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. ❤️
Sending lots of love to you and Dozer. Fur babies are so loved, I happy you are able to be by his side.
It is so sad when you know you have to finally let your fur baby go, but the immense joy Dozer has given to you, and to your cooking family across the world will hopefully give you a little comfort. Sending you a long silent hug. No words necessary ❤️💔❤️
Wiping back happy tears
Sending you so much love and hugs, Nagi and Dozer. I had the privilege of meeting you and Dozer at your Warringah Mall book signing for “Tonight”. I always look forward to Dozer tales as much as your recipes, etc. Treasure every moment being by Dozer’s side. Thinking of you both very much with love. ❤️
Oh Nagi my heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing your best friend with us, the good, the sad, the silly. It is truly such a special privilege to share our lives with our pets, for us they are a far too short chapter and for them we are the entire book
Sending hugs to you, dozer and all the RTM/RTE teams.
Ohhhh Nagi I’m so sorry to read this. Big squishy hugs to you and Dozer.
Dear Nagi, my deepest sympathy.i love your receipts but I also love seeing Dozers beautiful face as well. Biggest hugs to you both ❤️
Oh Nagi we lost our beautiful dog 🐕 Jessi 17 years ago old and miss her every day 🧡🥰enjoy your special day moments and memories love to you both Dee Dee ps always pick up your recipes veg lasagna is my favourite ❤️ thank you xx
Send love to both you and Dozer ❤️
So much love to you and Dozer in this hard time 🫶🏻 your post brought me to tears and straight away I went and gave my Raffy a cuddle and he licked my tears away. Dogs are so special! Thinking of you both. Stay strong and all the best 💕
Such sad news sending prayers and big hugs to you and your beloved Dozer
Just about anyone who’s owned a pet can empathise. Toughest part of loving a living creature is seeing the suffering and saying the final goodbye.
I Wish Dozer whatever is the best for him. I wish you all the strength. It is so hard and painful seeing others that we care suffering. I am sending a huge hug and a kiss to you both.
Nagi it’s never easy when you have an older doggie (my border collie is nearly 15!) but I’m sending you both lots of love and ice pops and prayers for more time at home. Xx
Oh Dozy. He’s like Australia’s dog he’s brought so much joy to people! Thank you so much for sharing his moments with us. I’ve been checking for updates on him frequently. As a goldie owner myself and having parted with two before, I know this is so hard right now. They are the bestest boys and girls. Stay strong, both of you.
No words. Only love. 😢🥰
My heart is breaking for you. Our pets are our family and give us unconditional love. Sending love and positive energy to Dozer, you and your family 🐶🫶🙏
My heart is breaking. Dozer is such a character and following his antics has been such a joy. Thank you Nagi, for sharing him with us all, it has been magical! Sending so, so much love to you both. Give Dozer a big kiss & cuddle from me xxxx
“My sunshine doesn’t come from the sky, it comes from the love that’s in my dogs eyes” 💖
All my love going to you and Dozer,and your family 💞💞💞