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. ❤️


thinking of you and Dozer.
LOL
dear Nagi and beautiful Dozer. Will be thinking of you each and every day. A blessed life lived with your best love.
Sending you all big hugs.
Sending love to you and Dozer. XO
Dear Nagi and Dozer
My thoughts are with you both and our Sej is waiting over the rainbow bridge for you beautiful boy. Hugs and licks from Ziggy
Dear Nagi and Dozer. My family and I think of you often, especially during our hunt through your recipe books for our next fun meal.
We are saddened to hear about Dozers health.
Sending lots of love and healing vibes from our home to yours.
Sam from Seattle.
Sending prayers and love.
Hi Nagi, I’m reading this and sobbing. I have been a dog nanny for more than 20 years and 2 weeks ago I had to say goodbye to my favourite, Max, the Shnauzer. It was even harder as his family were overseas and I had to be with him in his final moments. I’m sending you lots of 4 legged hugs 🐶💕
This is heartbreaking but it is unfortunately and sadly inevitable. My very special 11 yr old girl cat is losing weight although eating up a storm. She’s had tests and is being monitored. I really thought she’d make it to a much older age as I’ve had her as a foster since she was a week old. I’m just not ready for her to go. She’s the boss of the house and the other 3 cats and me. I’m trying to say I understand how hard it is. Hugs to you and the very special boy that Dozer is. Hope you enjoy some more very special time together before he says goodbye. I’m trying to make all our moments special here. 🤗
Dear Nagi … I am sitting here sobbing while reading your message. We lost our beautiful best friend on new years day this year … it leaves the biggest hole in your heart. He was such a big part of our lives. So I can totally empathise with where you are right now.
💔💔💔
Loved following Dozer and you. I’m gutted. Was hoping this day wouldn’t come, but know it always does.
Peace to you and Dozer.
After all the years, Dozer has become a beloved part of our lives. We’ve laughed, smiled and cried along the way. I hope that you get some very special time with him Nagi. My heart is breaking for you. Treasure every minute you still have. Thinking of you xx
Oh Nagi, I hope this precious time with Dozer brings you many hugs and cuddles. It’s such a hard time – we lost our 17 year old boy, Ted, last year and we were devastated but we knew it was time. We have since welcomed a rescued rascal, Alfie, into our home and although Ted has definitely not been replaced, we can’t believe the joy Alfie is bringing us in this new chapter for our family. Our home isn’t a home without the patter of paws. Sending you big hugs from our family to yours xx
❤️🐾❤️
I’m crying now and praying for you and dozer
I know this is a very difficult time for you
Hopefully dozer isn’t in pain
My Molly was 19 years old
So sorry to hear your soul mate is so unwell. He is getting the best love and support he needs from you. Sending hugs to you and Dozer.
Lots of love and big hugs to you and Dozer.
Dear Nagi and Dozer. I also know the pain of seeing a furry loved one decline and die. A heart breaking experience. Enjoy your last moments together. They are so very special. Xx
So sorry to hear about Dozer, who is obviously loved very much. It is heart wrenching when you pet dies. Hope you have a few good days with him. He would know he’s loved.