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. ❤️
Nagi: Thank you for giving the BEST life to Dozer. You were the BEST and most PERFECT mom for him. No matter what Dozer chooses, I hope it is what he wants as he knows that he is so very loved.
Thank you so much for your heart and how you share. Please take the time you need with Dozer and may your heart be lighter when the time comes that Dozer is no longer in pain, he is free as a puppy again and that he enjoyed the life every pet/animal should with such tremendous love and happiness. Thank you for allowing us into your journey. We are behind the scenes supporting you!
Sending you love and positive energy!
The bonding, love and caring will never leave – I am sure precious Dozer is forever in your heart, and ours too . 💕
My heart breaks all over again 😢 so sorry to read that Doser is unwell. I lost my Charlie girl last year and my heart was torn. I miss her dearly. Give him all the hugs and love while you can. Sending big hugs your way Nagi 🥰😘
So many positive vibes and prayers going your way. I’m sobbing all the way here in western NY /our fur babies are our life. I’m praying Dozer gets another go around at home where you can spoil him greatly. Love you from afar buddy❤️
What a wonderful person you are and how we have loved all those posts about your beautiful amazing boy. You have kept him going with your love and total devotion ( a bit of medical help too!) and I so, so feel for you at this time. Sending you love and strength x x x
Nagi, my heart aches for you. Hearing about Dozer brought such sadness — our dogs are family, especially through the long, demanding days in the kitchen. I’m holding you both in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength and a miraculous turnaround. May this heavy moment be met with comfort and light.
— Mechelle in VA, USA
Sending you and sweet Mr. Dozer love with grace. You will know when it is the right time to do the hardest thing imaginable. Sending you prayers for the strength you will need. With hugs & ear-rubs. 💗
Sending love to you both, such a difficult time. I lost my boy 2 years ago , same age as Dozer . The loss is huge 🥲
Nagi, I discovered you 6 years ago….i encouraged my (then) fussy eating kids to be more adventurous with their food by letting them choose recipes from your website. The ‘Dozer button’ was a huge hit and always met with exclamations of how cute he is.
He is such a lucky dog to have you and be surrounded my so much love and care. Sending you all much love and strength. X
Sending love and hugs to both you and Dozer. Bless you both. Here’s to Dozer getting in all the love and cuddles from all his favourite people that he can. My heart is with you Nagi.
My heart bleeds for you Nagi. I wish Dozer a sustained improvement allowing some special time with you Nagi,
Love from Sue and Wilson ( a not so well, but always hungry 13 year old choc lab)
XX
Big hugs for you and Dozer from Canada. Xx
Dozen is a fighter, bless him! Best Wishes Nagi, may he keep fighting! Our animals mean so much to us, so precious! Xxx Lots of Love!
I cry with you. I lost my two 12 year old boys, standard poodles, this past year and still cry every day. But there is solace in knowing I will be with them again one day. Hang in there!
“You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8, NLT).
Dear Dozer & Nagi, tears pouring, heart breaking, love always for you both ♥️ the most precious time is the honour of being the love of each others lives 🙏 every animal that I have said goodbye to in my 70 years of life has been a bittersweet & privileged moment, emblazoned forever in my heart 💔 it isn’t the end, it is simply a different journey where love may meander awhile until you meet again ♥️ your love story has no end x
I just started bawling. I do not often cry anymore, but this hits hard.
There is nothing more beautiful than the love of a animal, but damn it is hard in the end. Sending big love!!
Praying that you are able to take Dozer home. We have 16 and 17 year old dogs who are failing and we know the grief you must be feeling. Praying also for the skill of the Vet ICU team.
Enjoy every second with your special boy. We lost our gorgeous girl a week ago today – the pain is immeasurable. Sending love and hugs to you both x
We’ve been there recently and it’s heartbreaking. Make the most of the precious time with him. He will be with you always no matter what happens x
Sending so much comfort and love to you and Dozer. You are both so blessed to have such a strong bond and so much love for each other. I understand the final chapter and the loss of fur family. It is devastating. My heart is with you.