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. ❤️
Dearest Nagi and bestest Dozer
You are Dozer’s whole world and as we shed lots of tears because we love him so much, he is with his Mum having lots and lots of cuddles.
xxxxxx
Sending hugs and love to you and Dozer. I’ve been in your shoes before and it’s hard to say goodbye to your family, there is no preparation for it.
If only our love could make them well and give them a longer life. Thinking of you and Dozer.
Margaret and Archie.
Hugs, Thoughts and many prayers to you both ❤️🐾🙏
Thinking of you. Hope you are able to spend some more precious days with Dozer. I enjoy seeing his ventures nd love how much a part of your lives he is.
Oh dear. I respect your positivty, going through that with Dozer must be very hard. Best wishes to you both.
I’m so sorry, and from personal experiance I know nothing I can do or say will make things go away, except that you, yourself know and realize you loved and cared and did all you could to make Dozers time a fun, enjoyable and loving experiance for him. God Bless.
Dearest Nagi and Dozer,
As many here have commented, I share both your joy and your pain. I have also written several last chapters with beloved animal friends. Here are two sentences that are a comfort to me:
From a letter written to me by my vet:
“We know this time will come when we choose to share our lives with beings whose lifespans are shorter than ours. The only pain worse than this is the thought of never having had them in our lives at all.”
And from Eckhart Tolle:
“I have lived with several Zen masters–all of them cats.”:
It seems to me that our animals teach us so much more than we ever teach them.
My heart is with you both.
Although your recipes are amazing and so simple to follow, as a fellow Goldie mum x 2, it was Dozer who really turned me into an RTE fanatic.
All my love to you and Dozer as you navigate your final chapter together on this plane.
Oh Nagi I’m so sorry it’s so hard isn’t it ? . Hope he can get home . And you can spend precious time together sending you love and hugs from the UK
Sending strength at this difficult time. Enjoy Dozer ❤️
Dear Nagi, my heart goes out to you, I’m typing this with tears in my eyes. Fingers and toes crossed for both you and Dozer. He’s an amazing fur and you’re an amazing mum. Stay strong. Big hugs and kisses to you both xoxo
Much much love to you all xx
I am sending you love and best wishes. Your beloved dog will try and keep going. You are doing so very well. Take care.
Lots of love and healing thoughts for you, Nagi. Honestly, sometimes I would skip the email recipe and go straight to your Dozer post. 🙂 I’ve lost fur babies twice and it’s hard. I’m glad you have a great support system.
Heartwrenching when the inevitable comes, my little boy is 16yrs & the thought fill’s me with dread but you Nagi will have beautiful memories along with the knowledge that you gave him ‘the best life’ & his stories enriched our lives. I hope he get’s to the beach one more time, love & a hug from myself & Wag-Z,
Dearest Nagi, Lots of love and hugs to you and of course especially Dozer. xx
Oh I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. Sending you both love and strength during this difficult time xx
We’re thinking of you both. A big hugsz from us to you and Dozer. ❤️
Dear Nagi, my heart goes out to you and Dozer. We love them so deeply and they us so profoundly. Having been through a similar journey all I know is that every minute is precious. Dozer has given so many people such joy. I hope your wish comes to pass and Dozer gets to spend some time at home. Sending hugs and love.
I am so sad to read this for you 😭😭😭😭