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. ❤️
I can empathise with you our last girl was a black lab, took a while before we got another and she is a Portugese Podengo small and we are happy to have her, good luck and I hope you get your wish and he can stay home.
We love you Dozer and wish you all the best on your next trip around the sun. Thanks Nagi for sharing Dozer with us all these years. I pray for strength for you and your family. Hugs from Maryland, USA. ❤️❤️❤️
My heart goes out to you and Dozer; you’ll be in my prayers
I have had dogs since I was 18, 50 years later I still have dogs and cats. I did rescue for years. I only take animals that had issues or health issues or came from horrible environments. Animals that normal people don’t want. They came to their new home where they get a lot of love, treated like they mattered and fun with mom and their fur siblings, their furever home. I truly understand the pain that you are going through with Dozer. I pray that Dozer bounces back quickly. Much love and hugs for both of you.
Thinking of Dozer with so much love. I bought your Dozer book for my two great grandchildren aged 2 Finn and 3 Charlie birthdays in January 2026. They both live in Kalgoorlie WA to my two grandchildren. Maureen Moffatt
Thinking of you both a lot at this time. Hope you have a chance to do those special things
I love your relationship with your best friend, Dozer. I am sending him many healing thoughts and hope he comes home for another romp on the beach with you and his friends.
Sending lots of love and hugs to you and Dozer
There’s no pain like it, love to you n Dozer x
Nagi
I love all your posts with Dozer but this one really hit my heart reminding me of my loss with my gorgeous Maltese.
Thinking of you all ❤️
Enjoy every second and treats lots of love 🥰 we love you Dozer X
Oh Nagi, know how very hard this must be for you. At 86 and up to the 10th dog in my life it always hurts. Just make sure you are not keeping Dozer going for you. I have learned over the years that they get an “I’ve had enough” look in their eyes – my former Vet and I used to call it “the look”. Shedding more than a tear for you and Dozer, going through this so very hard time. Big hugs.
😘
Heartbreaking Nagi ❤️ Sending you both love and hope ! 💔
The love you share is very special and will always be in your heart xx
My thoughts are with you both xx
When that time finally comes our beautiful border collie Luke will be waiting for Dozer over the rainbow bridge along with many many loved friends to play and frolick pain free. Sending the biggest hugs to you all during this difficult time.
Dear Nagi, oh dear, I am so very sad to learn that your much loved fur baby Dozer is not enjoying robust good health. I write this with tears in my eyes as I completely understand how you are feeling. Know that he is in the best place being cared for and that he understands his human Mum is by his side always. Biggest hugs to you and Dozer. They just don’t live long enough! Darn!
Hi Nagi;
My thoughts are with you & Dozer as you navigate this final life transition with a mixture of great sorrow & rapturous joy of the fabulous memories created together…
My beautiful fat houndy Jack; my adopt a pet!!! Affectionately known as Jup Jup (for his Klepto behaviour) – died 2 years ago at 19; he came to me when he was 5 yrs old…. & I still miss him, exacerbated further when my Dads dog Rocket (15yrs old) was hit by car and killed in October last year and to top it off (as life so often does) 4 weeks ago my beautiful Kitty Cat – Angel (another adopt a pet) whom I have had since she was 3 months old was euthanised at home (by the brilliant vet Dr Lucian Currie) and died quietly & snuggled with me… Angel was 19 yrs old….. Animals are; become our family and when loved so deeply that grief can be all consuming!!!!!
Sending Dozer much love and peace; and positive vibes to you both….
Mwah xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
My ❤️ aches for the both of you for what you are going through. Love and strength 🙏 for you both.
You have our deepest sympathy. 2025 was a gut-wrenching year. We lost our beloved doxy of 13+ years in late January and our corgi of 13+ years just before Christmas. These two were our dearest friends. We know what you’re going through and we quite honestly feel your loss.
Rejoice in the time Dozer shared his life with you and remember that he’ll be waiting for you in that heavenly kitchen to taste test your cooking again.
Sending love and strength to you Nagi. So heartbreaking when the time comes to say goodbye to our furbabies- Dozer was so lucky to have been loved by so many, as you were, to have been adored by Dozer!! Thank you for sharing his wonderful life with us all🙏💝💞💔
Dear Nagi and Dozer.Just sending love and hugs at this hardest of times. Ingrid