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. ❤️
Thinking of you and your gorgeous Dozer. Enjoy all those wonderful cuddles together. Dozer will always be a part of you. Hugs to you both ❤️
Nagi my heart and strength go to you all, a big strong hug (virtually) to give some extra strength for you. You give him the BEST LIFE and I know he has given as much love in return to you. Keep smiling and lots of love to your little man.
Margie 🤗💗
Big hugs to you and Big D… I know it’s so tough to lose them, 💕 hearts and hugs
I have a soft spot for golden labs. Sending a big hug. Lovely to hear your family are pitching in.
I am quietly crying for you both and sending hugs from the other side of the planet.
You have given him a lovely life and he is a lucky dog.
We love you Dozer and Nagi!
I know how heavy your heart must be.
Sending you strength and love during this difficult time. 🐾💛
Oh I am so sorry It is so hard when they are sick. Sending healing and prayers for you both 🙏❤️
I could only read a few comments before my eyes filled with tears making it impossible to read anymore. Since my grand furbaby passed away last year, I’ve become such a cry baby reading stories like this and I feel the heartbreak all over again. I pray that Dozer recovers so you’ll have more time with him. Even if he’s lived a long life, like my grand furbaby, it’s still never enough time. Praying for good news in your next post. ❤️❤️❤️
You are the world of Dozer. I see you are giving him so much love and he knew it, too. Hoped never happened to see the final chapter, it’s breaking my heart.. I’m sending you both a lot of love 🙏
Like many of the others who have commented I also write this with tears in my eyes. I always skip to the end to read about what Dozer has been up to since your last post. It is never easy to say goodbye to your best friend but know that my love and thoughts are with you both as this stage comes closer. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all. Hugs to you both.
I’m so sad for you Nagi. What a bitter sweet time. Sending big love to you and your almost angel boy.
My thoughts are with you and Dozer. How fortunate he is to have you Nagi. I have loved following his life with you.
Dozer is the absolute definition of living your best life, and it’s all thanks to you, Nagi. I hope you can enjoy much of this final chapter with him, knowing how loved he feels. With love and best wishes xoxo
Dozer is truly blessed to have your love and care; you’ve given him all your heart and joy, and you have had love and affection in return.
Think off all the happy days.
My thoughts are with you, and you made me cry !
Sending thru love & hugs
Its a very sad time for you but know you’ve given dozer THE BEST life
Dear Nagi,
Your fans send their fondest love and know what you and Dozer are going through.
We had a Golden for almost 15 years. He was the best of companions. My husband writes books – law books – and Darcy would sit by his side and offer wise suggestion, so he got a mention in the book as ‘research assistant’!
When time came to say goodbye Darcy knew and we knew and we knew it was the last time. My husband wept. We drove up to the Downs to the relatives’ farm where he was buried next to the farm dogs and horses. He has his own painted bit of farm sandstone with his name on. He lives in our frequent mention of him. And so will Dozer!
With loving wishes from Brisbane
So sad .. we love them unconditionally, as they do us..
Have had many dogs over my 70 yrs and they were ALL special and knew they were loved
Sending so much love to Dozer and U Nagi. Poor little brave soldier and soo , soo cute even when sick. Feeling your heartache, hoping he improves to come home soon xx
Sending hugs , love & prayers to you both xx 😘
Sorry to hear Dozier is at his end of days! It’s so hard to loose a beloved k-9 family member. He’s been loved, he’s loved and he has fulfilled the measure of his creation by being your loving companion! When he crosses the rainbow bridge I believe he returns to the creator and will await your (hopefully long delayed) return to join with you in the next life! Sending love!
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer, I’ve loved and followed your recipes for a long time and Dozer is loved by so many of us. Thinking of the both of you, my heart is with you!