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 Dozer love from New Zealand and special hugs to his mum x
My pup was diagnosed with cancer and was given 2 weeks. She also has Cushing disease, arthritis. And thyroid cancer and now lymphoma. But shes still with us after over three months. I truly hope Dozer gives you all the time you need to love him even more. But the love you have given each other is bountiful. May you both heal this heartache.
Oh my goodness, my heart is so with you Nagi. I will be lifting both you and Dozer up in my prayers. Take care of yourselves and so delighted you’re taking some time off to be with your boy. God bless you always 🙏🏻🌸
Boss: Why are you crying?
Me: DOZER!! 😭 😭
We love them unconditionally and they love us 10 times in return. Thoughts are with you both! 💕
My heart absolutely breaks for you, mere words can not suffice.
Dozer is so fortunate to have had your absolute deep love all these years. XX
Thinking of you all Nagi, with love and prayers. Big hugs and pats for Dozer. And if JB can’t get a recipe out each week, we understand. We have so many of your wonderful recipes that will keep us going in the meantime.
So sad for this last journey you are taking but happy you can be together at this time. Sending love and lots of good thoughts to you all. xx
When I saw this I thought the worst! I have to be honest, I’m not a dog person but I can relate to your pain having had much loved cats that have had to be euthanised. Hope Dozer can come home for a little while more to feel the sun and a breeze on his fur. One of my cats had serious kidney disease but I was able to bring her home and she had a couple of months to sit in the garden and enjoy life before the end. Thinking of you and Dozer.
Tears at the headline…so sorry for your loss, he was so precious
Nagi, nobody could have given more love to Dozer than you.
Your whole RTE community is thing of you and sending heartfelt love 💔💔💔
So sorry to hear this very sad news. He is a trooper, amazing how strong our fur babies are. Sending much love and condolences x
I hope Dozer gets better, and wish you all the best xx🥰❤️
Crying 😭 and absolutely devo for you Nagi. Sending you both my love. Dozer knows how much he is loved by you 🥰
I’m not sure if I’d I pressed submit…I’m such a mess! Sending love again xx💕💕
Nagi and Dozer,
It truly saddens my heart to hear. These days are the most difficult. However, Savor every moment they are most precious!
Dogs cN be surprising in life. My anerican staffordshire terrier has cancer. He is only 7. He is a strong willed fighter. As I know Dozer is.
God Bless
You are the BEST Dog Mom! My heart breaks for you 💔
It is a sad reality that our beloved pets who take up the most room in our hearts, have shorter lives than ours.
We feed them, play with them, care for them and love them with all the love we can find.
Final goodbyes are tough but their memories live in our hearts forever…speaking from experience.
Precious Dozer, we have so enjoyed Nagi sharing your antics.
Live life well dear boy
Aww Nagi.
No words…
Big big hugs to you and Dozer.
He’s a lucky doggie to have such a caring mom and you are a lucky owner to have such a brave , beautiful doggie.
Take good care 💕🐾🧡
Oh Nagi, I am SO SORRY. I would give you a large hug of commiseration if I were still living in Sydney. But from Melbourne all I can do is say you have aways been the best parent any beautiful dog could have. I am crying because of your coming grief.
😢 Much Love Beautiful Human! 🥰🌺xxx
I’ve been there ….. and my heart aches for you Nagi. So wise to take time off and concentrate on Dozer and looking after yourself.
Your fans will understand and wait for you.
Ah, Nagi, what to say. No matter if it’s a human or animal loved, one the feelings are so, so similar.
My heart aches for you. My son is going through this very same thing with Chloe, his much loved 15 year old cat.
Blessings. 🐘💕