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. ❤️
Oh Nagi this breaks my heart. It is so so hard to lose a beloved fur baby. We had to make thy heartbreaking decision when we put our beloved 18 year old Jack Russell down a few years ago. It’s never easy. It literally broke my heart. Sending you and Dozer all our love during this really difficult time. Give him a hug from me!
Sharon xx
Hi Nagi,
Having owned 2 beautiful goldies, I feel your distress knowing that amazing relationship is coming to an end. Its 8+ years since we lost one, folllowed not long after the other.
We talk about them all the time (still!), cant walk past a goldie without a chat to the owners and a pat if its agreeable.
Sending you best wishes – xxx
Sending much love to you and Dozer.
My thoughts are with you Nagi, and Dozer sending love and big sloppy kisses and hugs💙🐾🐾💜
My black Lab, also a Dozer, turned 14 last November. He is physically pretty good but is stone deaf and I am sure he has mild dementia, gets very anxious if I go out and sleeps a very great deal. Every morning I have to look carefully to make sure he is still breathing (unless he is snoring!!) but I am blessed that he is still with me. I do feel for you at this time and wish only the best for both you and your beautiful Dozer.
My heart breaks for you and Dozer
You have shared so much love with us and I can only thank you. Lulu my beautiful fur friend and I send love hugs and cyber support. Please remember to look after yourself during this difficult time knowing that so many of us have truely appreciated your posts sharing the wonderful life you have shared together
Fur babies are the best…
Dear Nagi, my best wishes, it’s always the hardest decision. Dozer will be in a better place❤️🙏
Sending lots of love to you and Dozer. Sending healing energy for some more quality time at home.
Dearest Nagi~
I just read about Dozer and the recent health challenges he’s had to overcome. Our fur babies are our Ohana (family in Hawaiian) and I want you to know that you and Dozer are part of mine. You’ve brought me much joy these past years. I hope and pray that Dozer recovers. Take care ❣️
So sorry to hear about Dozer’s ill health, Nagi. He is so loved by so many and he’s so lucky to have you as his Mum 💗 sending lots of love and pats ❤️🩹
Reading your post made me cry Dozer has certainly made a huge impact on so many ,seeing him enjoying his life beside you ,its a difficult time moving forward but with you beside him Love is Everything🤍
Oh Nagi my heart bleeds for you. The tears just flowed & still is flowing as I’m typing this message. I remember you & Dozer from many years ago & you were just a food blogger. How time has flown. Too many memories to write about. You have my greatest sympathy as I too lost my lab, Sandy, last year & I’m still finding when I’m cooking that I call her to lick out a bowl or pot. Best of luck to you. It’s not easy but the two of you made some beautiful memories together that we all were most grateful that you shared with us. More words cannot describe how I feel for you. Yours sincerely, Wilma Meiring, Gqeberha (new name for Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa.
The pain of grief is just as much part of life as the joy of love: it is perhaps the price we pay for love, the cost of commitment. You loved him and he loved you.
Nagi, my heart is breaking for you. Much love to you and Dozer x
I also had to say goodbye to my beautiful sparkles yesterday we had the pleasure of her life for 17 years. Unbeknown to me she came from a puppy farm in Newcastle. We gave her an excellent life was much loved.
Saying goodbye is very important and hard.
Big huggles to Dozer & you. Sending an abundance of love, positive energy x
Dear Nagi,
We are thinking of you as your lovingly care for Dozer. I hope he is comfortable and you are OK. Such an emotional and difficult time for you.
You are an inspiration to so many and in so many ways. XX
So sorry to hear your very sad news Nagi. Thinking of both of you and Dozer as you make this final precious journey together.
Heartbroken for you Nagi.
We lost our beloved Lily on August 4th last year and it was so very hard saying goodbye.
Dozer is loved so much by you and knows it so take comfort in that. Sending you love and hugs at this time. Xx
Wishing Dozer all the best. I lost my best friend a few years ago and still miss him to this day.