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. ❤️


Oh Nagi we have loved the journeyyou have been on with Dozer i hope you get to bring him home even if its just for a little time ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry sweet Dozer’s health is failing. We all love him so much and I’m glad you’re able to spend all your time with him. Hugs to you both…
So sorry you are going thru this. I know just how you must be feeling 😢I lost my boy a few months ago. Have loved watching you and Dozer. I hope he’s comfortable and I hope you are ok 🥰. Dozer is one lucky boy to have you by his side. 🥰
I understand . Sending you all the love and hugs to you both. 💙
Oh Nagi😔 I saw the email title and knew you would be saying goodbye to Dozer. You’ve been best pals forever and even now he’s struggling to leave you😍 We’ve all been blessed to share his life as he walks beside you.
Don’t worry we have lots of awesome recipes to survive on so take care of yourself. 💞
I understand . Sending you all the love and hugs to you both. 💙
I have tears in my eyes as I’m reading this. As a mum of a fur baby I know how much they mean to us & you have been the best mum to dozer. He was the only reason I bought your first cookbook as I loved the photos only to fall in love with cooking again so thank you.
Sending all our love & good thoughts xx
My ❤️ and 🙏🏻🙏🏻 are with you and Dozer. I can’t say more.
Oh, Nagi, there are no words. You and Dozer are in my heart and thoughts. Big hugs to you both – such a wonderful love story xxx
Thinking of you and Dozer. Making precious memories together in this twilight time is a special gift for you both. What a life he has had – well lived and lived well. I hope the love and support from these messages will lift you up and carry you through the times when you feel overwhelmed and full of the sorrow loss brings. You are both In my heart and prayers.
Sorry to hear about Dozer our dogs aren’t just pets they are our family. Thinking of you
I feel your pain. It is so hard to see your love ones suffering and there’s only so much you can do. You’re both in my prayers ❤️♥️💜
My heart goes out to you Nagi.
A few years ago we lost Cleo our beautiful Border Collie and then 13 months ago my husband. Life is Wonderful, until it isn’t.
Just take all the time you need. X
Just sending some blessings to you and Dozer and trust all will go well
So, so sorry!!
Hi Nagi,
My very best wishes for Dozer’s
return to good health. He is such a delightful part of your team and website. Thank you xx
This breaks my heart. Sending love and hugs to both of you. Hoping for Dozer’s recovery.
Oh Nagi, my heart is breaking for you both. I know the pain you are going through. You don’t want them to suffer, but you’re not prepared for the final goodbye. I have really enjoyed reading and seeing the love you two share. Dozer has had a beautiful’dogs life’, thanks to you – and you had the privilege of receiving all that never-ending abundance of love.
So sorry to hear what you and Dozer are going through. I’m sure you both have some fantastic memories of a life well lived
What a beautiful post Nagi. It is heartwarming to hear you are taking time away to spend with Dozer 🥰 – willow my 2.5yo golden and I are thinking of you both. Goldens really do enrich our lives. Happy golden retriever day. Hug him tight and enjoy creating more memories