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. ❤️


I am so sorry to hear of Doser’s illness and your pain. I will keep you both close to my heart and in my prayers. Keep well,
Patrick
Over the last fortnight we had to put our two dogs, Lucky (JR+Terrier) and Dudley (Mini Foxy) both approximately 16 years to sleep within 4 days of each other. We are empty nesters these days and it feels like two pieces of the homes heart is missing. Our home is so quiet and empty without them. So fortunate to have had them and for so long. I enjoy looking at photos and videos of them which gives me comfort. Hope you get your wish with Dozer xx
Dearest Nagi
I’m so very sorry about your furbaby, Dozer. It’s so very hard to say goodbye to these special ones that share our lives for such a short time. Lots of love ,hugs and comfort to you both ❤️
My absolute love to you both, I. always love to read what Dozer is doing, He’s such a gorgeous soul. I will think and pray for you both during these hard times.
Oh Nagi i feel so sad for you and Dozer. I know you are hurting so much just now for your beautiful boy. He has brought you so much joy and unconditional love over the years which makes this time so much harder. He knows how much you love him. I’m crying writing this and remembering all my own fur babies. Take care.
My heart goes out to you and Dozer. I had to say goodbye to my beloved dog Rocket just two weeks ago. He was 13 1/2, and it wasn’t long enough. Sending Love and hugs to both of you.
So very sorry Nagi. It’s such a hard pill to swallow that grief is the price we pay for love ❤️
My heart is aching for you both. You have had a wonderful life together and in spirit that will go on forever. Having had my babies cross the rainbow bridge over the many years, each time holds no less pain and heartache. It literally is like losing a very loved family member. All my love and prayers are with you both.
We love you Nagi. And Dozer.
My heart aches 😢seeing the sadness in his eyes, knowing how much you will miss him. Please tell him, it’s ok to let go, you’ll be ok, and you’ll always have a special place in your heart.♥️
My heart is aching and the tears are running. Doggie lovers are a special group. We adore our wiggly butt fur babies ❤️🐾. They bring so much happiness and love. Enjoy every single moment, every hug and snuggle. Lots of hugs from my furbies – Winter, Summer & Ruby 🐾🐾
My wife and love your recipes and Dozer! Sad to see him fading. We have lost a few dogs over the years, it’s always sad. We waited a few years after our last one, Now we have a new love! We should have done it sooner.
Nagi, so sorry to see Dozer as he is. I realise you’ll be away from work to care for him but PLEASE don’t leave us in the dark on his progress. Just a line, he’s ok, or he’s not too good this week. I and I’m sure loads of people turn to the Dozer piece before the recipe. He’s your baby but we all worry about him too.
Sending hugs to you both.
So very sorry to read your notes Nagi. What a wonderful life Dozer has had, and will continue to have for a while, with you. So many amazing and fun memories for all of us to have shared with you along the way and no doubt countless others we didn’t see. Wishing you all the strength and positive thoughts. Sending love to you and massive hugs to your bundle of fluff, the one and only Dozer 🐾🐾
So I’ll join you with tears, as I remember each little furry cicle I’ve had the absolute pleasure, of having in my life. It sounds like Dozer hasn’t given up, and neither have you, so may you both be rewarded with a home coming and more many more cuddles with lots of yummy food!
Bless you Nagi, tough times. Massive grief equals a massive amount of love. Hugs to you at this time. Sounds like you have a lot of awesome people around you, that’s what keeps us all going. X Karen Hyett
Prayers and thoughts for both you and Dozer tonight and through this very special and hard time.
Thank you for sharing. Dozer is a very lucky dog to have had the life he has had. I lost my beautiful boy a year ago and think of him every day. His final illness was very quick, and while I was with him at the end, I wish I had had more the time to say goodbye properly. This time is precious for both of you, and it will make going forward easier, eventually. Love and hugs
No words for you –
You’re privileged to be able to love Dozer, unfortunately that is why it is so hard to say goodbye