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
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. ❤️
❤️❤️❤️
My heart breaks for you, the love you have for Dozer, well it’s just special, he’s been one lucky boy to have you as his Mum, much love to you both.
Dozer the love and joy and life of the party of @recipetineats, the joy he brings to every recipe and every page opened in our ‘Dinner’ ‘Tonight’ oozes Dozer, he will be forever in many hearts the little fighter he is
Before I even got to your words I was teary from the headline and photo of you with Dozer. It is more than 30 years since our much loved irish wolfhound reached the end of his life. Paddy passed away in my arms and I remember it so clearly. It was a deeply sad day and there still is a very big Paddy-shaped hole in my heart and there always will be.
Hugs to you and to Dozer.
So sorry that you are facing the final farewell with Dozer.
You have given him the best life; he could not have been more loved and not could you. I wish you the courage to face it, the strength to make his going as calm and loving as it can be and all the tissues in the world for what comes after. ❤️🩹
Oh Nagi there are no words and number to the tears losing your best friend & companion so completely. A million of us grieve with you, even though it doesn’t offer comfort….
So very sad to lose your best friend/mate. My heart goes out to both you and the family/recipetin eats family who will surely miss him terribly, but memories of his happy days will always be with you.
Dozer is such a big part of Recipe Tin Eats, love the photos of him in your books. I think anyone who has or has had a dog in their lives completely understands the love we have for our dogs, and the love our dogs give us. There is nothing like it.
My thoughts are with you as you go through this time, no sugar coating, it is the pits…. you will never regret this time you are spending with your precious boy, Thinking of you,
I was devastated to hear about Dozer, he is a beautiful soul and I pray that he will come through this terrible time, hang in there Nagi, no words will make this any easier for you
Sending you all the love xx
Dear Nagi & Dozer, sending you both HUGS and strength through this final chapter. xox
Sending lots of love and special hugs to you and your beautiful Dozer xxxxx
Nagi The unconditional love between you and Dozer is so beautiful and special.
Xx
Some of the million tears are coming from your many followers who are so grateful that you have shared your love for Dozer. In a world that seems to increasingly more worrying, our dogs are a ray of much needed sunshine. Sending love to you all.
I have never had a dog but seeing you and Dozer over the years has been heartwarming.
So sorry to learn this news
Keep strong Joy
So sad.xx
Nagi
I am so sad your fur baby is looking for his rainbow, just know we have also loved him thru all your posts
Take care of yourself in these difficult few days
Much love to you and Dozer
Irene
Thinking of you both. In my thoughts and prayers. They love you unconditionally.
Take care.
Dear Nagi and Dozer. This news comes just 2 weeks after I had to say Goodbye to my faithful companion of 15 years, Tiger the Cat. He was like having another person in the house. He travelled with me from Sydney to Queenstown NZ when he was 14. Travelled like a pro and settled in straight away as if he’d always lived here. My heart aches for you Nagi because I know how difficult this time is. I’ve loved reading Life of Dozer over many years now. He’s a great dog and has made many people happy. You’ve given him the best life imaginable. Spend all the time you need with him. He deserves it. You are both tucked into a little corner in my heart as you go through this journey together. All my love to you both. xxxx ❤️❤️
I’ve enjoyed many of your photos of dozer. They always bring a smile to my face. My heart goes out to you as we lost our beloved Henry age 13 last year.. I hope is able to go home and spend his time with his loved ones ♥️