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. ❤️


Sorrry…
Prayers and love to you both – and to all your family and RTE/RTM team….I am sure they all love him like crazy just like we readers do <3
Treasure and enjoy your time with you fur baby.
Love to you both.
🥹 I can’t even speak, I am so sad to think what you and Dozer are going through right now!!
All those wonderful years of joy that he had brought us all, especially you Nagi!!!!!
🥰
My eyes are leaking just reading this. It is so so hard to let go of a beautiful soul mate. I’ve been there 3 times and it doesn’t get easier. Thinking of you Nagi and hoping the moments you share with Dozer bring you both loads of love and comfort.
So sorry you are going through this horrendous time with your beautiful furbaby Dozer.
My thoughts and hugs are coming your way
When the time comes please be nice to yourself as it will be a terrible loss for you and all the family and staff
Take care thinking of you both xx
Hi Nagi, greetings from Cape Town, I’ve missed you guys. So sorry that you’re going through this. Please give Dozer extra hugs and kisses. Take care of yourself. Sending you all the love.
Oh dear – poor you Nagi and poor Dozer . Hope your last days together are very special .
Thank you for sharing the wonderful life of Dozer with us. What a privilege it is to be your beloved Pup. Sending love and healing thoughts for Dozer to come home and be surrounded by his favorite people and things once more. ❤️
My heart breaks for you, Nagi — stay strong, girl. 💔
We’ve all grown to love Dozer, our four-legged friend, and he truly holds a special place in so many hearts. Thank you for keeping us updated on his progress — it means so much to all of us who care.
Sending big hugs to you and gentle cuddles to our brave Dozer. 🐾💛
Oh Nagi. I know your pain only too well. I lost my beloved Aussie Terrier 11 weeks ago. He was one month shy of his 9th birthday. He had been off his food for a week or so & was getting increasingly lethargic. I dropped him off at the vets never thinking I wouldn’t be taking him home again that afternoon. He had cancer in his spleen and his lungs. I’m still missing him & think of him daily. He never complained & was just happy to be around us as I’m sure Dozer is with you. They give you so much love & joy. Treasure him.
Nagi, what a great life Dozer has had, such a joyful BF thank you for sharing his life with us all, the wonderful moments and memories.
Thank you
I’m sure he has beautiful dreams when napping thinking of you and his friends and the fun of it all…bet he has secret smiles
..sending love to you both
Hey Dozer, hang in there buddy. Your mamma Nagi has done an amazing job and I know you’re trying hard, you have had a wonderful life with Nagi. The photos and the updates that you have given us Nagi, is like Dozer is part of our families too. Thinking of you during this difficult time and praying that you have some wonderful last moments with your precious boy. He has the right idea with the popsicles especially in the warm weather. Take care… Dozer we love you….💖 Nagi am glad that you have great support around you to allow you to spend as much time with Dozer as you can.
I’ve been following you for years way b4 ur books
Im heartbroken for ypu Dozer seems an x special pup ypu have both been blessed xx
I subscribed to your emails many years ago and I must confess I never looked at the recipes, I was only there for the Dozer pictures.
After a year or so I started looking at the recipes as well and you have been my go-to ever since.
So sorry that Dozer has been unwell.
I hope you can take comfort in the knowledge that you have given him the absolute best life a dog could have, and he must know that he is totally loved.
Much love to you xx
May you have the peace and tranquility to know that Dozer has lived a full and pampered life. I think anyone who routinely accesses your website has been privileged to virtually watch him grow into the powerhouse he has become. I will admit that most times, before reading your latest recipe, I will check Dozer’s latest adventures. Know that he will be missed by people around the world.
What a blessed life Dozer has had and equally blessed are you Nagi for having him in yours! Thank you for sharing. Sending big hugs
Lots of love is coming your way Nagi and the hope that Dozer can recover and come home to enjoy his life with you again.
Bless you, Nagi and bless Dozer. I am so sorry for the sadness you are feeling right now. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Xx
So Sorry -hope you find comfort in these difficult times, wishing you everything good.