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. ❤️


Oh Nagi this is so sad to read, but I know there have been many bright and happy moments you and Dozer have shared. Saying ‘goodbye’ to our fur babies is the absolute worst feeling in the world. Thinking of you and Dozer with love and hugs xx
Thoughts are with you. This has me in tears. It is soo hard to say goodbye to them.
We gave my 2yo neice Dozer’s book for xmas and it is her favorite. I will need to buy another copy cause she is loving it a bit too hard.
Oh my heart…when I saw this email come in I immediately opened it in a panic. Please give Dozer a huge hug and kiss for us. ❤️ Sending you both so much love as you move through this together.
I’m sorry to hear that Dozer isn’t feeling well. Reading your message brought tears to my eyes. Fur babies are like family, like a child who is precious to us. I hope you can find peace in your heart 💜 and cherish all the memories you have with Dozer. ❤️
Sending love and light. The hardest of goodbyes. What a beautiful life Dozer is living as your side kick x
I think by the look of Dozer he is a Retriever – Correct??
Well it’s Golden Retriever Day today according to the SA Police website!!!
Sending love and best wishes to you Nagi and Dozer 💙💙 My dog Sox is 14 fortunately in great health, don’t know what we would do without him.
Sending lots of love to you and Dozer.
I’m absolutely heartbroken for you Nagi. Dozer has lived the best life ever with you as his mom. And while we all understand this day will come for all of us at some point it is never easy and it is always full of anguish. Big big hugs to you & Dozer. The big goof.
Love you Dozer. Sending SO MUCH LOVE AND HUGS to you and your mom.
Hi Nagi,
I am a big fan of yours from Ireland ♥️ ☘️!
I am sorry to hear about Dozer.
I am thinking of you and Dozer.
Take care,
Andrew ♥️
Oh Nagi. So sad. You and he are so much part of our lives.
My heart is breaking for you both.
How lucky to have had a fabulous, happy holiday time in your new home with your best boy.
Sending love.
The hardest part of being a pet parent… sending love and healing to both of you!
Much love Nagi!
Thoughts are with you and Dozer and your very extended family!
Sitting in the car park and crying my heart is breaking for you . Wishing you strength and love ❤️
Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. It is one of the hardest things we ever go through, saying farewell to our fur baby. My heart aches for you. I am so saddened and sorry.
Sending you and Dozer all the love ❤️
Thinking of you and Dozer. Grief and the knowledge that the goodbye is incredibly painful. I hope that the pain eases a little knowing that Dozer knows how much you love him.
Be kind to yourself, as grief isn’t linear.
I am so sorry.