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. ❤️


Tears of empathy for you and Dozer. You’ve had a friend beyond measure, how wonderful to have shared so much together. .. as my husband and I say …..the power of a dog !!!💝🐕
My gosh, my heart 💔 Our little family have had you and your beautiful boy in our thoughts – even today, my daughter pointed out excitedly from the shopping trolley that she’s “spotted Doza-Dog!” and pointed to your cook book on the shelf.
Sending endless love, hugs and strength to you during this time.
If the length of a life is based on kindness and love, dogs would live forever. 🐾🌈❤️🩹
You have given the most him the most beautiful life..🙏🏻
Arms around you and Dozer.
I am so sorry for you Nagi. Our beautiful pets are so much a part of our life and it is so sad to say farewell. Take care and look after yourself.
I’m bawling my eyes out I’ve been there 🦴🍷❤️🩹💛🧡 a bone fir Dozer and a wine fir and a million hugs for you all
Dear Nagi,
Dozier was so lucky to have a great Mom/Owner like you, who appreciated him, cared for him, and made him feel special.
❤️
Oh Nagi! I am so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for you and Dozer. I’ve followed you almost since the beginning. And I’ve enjoyed following the wonderful life of Dozer and his cameo appearances on BHG Aust. You’ve given him the best life and he has given you all his love. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us over the years. Please take care of yourself too. Sending you both love and hugs from Sydney. In my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you and Dozer at this sad time. Know that the RTE community is with you and we will wrap our collective virtual arms around you when the time comes. Xx ❤️💔
Tears are flowing, my heart goes out to you as I know full well what you are going through. Dozer has had such a full and loving life ❤️❤️
So sad Nagi, condolences!
Oh dear Nagi 😥
You have so many treasured memories of your beautiful and brave boy. Thankyou for sharing him with us.
I pray he can come home with you to his forever home with his forever person.
Sending my love and prayers ❤.
Dear Nagi, Dover and team.
So sorry to hear your news about Dozer, My hubby and I have lost a few beautiful fur babies over the years, and it isn’t easy at all. 💜🩵💚😢
But sending you so much love , and many many hugs.
All the best for your new recipes. 🥰☺️
Glenda From New Zealand.
My heart goes out to you and Dozer. Thinking of you both at this time. I’ll send up some prayers and hope that he comes home real soon to play. xx
I Am all too well aware of how harrowing this is. With the decisions to be made hanging over your head like the sword of Damocles>. I was nowhere near the end of you post before I was absolutely blubbering for you and for dozer and for your hopes to get him home for farewells and from memories of our experiences. As so many have said he is SOOOOOO well loved on here and he doesn’t even know it except when he’s getting lots of live attention. As he no doubt knows he well deserves! Please don’t come back (no matter any guilt) until you have allowed yourself to grieve the way you would your brother, your sister, your lover! Thank you for sharing Dozer with me and so many others. You’ve been generous to a fault to us with him! Nagi that pain is excruciating. Please take care after you’ve poured out love and life to a MIGHTY Dozer! Such a beautiful but feistily charming boy!! May you get this last precious time with him! We all love Him so give him a kiss from each one of us!!
Hi Nagi, lots of love to you and Dozer as you navigate this difficult time. Xx
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and Dozer at this tough time.
Sorry Nagi beautiful Dozer has been by your side for so long, we have recently suffered one of our girls passing from cancer they are just so special, love and prayers to you ❤️ Barb and family
I am so sorry reading this Nagi knowing how much he plays a role in your life. Thoughts with you at such a sad time.