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 heart is with you, Nagi. Sending dog and human love from Montana, US
My ❤️ hurts when I read your blog. The very best to you and Dozer. He is very special indeed and his memories will live on with all of us.
Dear Nagi, there is nothing to say that will make this any easier, but please know you are in our thoughts and I will keep you both in my prayers. Sending you love
Every day here on in is borrowed time. Find joy in the moments and send him off in true Dozer fashion pampered and loved. If it’s a minute and day or a year, it’s never long enough. Thinking of you, xo
Dozer is family. So sorry for your 💔
No words💔only love to you all there and Dozer.
4 yrs ago we brought our 12yo lab home from SASH and able to do some lovely last things with her: take her for a swim, hang out in the backyard with her favourite ball and give her all the hugs. It gives us some comfort about her last days and it is my dearest wish that you get that with Dozer. But even if you don’t – you know that’s OK too – the love he is getting is IMMENSE.
It breaks my heart to hear about Dozer and it brings tears to my eyes. It’s hard to a beloved furry family member. I’ve gone through this three times with my Shiba Nuis. It was very difficult for me and my family. Find memories help but it’s not the same as having my fur babies next to me. Take care of yourself. Let all the tears flow down as you remember all the beautiful memories of Dozer.
Thank you Nagi & Dozer for bringing us all together as one Big family
You have given us numerous moments of Joy by sharing Dozer’s life with us 🥰
I smile every time I open your cook book & see the love you two share
We will share in your precious memories going forward
Sending you both warm hugs 🤗
I always look forward to reading the lasted adventures of Life of Dozer as it would put a smile on my face. I was saddened to read about your magnificent boy Dozer nearing his last season. I wish our fur babies could be with us longer! Dozer give me & so many others so much joy…Thank you so much for sharing him with us!! Know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time XOXO
Thank you Dozer!!! Always my boys love you when we open the book, and we will keep loving you. Please take care of yourself Nagi.
Sending love and hope, so many of us are invested in seeing Dozer go home for his last hurrah. When the time comes just know they never really leave you, you no longer see them, but you can feel them, in death as in life they stay beside you forever.
I’m sending healing vibes and love from the US to Dozer and you. I sincerely wish him more good times doing his favorite activities. And hoping you can love him for awhile longer. ❤️
All my best and all my love for you both.
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes.
Sad news we loved reading about Dozers antics while you were trying to photograph dishes… we have followed you for a couple of years now from NZ lots of hugs from us..& stay strong 💜
I’m feeling very very sad for you, Nagi.
Not only do I enjoy your recipes but have loved reading about Dozer… our dogs are a joy!!
I do hope that you have extra time with Dozer… and judging by the photos you have shared he is being very well cared for😊
You are exactly where you are supposed to be.❤️
So so sorry for you. Much love and heres hoping he can spend some time at home again. 🌻
We are sorry 😞 for what Dozer through we nearly lost our little girl Zoe but thank God she came good just recently 🙏 i hope Dozer does the same it’s hard to see them suffering in really feel for you 💜