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. ❤️
My deepest condolences we loved following Dozer.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful fur baby…lots of laughter and tears and prayers for you and baby boy Dozer…having gone through this many times in my 84 years my heart is with yours…remember he will always live in your heart and in ours…if you put your hand over your heart you will always, always feel him there…Love you, Susan
My heart is literally breaking reading this Nagi and tears rolling down my face.
If all the love from all of us could save Dozer, then he would live forever.
Sending so much love to you both.
We love you, stay strong.
Give Dozer a big kiss and cuddle from all of us xxx
Your sweet Dozer has been a pleasure to follow. Hope he has sweet dreams.
Really enjoy your programs and very much appreciate you mom’s programs too. Thanks for all you do to show how to be creative and adventuresome in the kitchen.
We went through this phase of life with our golden who lived until 16 (with a tumor in her stomach for a year or so.) and we know how painful it is to see an animal in distress. Our best to you and Dozier who has had an extraordinarily rich and beloved life. Best wishes to you both! Marnie
Nagi, I loved your recipes, but even more, your love for Dozer showed what a wonderful person you are. Thanks, Dozer, for all that you’ve done for Nagi and all of us!
Will be thinking of you Nagi and Dozer!
All the best,
Constance
Hi. I have been following you from Atlanta Georgia since 2020. My heart breaks for you and Dozer. May your time with him be full of love. I lost both of my fur-babies in October and one of them had been sick for months. I understand your struggles to heal him and make him comfortable. Sending love to you both.
I’m so sorry, Nagi. The great joy of having fur babies in our life eventually means great loss. Enjoy every second you have with precious Dozer. <3
Hold him tight for as long as you can. Sending lots of love and care x
Sending my love to you with the biggest hugs and prayers.
In the last 12 + months we have lost our wonder horse Ren. Our perfect big tabby boy, Hudson, and our beautiful GSP X at 17 years, our Billy boy. It’s heartbreaking loosing one of our 4 legged family, I much prefer them to humans ❤️
If love could keep him here, he would lived forever.
Try to be strong, I know its not easy.
Dearest Nagi and Dozer,
My heart is weeping.
Know that powerful thoughts and prayers are heading your way.
Nagi – – Thank you so much for sharing at this very difficult time. Your generosity in sharing your lives – yours and Dozerl’s – with us has been wonderful. Give him a kiss and a hug from all of us, and please tell him how much he is loved.
I cook from either your website or from both of your books every week. And in every work you do I see how much you love Dozer and talk about him!! Sending you love and prayers. I know Dozer had an amazing life under your care. I can’t imagine him having been more loved. You gave him an incredible life! So sorry for your loss
Thinking of you and Dozer through this incredibly hard time. Big big hugs.
Our hearts and support are with you. We’ve all had/have a Dozer and share your pain and our love.
The love of an animal never leaves you. Every bit of fur on furniture and clothing is just part of that blanket of love, and once you’ve snuggled up with that, you never want it to go away.
Time is a thief but it’s also precious. Take in every moment with your sweet boy.
Thank you for sharing him with us. I think we came for the recipes, and stayed for the Dozer.
Squishiest of hugs from Nanaimo, BC
– Minnie, Daryl, Max and Rupert (our purry fur babies).
Sending you and Dozer much love and hugs! The final chapter is so hard and special.
Anti, please know that we are all rooting for you and Mr. Dozer. Sending positive thoughts and healing, enjoy this time to make even more memories.