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. ❤️
Sending you so much love. It’s so very hard to lose your fur baby Thank you so very much for sharing him with us ❤️
My thoughts are with you and Dozer at this difficult time Nagi! We love you Dozer lots of hugs and prayers going out to you from Canada xo
Our fur babies are more than that…. some one without one cannot even begin to imagine….
Those of us in the know, with our own fur babies share your pain and loss…
Sending you both so much love at this sad time
Those amazing memories will always hold him close ❤️🩹
Love and hugs to you and your boy, who has had a most glorious life. We share your tears, but I hope you can feel the love pouring in from all over the planet.
Sending warm hugs for Dozer, you and your team from a wintry Kefalonia xx
My love and prayers for both you and Dozer. I’m feeling so very sad right now it’s hard to communicate how I feel. Much love to both of you.
Love and cherish every minute you have with Dozer. Well wishes to you both! He is in all of our thoughts and prayers 🩵🩵
Nagi my family and my hearts are breaking with thousands of others…
Thank you for the joy you both bring. We love Dozer, such an amazingly big personality that has touched so many lives all over the world. Enjoy the last special moments together and thank you for sharing him with us…
You have made us laugh, cry and eat so well all these years and the beautiful friendship you have with Dozer has been inspirational and heart warming. Thank you for reminding us always to treat our animals and people, including strangers with kindness, respect and love…
Dear Nagi. Thinking of you in this very difficult time. It’s not easy but Dozer knows he’s loved
Oh Nagi, such sad news I live in hope that your darling boy will recover. It is just so devastating to lose your bestie. Dozer has the best of love n homes. My thoughts n prayers are with you both.
4 years ago we were able to bring our 12yo lab home from SASH to do some lovely activities – take her for a swim; hang out in the backyard with us and give her lots of hugs. It has given us some comfort about her last days – so it is my dearest wish that you get to do that with Dozer. But if he doesn’t make it home – you know that’s ok too. The amount of love he is getting is immense.
Oh how my heart breaks for you😓
Thank you dear Nagi. I’m reading this with happy and sad tears in my eyes. As much as I appreciate your recipes, your life with Dozer is what I most look forward to reading. Sending you love.
Tears of love for you all there at RTE including Dozer. I’ve never met any of you but following you and your RTE posts for as long as I have I know just how you’ll be feeling right now. Best wishes.
Dearest Nagi, I feel like I have been part of your food and fur family for what feels like forever. Love on that awesome guy with extra hugs and kisses from all of us around the world that are blessed to have been a part of this fantastic journey with you both. Love and strength from Chantel – South Africa
Many thanks and bids hugs Nagi and Dozer. Jxxx
Oh no so sad to hear about Dozer. Sounds like you are going to be cherishing your time together, Nagi and Dozer. Give Dozer a big hug, ear rubs, belly tickles (if that is what he loves- our Obi’s faves) from all of us, thinking of you both and all at RTE,
Take care
the Ramage family
xxxxxxx
Oh Nagi
I couldn’t even get through your post without breaking down. I am so sorry. I have no doubt Dozer chose you to be his Mummy and have the BEST life possible. I too have loved this boy his whole life even though I haven’t met you both. Thank you both for all the wonderful Dozer adventures throughout the years. Sending you love and strength at this horrible time. XOXO
I understand your pain Nagi, along with thousands of your other fans! My lovely black labrador ‘Poppy’ died in 2024, and the pain still feels fresh. It’s never fair, and this will be a loss that many will never forget! Give Dozer lots of hugs and pats from me!!!
Navi prayers, love and hugs to you and Dozer.