures with us all. ❤️❤️
He is so beautiful and you are so beautiful together – how lucky are humans to share our lives with pets, and how lucky is he to be surrounded by so much love? I’m so sorry you are going through this. We are all thinking of you both.
Much love Nagi & family my heart goes out to you all.
Dozer has been having such a wonderful life & standing beside you in your adventures would make him such a happy dog. Please give him a big cuddle from us all. ❤️❤️❤️🐾
Love and strength. X
Thinking of you Nagi and your beautiful fur baby Dozer at this heartbreaking time. Fingers crossed that you get to take him home. Take care ❤️
Dozer is a gift of never ending love. Hold onto your wonderful memories.
Nagi, I feel for you. Your love for Doza has had no bounds. I’ve so enjoyed your stories and watched him growing up to the character you shared so generously with us. I and all the people who loved Doza and his funny ways will miss him and I’ll be thinking of you at this difficult time. God bless you. With much love, Laurine 🩷.
Sending all the love in the world at this heart breaking time. Dozer is just the best boy 💔💔
Much love Nagi! Dozer was so very loved and adored by you and so many. Best taste tester on the planet! 😉🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
We absolutely adore him. And you.
Hoping you get your wish for some extra precious time. We are all behind you both. X
Dearest Nagi, I know you’re going to be overwhelmed with many thousands of messages of love and support for you and Dozer so I just wanted to add mine as well. Thank you for so generously sharing your beautiful best friend with all of us. I know he’s got you through so much to get to this point in your lives. He’s brought a lot of love and joy to all your followers, supporters, book buyers, builders and colleagues. I’m sure he’s taught many people to love dogs. I first met him when you started your very first posts with your recipes. He, like so many other beautiful dogs, has been doing his special work on this earth to enrich the lives of everyone who met him. I’m thinking of you and your continued determination to give him the best possible chance to come home. Biggest hugs and love to you both. Jane xx Dogs just don’t live long enough xx
Hi Jane, re your closing comment around “Dogs just don’t live long enough” – I read a beautiful story recently where someone asked why dogs don’t live as long as humans.
A young child answered and said – “I know why. Humans have to be taught to love and care and be kind. Dogs are born already knowing how to do all that and so they don’t need to stay as long”
Dozer (and Nagi) are proof of that.
My heart breaks 💔 for you all, you are in our thoughts
Jeanette and my staffy Piper ❤️