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 you both hugs and cuddles at this difficult time. He has brought so much joy . Xx
Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer’s struggle. Our wiggle butts become such a part of the family. Prayers out for you and Dozer, love sent.
Nagi, my thoughts are with you and darling Dozer. I know what you are going through as I have experienced this myself. Our pets are family and give us so much joy, love and loyalty. Lots of pats, ear scratches and hugs (for D0zer) xx
Oh Nagi. Such sad news to hear about your faithful loving companion, Dozer. I have very much enjoyed reading about and seeing his antics over the years. Sending hugs to you both. 🐕😘××
So sorry Nagi, words are never enough to heal the heart break, just wanting to say thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us. So many lovely memories and Dozer will always be synonymous with you Nagi. Hugs to you both.
All my love and hugs to you and Dozer at this time. My husband had to put our 3 beautiful fur babies down over a period of three years and it broke our hearts. I still miss them greatly. Our Moe lived to 18 years. Our boys Toby and Tyler 16 years. I’ve loved watching Dozer enjoy your recipes as much as I and my family have. All my love at this time. Lots of hugs to Dozer
Dear Nagi, sending love and prayers to you and your family family. I’ve just travelled the same with my little Boston little mooch got her wings and one day we will meet up together in heaven.
Your precious Dozer will see others who have crossed the rainbow bridge before him.
Dozers 13 and a 1/2 years have been filled with pure love and devotion and in return you for him. Please give him a big hug from me , and I’m sending a virtual hug from me. God bless you Nagi
Nagi, I know the days feel long right now, and the quiet moments might feel filled with worry. But please try to remember that even in this, Dozer doesn’t feel ‘unlucky.’ He feels loved. To him, every day spent by your side is the greatest gift he could have ever received. You are his hero, his protector, and his best friend.
Please be as gentle with yourself as you are with him. You are carrying a heavy burden of care, and it’s okay to feel exhausted, sad, or even overwhelmed. I am holding you both in my heart and sending you, and your sweet Dozer, all the peace and strength in the world. Hugs to you both
Bless you Nagi and Dozer thinking of you both and so glad Dozer can enjoy an ice pop and so glad that you are so well supported by so many. This is first time I have posted but have enjoyed your website and wonderful recipes for many years. Libby from Christchurch NZ
So heartbreaking when our fur babies get sick. Sending my deepest heartfelt thoughts to all. Xx
Dear Nagi,
I was crying and reading this.
My heart truly breaks for you. I know what you are going through.
Take care Nagi.
There are people around that love you.
Don’t stay strong, let it out.
Thank you for sharing Nagi, and my thoughts are with you. It is unfortunately the inevitable, as you say, but doesn’t make it any easier xx
Dozer – thank you for cheering up my life with your cute pictures your mum share with us, all the best and Phoenix (my Am Staff cross) will be thinking of you xx
Much love,
Winnie and Phoenix
Big hugs to the both of you – please take all the time you need! Enjoy as many of these moments as you can, Dozer will be grateful for this time as well 💙
I just wanted to say I am so sorry for both of you – such a team, such a lovely relationship. You have both brought so much joy into so many lives by your cheerful love for each other. Take care Nagi you are amazing and my love and thoughts are with you through this difficult time. Dozer – you were so lucky to find Nagi and may you go lightly friend xx
Weep away. Dozer will always be with you in spirit and fun and fond memories. He will take a piece of your heart with you. You have given him the best life he could ever have wished for. Such a lucky DAWG. You will miss him so – but what an amazing run at life. Thanks for all the joy Dozer.
Nagi and Dozer I wish you both Bon courage. Losing a very loved being two legs or four is devastating. I hope you find comfort in being with him until he crosses the bridge. With much love from SWFrance
It is just 14 months since I lost my Arnold and watched him cross the rainbow bridge. I and all your readers are with you as this battle unfolds. As you have shared your life with dozer on these pages, I can only hope that our support at this time can help you! God bless!
Nagi, at this stage every day is precious, every hour is precious. You will see Dozer through with boundless amounts of love and care for him. Remarkably, everything becomes clearcut because only one thing matter: doing your best for him. I truly hope Dozer has some time at home… and more ice pops! You both have a beautiful bond. You are both so lucky to have so much love for each other.
Oh Nagi I feel so deeply for you at this sad and very real time of grief. I am in tears as I type. My own grief is still raw. We lost our beautiful 11.5 year old German Shepherd, Marvin, only 13 months ago (but who’s counting?) Sending lots of love to you and Dozer.
Praying for your beautiful fur baby. Lost my sweet Westie last November. Wouldn’t wish it on anybody. Keep strong. Give him hugs from all of his fans. Love to you both.