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. ❤️
Dear Nagi and Dozer ❤️❤️,
my over-fifteen-and-a-half year old Labrador and I are sending you both a ton of love and positivity. ❤️❤️
We know it’s not an easy time with Dozer not being well, we have also been through a lot this past year.
What Dozer needs most right now is to have you close to him, as you have been. ❤️❤️
I am a fan of yours and Dozer’s. ❤️❤️
I use your recipes weekly and literally cried reading about Dozer not being well.
As I said, we are sending you all the love and positive vibrations that we possibly can. ❤️❤️
Kind regards from the Netherlands,
Mel and Diesel 🐕
Thinking of you Nagi and your beautiful loving Dozer during this sad and difficult time! 🙏 I’m so sorry to hear this 😢 I know it’s a tough thing to go through! Stay strong and thank you for all the beautiful stories/pictures and sharing your Dozers life with so many! Sending prayers, positive vibes, love and hugs to you and Dozer! 🙏❤️🦮
I am so sorry to hear of Dozer’s illness. My fur baby left me in December of 2023 after 14.6 years. I still have not gotten another dog.
Dozer has helped fill the void following my baby’s departure (I have been following you for a long time). I wish you peace as you move ahead with Dozer’s illness and then after.
Thinking of you Nagi and knowing how hard this must be for you.
As people have said, Dozer has brought all of us so much happiness and many smiles. You take as much time as you need. Sending love to you and Dozer. ❤️
So sorry to hear about Dozer. What a champ he has been. I can’t imagine RTE without him. Take care of yourself Nagi and give Dozer a hug from me x
I am so sorry the time has come, Nagi. Dozer and you have been such a blessing to one another and to all of us loving you and your recipes. Sending you, Dozer and all hurting hearts at RTE a big hug.
I have loved Dozer from the first trip to your website. I always look for his antics and love the updates. He really feels like part of my family too.
Sending you a warm hug. He will forever be in your heart, and the hearts of thousands of his fans as well xxx
😥
Nagi. We share your concern for Dozer and the slide towards end of life cycle. Our much loved 16 year old red kelpie Mitzi is sliding away too. Hang in there.
Oh Dozer! Oh Nagi! My heart hurts for you. The end of a beloved pet’s life is one of the hardest things to go through. Sending hugs and love from California.
What a fighter and still living his best doggy life! May this last chapter be filled with much happiness and lovely memories despite the incredible sadness of the situation. Sending lots of love from the UK xx
Love to you & Dozer – we’re so thankful for you sharing Dozer with us readers over the years!
The frozen water pops bring back a huge dose of nostalgia for me, this was the first “recipe” I made as a child, and always felt like a treat! Ours were made in empty, washed film canisters, and we would wash & reuse the popsicle sticks multiple times.
Cheers Dozer, I’ll make some (sans the film canisters), for my kids today.
From the beginning, I’ve read a posting including a wonderful story of Life of Dozer. You’ve never failed to Always end with a positive outlook you Both were facing, no matter the current situation, difficult or not.
This posting says it all!
You Both possess indominable spirits, I continue to pray for Dozer and Yourself. All my Love!
Oh Nagi, my love to you and Dozer. It’s always a tough call, and takes forever to recover. Big hug XX
The closing chapter when losing a loved one is the hardest to go through. Pet babies hold a special spot in our hearts, Sending much love to you and Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us out on the inter-webs.
My heart goes out to you and Dozer, Nagi. That dog is loved around the world and certainly none of us begrudge any time you take off from RTE to be with him.
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. My thoughts are with you both. Just know that you gave him an awesome life.
So sad to hear this news, thinking of both you and dozer, my fingers are crossed he gets to come home to spend the last of his days happy and comfortable.
Thank you for sharing at this difficult time ❤️🤞
Knowing he is loved is all that matters now. Loving thoughts to you and Doza. ❤️