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 hugs and prayers.
I was bawling and sobbing like a baby upon reading this. Am so sorry to hear this. It is never easy. We have all been there at one point or another. Hoping you will have some more moments together. Am no sorry, Nagi. Enjoy him while you can.
Oh Nagi my heart is breaking as I read this. What a life it’s been for you both. Dozer has been cherished by us all ❤️
Dearest Nagi & Dozer,
We will keep you in our prayers during this time. Dozer has been a blessing that you kindly shared with all of us. Sending you all our love. XX
I’m so sorry about the decline in Dozer’s health, he’s been in my kitchen with your recipes for many years now. My heart goes out to you and your family, we have two old dogs here and I’m dreading having to go through what you’re going through now. The nurses and staff at SASH here on the Gold Coast are wonderful, so loving and caring, they’re helping us and our beautiful dogs through a very difficult time. Lots of love and hugs, Marilyn
I’m so sorry to hear Dozer is not doing well, your update has me in tears right now. I know the precious love we have for our four-legged fur family.
You and Dozer will be in my thoughts, much love to you both xx
All the best to you and Dozer. In a remote way, I have shared him with you, and my heart hurts for the both of you.
Oh Nagi x Thinking of you both – take all the time you need to enjoy these precious moments with your beautiful boy x
I only have best wishes for you and Dozer. My thoughts and prayers for a rapid recovery.
Sorry Nagi. Our 17 year old miniature poodle, Buddy is in a similar situation. He badly needs teeth out. We have to be guided by the Vet.
Best wishes.
Heartfelt thoughts to you Nagi. Biggest hug to your beautiful Dozer 💙
My heart aches for you … and Dozer … it is so hard …he is so loved ….♥️
Love you Dozer. Sending SO MUCH LOVE AND HUGS to you and your wonderful mom. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
My prayers are with you and Dozer. That you get extra time for cherished memories. He is so sweet, so loved and so lucky he has you and you him. All my love and good thoughts sending you way ❤️! My Golden boy sends his love!❤️
My heart breaks for you and as I type this, tears are streaming down my face. I have come to love Dozer, and shall miss him when he’s gone. They say that grief is the price we pay for love – but does it have to hurt so much?
Cried so much to read this post Nagi. Big hugs to you both.
Sending love and strength to you all. You’re in our hearts and thoughts x
Thank you for sharing. It’s a sad time for you but so good that you can take him home and spend time with him. Thinking of you from New Zealand. French food for a while?? Hmmm… I’m sure it will be great.
May your memories , good times and love with Dozer always be close in your heart
So terribly sad to see ur darling fading away -😭😰