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. ❤️
National, my heart goes out to you. I feel I know Dozer! What a beautiful boy. Sending a huge amount of love and strength yo you both ❤️
Our heart is with you and precious Dozer.❤️
I’m tearing up as I write this, sitting next to my 13 year old and 12 year old pups. They are a massive part of my life and take up a lot of space in my heart. Thinking of you and Dozer. I hope Dozer battles through this to get some more joyous days of love and treats with you by his side Nagi.
Sending positive vibes and love to you and dozer. It’s unfair that they have such a short time on earth with us and make such a big impact whilst they are here and an aching hole when they inevitably leave. We, humans, are lucky to have them as our companions in life. Cherish every moment with Dozer. x
Dear Dozer and Nagi,
Make the most of and enjoy this special time together. Thank you for always making me smile, I may be crying now but I shall think of you both with a smile and fondness.
Lots of love and my best wishes to you xx
I never realised how much this would affect me. Dozer is a big reason why I love (and trust) this site. May he get the time to do all of the things he loves and more. Our thoughts and wishes with you.
Our thoughts are with you
Sending you lots of love and healing
Sending much Love and Prayers for you and Dozer. 💜🙏💜
I’m so sorry Nagi, the pain of saying goodbye, either long or short is very hard.. Knowing he has spent a magnificent lifetime with you is some comfort.❤️
I’m in tears at Woolies and making your satay chicken curry for dinner tonight for my family. I only just lost my best mate (Biggie, 11 year old Boston terrier) recently.
I will hope and pray that Dozer gets to go home with you and I commend you on having a break.
We love you both so much xox
Sending you and Dozer hugs dear Nagi. My prayers too for Dozer to be better soon.
❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰 lots of love to you both, it’s sad when our furry friends get old and sick, remember all those good times, and remember you have given him a great life and he has given you lots of wonderful memories.
Very sad you are losing Dozer please remember you have given him a wonderful life and enjoyed a marvellous bond with him and he will be waiting for you with love on the other side
My heart breaks for you Nagi, Dozer had a full and beautiful life with you and thank you for sharing with us. I lost my sweet girl at age 16 years and I still feel her presence in my heart and memories. My prayers and love to you both.
Many hugs and prayers sent to you and yr furry baby
I know what your going through.
you have brought me to tears with Dozer’s update, I am the grandmother of a 16 month Cavapoodle, I would be devasted if anything happened to my Cinna, I have adult children but having Cinna gives my the grandchild I would love to have, I if she got this sick I would be lost without her, Nagi you are a strong beautiful caring person and you have just proven that DOGS give humans a purpose to get up and go and live life, Dogs are more than humans sometimes as they love us unconditional. I hope and Pray that Dozer get better so you can take him home and let him enjoy his last day(if it is to be) with you and the people who love him
PRAYS AND HOPE TO YOU BOTH
Sending so much love and gratitude for the joy of Dozer.
Nagi, my heart aches for what you are going through, and what you have yet to come.
Thank you so much for sharing your Dozer escapades, it truly is so enjoyable.
Embrace the time you have (as we all know you will) with him.
Sending the biggest hugs to both you & Dozer.
❤️ 💔 ❤️
Dearest Ngai, saying goodbye is the hardest part of having the unconditional love of our fur children. Take some comfort in knowing that you have given Dozer a full and loving life. It just sucks that their life span is so short 😢 xx 💔
Dear Nagi, over the years we have loved and lost 6 beautiful dogs and our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. It is always like an earthquake when it happens and the grief of every loss was unbearable. Dozer is looking good despite his illness. Sending much love from South Africa your way. Stay strong! xxxx