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. ❤️
There are no words ❤️ xx
I am so very happy, truly grateful our Little Prince has lived his royal life with honour and happiness thanks to you.
And, I grieve with you on a level words cannot convey. XOXO
So, so sorry Nagi. Thinking of you both and sending much love.
I’m tearing up reading this and thinking of all the joy he has brought not only to those directly in his life, but all of us who love him and you from afar!! Take care of yourself and extra hugs to you both!!
My heart aches for you both at this difficult time. Sending love and strength as you support Dozer to the end. He will always be with you wherever you are – safe in your heart.
Sending prayers, love & hugs to you and Dozer, he’s just always been there ❤️ i hope you get to take him home and make those memories. We love you Dozer 💞💞💞
Much love to you and Dozer.
Sending you a hug and Dozer a gentle pat. I know how tough it is when a pet is at this point in their life x
Sending you and Dozer lots of love and hugs xx
When our beloved pets become family to us it’s so hard to realize we are going to lose them. Their lives are so much shorter than ours. Years after we had to say “goodbye” to our very much loved Jack Russell, I still have moments when memories of her bring tears to my eyes. Dozer will always be a tender memory for you. It helps to know he had such a wonderful, happy life with you.
Thinking of you, a parent of a fur baby.
My cat had an itchy episode and I could not bear to see her in that condition but she is now better. I have lost 2 and still remember the joy they brought me and the sadness I experienced when they were suffering. So I know what you are going through. The goal is to ensure that you do whatever you have to do to make her comfortable. It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
I know what its like to have your pet go through an illness and then pass away. Questioning am I doing the right thing constantly taking her to the vet squeezing every bit of life and togetherness I can get with her. Am I being selfish. I just cant let her go. She cant talk and tell me how much pain she is in. Is she happy. She passed away over night one evening and I thank God for allowing her to be in our lives and she is dearly missed.
I have only been with you a short while, just a few months, but have so enjoyed reading about Dozer – and your recipes of course! I am English, from London, but when I retired I moved to Andalucia in Spain, thirty minutes inland from the coast. I am vegetarian and have been so for around forty years and have found lots of lovely recipes on your website. Having lost my 17 year old cat last year I understand so much what you are going through. I am sending you and Dozer much love from across the world and I hope he finds the strength to pull through x
All the beautiful posts of Dozer you have brought him into our lives too. The obvious have for him is insurmountable and we love and adore him too. My heart aches for what you are going through. I was lucky and had my heart dog Holly for 14.9 years so feeling the tearing of your heart whilst Dozer is unwell.
Know we are all here lifting you up giving you strength to share every waking moment with you boy.
Much love to you both 🐾🧡🐾🧡🐾
Such sad news. Spend time with dear Dozer. Thinking of you
So sad to read this, big love and strength to you. Our four legged family members are such important parts of our lives that everything else can wait ♥️
Thinking of you and your precious pup at this very difficult time. Lots of love to Dozer and hoping he gets to have that time at home with you💝🐕💕
So sad to know you and Dozer are having such a rough time. Know you are in our thoughts as you take this time away. Hugs to you
Sending love and hugs to you both. Such a special boy that we have all loved from afar. They fill our hearts with joy and love and break them too. Memories to treasure.
So sad and sorry to hear about Dozer … such a lucky boy to have had you as his family 🩵 we do know how these stories end and while it’s heartbreaking, in time you’ll smile when you think of him … lots of hugs 🐶🐾🩵
We know that feeling all to well – had to say goodbye to 4 of our beloved furry pups over the years and a true dog lover knows – you never forget them. I sincerely hope he pulls through. Wishing you both all the best.On a baking note: I baked 2 of your cake recipes over the weekend for a 50th bday. Vanilla and Choc cake combo (top deck 🙂 ….they were great!!