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. ❤️
Hi Nagi…well I really don’t know what to say about your honey Dozer…please don’t feel I’m being heartless because I write this with tears in my eyes but sometimes we need to make tough decisions that hurt our hearts when it comes to our honeys…it would be less cruel to the darling boy if you allowed him to go quickly rather than dragging it out…I can say this as I’m up to my 12th dog and all before have been put to sleep quietly and quickly because of old age and the illnesses that come with that. Any way I’m going to sit here and have a cry for Dozer and for you and your lose when you decide to let him go.
Dozer has been such a HUGE part of your life and also in the lives of all your followers. Thank you for sharing him with us!
We have laughed, cried and loved every post, every funny story, wanting to know all about his adventures.
When his time comes and he crosses over the bridge, know that he will be playing with all those puppies who have gone before him.
He is loved by you and so many others and that is such a wonderful thing. Take care brave Nagi, you’re a warrior ❤️
Sending love and hugs to Dozer, you and the team. I have loved following the Life of Dozer and so sad it is coming to an end. We have been through this many times and know it never gets easier. Play, eat and be happy Dozer knowing how much you are loved by us all x
Dear Nagi and Dozer, I am so sorry to read about the news. Dogs should live as long as we do. I have said “see you later” to two heart dogs. It doesn’t get easier. Dozer, I pray you get to your favorite things at least one more time. Nagi, you are Dozer’s hero you have given him the most wonderful life. Because of you, he truly knew he was loved. I wish you both well.
Unfortuneatly many of us have walked this path. Take him home, give him all the cuddles you can muster, and cry with him until you can’t. You will always hold him in your heart. Dozer, you have made my day many times over. Sleep in peace, dear boy.
Dozer mate 🙏sending the love and healing hugs buddy. I’m a dog groomer, and if you’re in Melbourne my friend
, I’ll be over to your place asap or at your convenience furr a loving bath and condition to help toy feel better. 🥰👌👍🫶Nagi, I’m sincere on that offer. I live in Melbourne and I’d love to bathe and pamper Dozer.
Please reach out. I’ve followed you for years, I owe you n Dozer 🙂🙏👊
All the best for ’26
Cheers
Fox M
My love to you both xx
We are heartbroken to learn of Doser’s current situation! Thank you for sharing this lovable sweetheart with us over the years. We have grown to love him along with your other followers. You and Doser have made cooking REAL and we thank you for including us on this adventure. Our heavy hearts are with you as you travel this next chapter……..sending love and Aloha your way!
Bless you Nagi for being such an amazing fur baby Mum to Dozer. PDogs come into our lives spreading so much love and laughter – asking for nothing in return. When they leave to go over the 🌈 bridge it hurts – remember that Dozer will leave permanent footprints on your heart.
All my love and prayers to you and Dozer. You and he were blessed to have found each other in this world. Bless you, Nagi for loving him as you do.
This post made me tear up. I can feel the love you and Dozer have for each other. I’m glad you have the chance to make some more memories in his last chapter and hopefully spoil him rotten! Take all the time you need, Nagi. <3
Oh Nagi…I am sure you know there are legions of us out here who are crying with you…Your pain is universal to all dog lovers, but you must find comfort in knowing no dog has had a better life and owner than Dozer. sending hugs to you both.
Very well said. You can tell when someone is a genuine animal lover. They truly are the absolute best! LOVE!
Sending lots of love from Canada. My heart goes out to you and Dozer ❤️.
My heart goes out to you at this tough time. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us over the time. He has brought a lot of joy and giggles.
Dozer has been such a HUGE part of your life and also in the lives of all your followers. Thank you for sharing him with us!
We have laughed, cried and loved every post, every funny story, wanting to know all about his adventures.
When his time comes and he crosses over the bridge, know that he will be playing with all those puppies who have gone before him.
He is loved by you and so many others and that is such a wonderful thing. Take care brave Nagi, you’re a warrior ❤️
We had to say goodbye to our boy schnauzer after 16 years and we still talk to him and about him almost every day! Just think of the love he gave you and know it will always be with you.
I wish you and Dozer those moments you’ve mentioned at home with you. And strength for what’s to come. A love between a human and a dog is very very strong and wonderful. It’s a precious thing to have and keep forever in your heart.
I pray you get your wish Nagi – we all do 💕🤗🙏. As I type this, my soon to be 12 year old Golden, Sofie (a rescue) is sitting waiting for her. Normally she would be telling me I am late but she knows that I / we are all devastated. Dozer loves you and knows you are there for him. To love a dog is to be loved unconditionally, which is very, very special.
We know our hearts will be broken one day but that doesn’t take away the pain. My thoughts and love are with you both
So sorry to hear about Dozer’s condition. All the very best to all of you at this difficult time,