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. ❤️
You are such an amazing and inspiring fur momma and you and Dozer are so lucky to have found each other. My thoughts are with you both and I hope you make some more wonderful memories together. Thinking of you in Canada with my own goldem retriever fur baby by my side.
Nagi, I’m so sorry. My heart truly aches for you. Dozer has been so loved by so many of us, and it’s clear he’s had the most beautiful life by your side. Please know you’re in my prayers, and you’re not alone in this grief.
Sending big hugs to both of you
Dearest Nagi and Dozer, So many of us have been where you are right now so we share your pain and tears. Dozer has touched more lives than you can possibly count. We will all miss him though never as much as you, and I thank you for sharing him with us on these pages. Sending loving hugs to both of you from the (brutally cold) US. ❤️ ❤️
I pray Dozer makes his journey over the rainbow bridge with your loving guidance. You are a beautiful soul just like Dozer. God bless you and your family. If we didn’t have fur babies, our lives would be empty. Have a blessed day. Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with Dozer.
I’ve said goodbye to 8 fur babies: 7 dogs, 1 cat. I now have a grand doggie and grand kittie currently having a sleepover! Animal family is the best. So sad for you. ❤️
I am so sorry to hear that Dozer is not well. Our hearts go out to you both. Big heartfelt hugs from us all. Xxxxxxxxx
im crying with you xx
Nagi, I feel words are never quite enough. Please fill your heart up with all Dozers love and he will always be with you. Thoughts of love and care to both of you
What a beautiful mummy you have been. Peace be with you Dozer. Much joy you have brought to this community, both of you.
Dear Nagi and Dozer,
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
May this time together be a blessing
Dozer is awesome. I loved hearing about his antics. Keeping you and Dozer in my prayers. Here’s an Irish verse for you
“Death leaves a heartache
No one can Heal
Love leaves a memory
No one can steal”.
Dear Nagi,
Loving and being loved by a devoted dog is one of life’s greatest pleasures. In my 84 years, I’ve said goodbye to 7 treasured pets. iIt’s wrenching every time, but our lives would be immeasurably poorer if we’d never had those years together. Sending so much love to you and Dozer now.💕🤗
It is the hardest thing to except when our fur babies fall ill or their time with us comes to an end. I so believe our babies are always by our side…and you can feel their live and presence always. LOVE and HUGE hugs being sent.
Chief Taste Tester Dozer! We’ve loved every recipe your paws have touched, thank you for your hard work over the years. Hope you make enough of a recovery to get a long deserved retirement around your favourite people… no no, not your favourite people at SASH, your favourite people at home!
Nagi.. the hardest thing anyone in a dogs life has to do. This chapter is never easy. Glad you’re taking time out to spend it where it’s most important. Thinking of you both xx
So sorry about Dozer. I look forward to your e-mails and will miss the anecdotes. and posts about him. He will always be in your heart. Thanks you for sharing with us.
Dear Nagi, so sorry to hear about your sweet Dozer. Big hugs to you both ❤️.
I am crying so hard I had to go out and come back to this post. Losing a fur-baby is devastating. When our old girl passed away last year, we had Laps of Love come to our home. She gently went to sleep in her human Mama’s arms. I believe I will see her again, as you will Dozer.
Oh Nagi. 😢
I’d wondered if this was the reason for the lack of your jaunty emails and the always must-check-first Life of Dozer. I even went so far as to look to see if I had missed something.
Yes, it is what every pet parent knows. Yet even that isn’t sufficient to dissuade us from bringing another into our homes and hearts, but only when we’re ready of course.
While every four-legged family member leaves footprints on our heart, those of us who found our lives less fulfilled if we don’t have another will continue to do it despite knowing… 💔
The arms of your incredible community are wrapped around you in a warm hug as you take the last walk with Dozer.
I’ve seen this quote numerous times and I’m sending it to you as a wee bit of balm for your broken heart:
When tomorrow starts without me,
don’t think we’re far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I’m right here in your heart.
One final comment:
Remember to look after yourself. Dozer is in good hands and needs you to be with him but he knows you can’t give him all the love and hugs he needs if you’re not at your best. (Best. Best?!? What on earth is that crazy woman saying? Best is something I’ll not see for a long while as I try to heal my broken heart and contemplate a world without my best buddy at my side.)
Cat
Cat, you made me smile, laugh and remember all at the same time. I lost my best big boy Badge exactly 2 months to the day. Everything you so eloquently put is true. There isn’t really a best but there is another part and new aspect to you. They will always hold a piece of our hearts and memories. I have also been dreading this post from Nagi. The saddest of times for those who have loved a dog who are also our heart x
Prayers and hugs. I can hardly breathe, knowing your state of mind. Much love to you and to that furry boy.
Nagi, you’re both in my heart as you go the last mile together. The loss will be huge, but I know that there are a million people holding you both as well, and saying farewell to a favourite friend.