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. ❤️


Sweet dreams, sweet Dozer. You drift off on a sea of love from all around the world. A good life for a very good (the best) boy.
Sending lots of love to you both xxx
Dear sear Dozer, we just lost our beloved Labrador 14 yrs know Just how you feel !
Try & keep going ! God Bless !
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 🇦🇺🍺
Oh Nagi, we will all cry a thousand tears when it’s time for Dozer to cross the rainbow bridge. He is loved by so many. How lucky you both are to have each other. Forever is never long enough.
Our fur babies have a special place in our hearts. xxxxxxx
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer’s health problems. I’ve enjoyed reading about his antics over the years. Sending hugs.
Dear Nagi,
You and Dozer are in my prayers 🙏🏻
Sending huge love. We lost our boy (kelpie) a couple of years ago, so can totally empathise.
Take plenty of pictures. I’m sure he knows how loved he is.
Sending all my love. I started following you purely for Dozer and now own your recipe books and cook your recipes on repeat. I can’t imagine life without my weekly Dozer update and as a crazy animal person my heart is breaking for you.
Dozer has had the best doggy life ever and will leave a massive love space in your heart.
I’d love to hug you both, but a virtual hug is all we can manage
My heart goes out to you X We lost our boy 2 weeks ago 13yrs with the same thing the tears just don’t stop. The love they bring to you is unconditional and it is heartbreaking when they go! Hope he gets to see his friends and the beach xx Good luck ❤️
Hoping you share some happy time at home together soon ❤️❤️
This is the hardest thing to ever go through.
Your community are all thinking of you and Dozer in this sad time. Enjoy your days with him. 🐶🐾
Sending much love and strength to you both. Big hugs
Dear Nagi and Dozer,
My thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time!
The love and companionship between a beloved dog and their owner is precious and is never forgotten.
Joan
Dear Nagi, my heart is breaking for you. No dog could have ever had such a wonderful life, how lucky was he to have you
Dear Nagi, I’m so sorry to read this news. We lost our fur baby who was 19 years old in 2020 and it was the hardest thing that we did, finally making the choice to end his pain. Keep remembering the good times. Haydon
Love to you and Dozer. I have followed him for years and was
always encouraged by his recovery brought on in no small part by your care and love for him. We love you Dozer and you are in our hearts.
I am so incredibly sad for you Nagi. I really hope dozer gets to do the things he loves. He is the most amazing companion. Sending much love xx
So sorry. Such a sad time. Everyone with a beloved dog will be commiserating with you and your family ❤️