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. ❤️
Take all the time you need, Nagi. I hope you can feel all the love being sent your way for you and Dozer. ❤️
Such a beautiful pair, Nagi and Dozer. You both have brought so much joy to us all. Nagi And Dozer… Dozer and Nagi. Such a wonderful legacy.
Hi Nagi, Dozer is in my prayers & Im sending him healing light. Enjoy your time with your beautiful boy. Memories you have forever & he will always live on in your heart xx💕
It takes a lot of strength to go through what you, Nagi, are going through and still find the love and energy to keep the work going and everyone updated.
Dozer and you are in our thoughts. Here’s to a good final time. All the hope and love from Germany. <3
Sending you strength 🙏
Sending lots of love to you and your beloved Dozer x
Hope you get lots of cuddles in and get to feed him his favourite food. Big hug. So sad
Nagi I am so sorry for Dozers health issues God Bless him and keep him from suffering and having pain. I lost my Chi and it never goes away Take care andour fur babies mean more than family can imagine. Love to Dozer and thank you for sharing Dozer in you emails and books
Ms. Maehashi –
My name is Max Olack. I am 36 years old and sometimes I forget my age. I definitely don’t act it from time to time. I’ve lived and worked in Washington DC for the last decade of my life. I’ve been engaged to my fiancee for the last three years and we’re pretty much married, just too lazy to go to the courthouse and tie the knot. She bought your cookbook for me for my birthday some years ago and it changed my life. Not in the way you think – YES I started cooking more, cooking better, and more often. Suffice to say your book changed my whole look at food and the kitchen, really life now that I think about it.
But what really changed was because of your relationship with Dozer. The pictures of you two together and him getting treats and avidly looking at the food, it made me wonder why I wasn’t better. Because If I was doing more or I was a better version of myself, I could have a dog like Dozer and we could have some great food adventures too. So I started on a path of self improvement, with your cookbook and recipes as a base. I’ve never been the best at anything, but I’ve never given up so I hope this carrys me all the way up to the State Department one day. Right now I’m working on a contract with the Navy and trying to pay my way out of debt that I’ve been under for since I’ve come here to DC. I work three jobs and try to sneak in some volunteer time with the ASPCA and the other animal shelters when I can. I love dogs and I can tell Dozer loved you too, as much or even more than you loved him. He was a very good boy. I’ve been through what you are going through almost exactly. My dog Scooter had contracted bushings disease many years ago and it was a brief improvement, only to go downhill fast. We ended up saying goodbye too quickly. He loved the beach, and he definitely loved sneaking bites when my mom cooked food. As I sit here, it’s a little after 5am and it’s 22° outside. I’m going to walk a malamute and two huskies for extra cash, but I do it because those furry monsters help me feel happy, even though Scooter is gone.
Sometimes ma’am, it is very hard to get up and get out of bed when all you love and hold dear has left us. But I promise you there is another sunrise at the top of the hill, we all just have to have the heart to keep going. I Know dozer would want you to. And I do also. If you ever are in DC or you want a friend to talk to, please don’t hesitate – it gets stuffy here these days. But I am optimistic the world, and the people are for better days coming. Somehow, someway.
Max Olack
Senior congressional Liaison
United States Congress GAO
I’m here thinking of you Dozer and Nagi. You both lift my heart. Dozer you are so loved by us all and I’ve never met you. Legend you’ll live on. Nagi stay strong 😘
Sending love to you and Dozer, Nagi. Thank you for writing to let us know.
good wishes to dozer xx
Sending you big hugs. Dozer has lived his best life and his final days will be just as precious. We have loved him (and you) from afar. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. xx
Heart breaks for you.
I hope you and Dozer get your wish and some loving time together. 💛💛💛
So very very sorry to read about Dozer, I am praying for you both Nagi
Big hugs ❤️❤️🙏
Hi Nagi,
I feel you…. Be strong and take care!
Bless you and Dozer is a very lucky dog to be so loved xxxx
Thinking of you and your beautiful, sweet boy Dozer, and sending all of the love and strength your way, Nagi 💔
As a psychic medium (and former chef), Dozer will always be with you ♥️. The book “Signs:The Secret Language of the Universe” will help you to know that he will be waiting for you to reach out. It will be the next chapter of your life together 🦮 😊.
I’m so glad you’re taking some time away for yourself and your beautiful fur child Dozer. He’s so loved and is so lucky to have you as his mum! Take care we are thinking of you both x