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. ❤️
So happy to hear all is well, to lose your dog is so hard. Heaps of love. xx
Sending lots of love and hugs to you both. XXX
When Dozer pass on his spirit wil not leave you, but will stay with you until you meet again…just like another angel.
All my love to you Nagi and Dozer, you both give us all joy and happiness. xxxx
I know. Our beautiful Tess was 16, I still look at her photo daily as it’s on the kitchen dresser, even though it’s been 20 years my sons have wonderful memories of life with a (good) doggo. Stay strong.
We are all thinking of you, but what a wonderful life he has had with you by his side.
Whether it’s your first time going through it, or your 20th…. The end with our beloved pets doesn’t get easier. Their lives all matter so much. Your love for your beautiful boy was what drew me to your page to begin with, and what a very lucky boy he is to have had such love in his life. We’re all thinking of you both, and wish you both love and light in this life and whatever lies waiting for us after. ♥️
Dear Nagi,
Do know that your darling Dozer will cross the Rainbow Bridge when it is his time and til then you have given him the most wonderful life.
To see the love you show him is heartwarming. He is a lucky boy to have such a loving person to care for him.
Dozer has indirectly been a small part of our lives as followers of RTE’s bringing lots of smiles to so many.
Sending cyber hugs to you and Dozer. Best wishes to your whole team as they step up to keep the business running. Honestly, we don’t mind if RTE skips a few weeks of new recipes/emails..we completely understand. Family is so important, stay close to Dozer x
I am so sorry to hear this… I am in tears. I have followed the life of Dozer for years, and his stories have given me joy alongside your delicious recipes. He is truely lucky to have had such a wonderful life filled with so much love and delicious treats! Go in peace Dozer… you have touched many around the world, and you are dearly loved. Sending love and strength to you both. xo
Sending much love to you and Dozer and of course the whole RTE family.
Have as many cuddles as you can, you got this!
🥰
Dearest Nagi,
Dozer has been in my thoughts from the time I saw your post of him back in hospital… Dozer has been in our lives for so long and he is family… to the Nagi World. Thinking of you… dog lover like you, it is never easy… please give Dozer lots of hugs and do all the things he loves.:: big hugs to you as you have to be strong for both you and Dozer. Xoxo
Oh that makes me so sad. Happy-sad. Sending you all the love in your last chapter, from me and my also adored golden girl, remy
Omigosh, Nagi! I’m so sad…. This reminds me far too much of our beloved Jelly Bean, our lovely Labrador, in the last days of her life at 14.5 years old. All she wanted to eat was snow outside in frigid Calgary, Alberta in November 2024. You have a household of humans here, along with Jelly Bean’s daughter, Java, sending you warm hugs (and num nudges from Java). We wish Dozer some loving days ahead with you – at home.
We love love love you and Dozer. You are part of our family 🙂 He has had such a wonderful life thanks to you and all your love. Thank you for sharing all your love, tears, and heartache. We always love hearing from you and Dozer. All the best to you both always! Sending lots of love, hugs, prayers, and light! xoxo
Sending you and Dozer so much love right now Nagi.
Oh dear. Much love to you and Dozer.
We feel for you, having had to say goodbye to our Saffie in November, years earlier than we’d hoped. But we know it was the right decision, letting her go at peace in the sun surrounded by those she loved, rather than in great pain.
And to bring it back to food, and hopefully a smile, my daughter also insisted on giving her a final treat – a taste of the chocolate she always wanted, but was never allowed to have. She enjoyed it a great deal.
This is such a difficult time Nagi, Dozer is family and your baby. I can tell that he is much loved by many. Just be there for him in his time if need as I can tell you are. Love to you both