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 so much love and hugs xxx
Hi Nagi, Dozer will always be by your side if only in spirit. Thank you for sharing your grief with all of us. 🙏sending hugs & love to both of you.
My heart sank and my tears flowed when I read your heading Nagi, I felt so sad for you both, then I continued to read on and thought: you clearly are not ready to go yet Dozer, you want more time with your Mummy, what strength you have!
It’s times like this, that our furbabies should out live us, they are part of our family, they are one of our children and we shouldn’t have to say goodbye to them.
Dozer you are such a star and you are much loved, more than you will ever know.
Make beautiful memories with your Mummy and give her strength at this difficult time. I am so very greatful to have gotten to know you through your Mummys posts.
Love to you Dozer xxx
Love to Nagi too xxx
I will brace myself for the next inevitable post.
Sending tons of love and the biggest hugs to both of you. Heartbreaking news. 🙏🏼❤️🦋😢
I’m so sorry about Dozer. I’ve enjoyed immensely the stories and your recipes. My thoughts and prayers are with you. We lost our boy Chase after 19 yrs.
My heart breaks for you and Dozer. We all know how much our fur babies mean to us and it is so hard to see them unwell and eventually having to make that final decision. Enjoy the time you have left with Dozer. I hope that he is able to go home and enjoy all his favourite things. Sending love and hugs 💕
It is about 6 years since our goodest boy , Buster, went to the vets and didn’t come home … I send you much love, and a big scratch behind the ears for Dozer … I’m sure he knows just how loved he is 🫂
Darling darling Dozer. What joy he brings! Mama, just love on him. That’s ALL there is. Much love to you both. ❤️
My love and peace reaches out to you and dozer at this dreadful time. Much love to you both. I pray that the outcome is a peaceful one
So sad. Sending strong get well vibes and lots of neck rubs. He is adorable.
Nagi, you have been an amazing mom and companion and what life and love you have given to Dozer! Their lives are not long enough but their love lasts forever. 💕🐕
Im a animal lover myself & feel your love & pain with your Dozer ❤️ if i got a pup ive got him/her for all of their life 12-16 years , These guys become our family & are much loved, ive lost 3 dogs BUT they’ve all lived long very happy lives & to this day everyday i see their dogs photos dotted around our home & say hello to them everyday 💖 Cheers from Bundaberg Qld 🇦🇺🍺
So sorry to hear Dozer has been unwell. He is such a brave puppy fighting on through the illness. Best wishes to you and Dozer. x
I always thought what a lucky dog to have you as his dog mom. Thinking of you and Dozer knowing he doesn’t want to leave you. So many wonderful post we all are in tears hoping for just a little more time. White light and sunshine.
So sad to see this post…. our fur babies are such a wonderful part of our lives and parting is so hard. I have loved the Dozer stories since I first started following your posts probably ten years ago. His legacy will live on in all our hearts. Thank you for sharing him with us!
I have loved watching yours and Dozer’s journey over the years. Dozer reminds me of a dog we had growing up on the farm who was the sweetest dog ever. Sending hugs to you both.
This is such sad news. Really hope he will improve. He’s with the people he loves and that’s what’s important. My heart goes out to you both.
My heart goes out to you Nagi. 💌
Much love and thinking of you…🌹
So sorry to hear this. Sending much love and hugs from Scotland. xxxxx
I can’t help but cry with you – Dozer is so lucky to have you there with him. Love and strength to you both, my heart is breaking.