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 all the love for Dozer and you. Hope you have some special time with him. 😊🐕
So sorry to hear about Dozer, our pets are family ❤️ they fill out lives with so much joy. Dozer ❤️❤️❤️
I started reading your email, half way through I couldn’t see your words as my eyes filled with tears. You have given Dozer the very best of love , companionship and care. My dog Zeus has come up to my face as he knows when I’m upset to lick away my tears.
Stay strong Nagi
Thoughts are with you and Dozer.
Nooooo…Dozer truly felt like part of my life too. Thank you for sharing him with us. Take care Nagi 🙁
<3 <3 all my love to you both xxxxx
to nagi, so sorry to hear about dozer. dogs are so beautiful and loyal.i hope you get to spend some more time at home with dozer.sending hugs for you both.
Sending so much love to you and Dozer, Nagi. The bond you two share is so beautiful and has touched so many of us. He’s the world’s best sous-chef and has brought a smile to my face in every single newsletter. We are all holding you both in our hearts during this difficult time.
Take care Nagi and Dozer. This when you know you’ve loved hard. Will be thinking of you both. From a fellow dog person..
Thinking of you Nagi, during this difficult time 🫂
Hullo Nagi,
I’m a long time follower of your wonderful site, and particularly Dozer.
I am sitting here crying buckets of tears.
I fear I am heading down the same path with my 16yo spoodle.
Best wishes, Maxine
Man when our magnificent goldie left us nearly 25 years ago we were all truly heartbroken
We have photos and memories of his 15 years with us to almost feel him with us today.
Folk say it’s only a dog but boy oh boy what a companion the goldies make
🐕🐕
Thank you Nagi for your generosity in sharing your beautiful Dozer with the world. We are all privileged to have been able to love him with you from the sidelines.
He will be in no doubt that he is loved so very deeply and Nagi, please know that having let your fans share him, we share your sadness and inevitable grief and support you warmly through it all.
Wiping my tears and sending love and hugs to you both 💕🐾💕
I feel so sad for you.
I love you for sharing at this most vulnerable time take strength from your many loyal foodie family near and afar you are touching many hearts 🥰
Oh Nagi. Sending you and beautiful Dozer so much love. Treasure these moments you have together.
Dear Nagi, I am so very sorry Dozer is slipping away. It truly made my day when I saw you both walking to Boronia Kitchen. Dozer has sooo many people that love him remotely, give him a kiss from me. Thinking of you both, Fiona x
I am so sorry to learn Dozer is so unwell, he is a beautiful boy, I lost my girl ( minpin) at 14 years, I fully understand how you are feeling, sending hugs your way
So sad to hear about your baby boy Dozer, its heartbreaking when your family ( your pets are family) are very sick, always remember the great times you had together and try to squeeze in a few more if possible.
thinking of you both xoxo
Dear Nagi and Dozer ~ much love and many cuddles to you both x
I’ve loved Dozer from the first time I saw your page. Your connection was unmissable. He, and you, were both so lucky to have found each other and I’m grateful that you shared his awesomeness with all of us. I’ll hug my own dogs a bit more tonight.
Love from Wasilla, Alaska, US