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 so many hugs to you both. Dozer loves you as much as you love him.
Sending you love & strength during this very sad time for you & Dozer ❤️
My thoughts are with you 🐾🐾
What a gift you are to each other and to all of us!
Gosh that’s a really hard thing for you both…
Good on you for taking the time with your boy.
Lots of love xx
My heart ❤️ goes out to you. Dozer has had such an amazing life with you. Their memories are always with you and when he finally goes over the rainbow. Know that he’ll be there waiting for you with a big waggly tail.
Take care Nagi
Love ❤️ from one of your many admirers
I am crying with you and all the other people who love you and Dozer. Don’t forget to look after yourself 🩷
My heart goes out to you Nagi. Duchess and I send lots of hugs to you both from across the Tasman.
Sending big hugs to both of you and all the love in the world!
My heart goes out to you. Dog owners understand.
Thinking of you. Our Yem lived for 16.5 years, gave us so much love and when we had to say goodbye the buckets overflowed. We still remember him with love.
Oh Nagi this is hard. Huge love to you and Dozer. He will want for nothing. Give him a hug from me and my 3 furkids ❤️
Sending love and care to you and dear Dozer…love is love
My heart hurts for you a Dozer. Sending healing vibes and lots of love your way x
Nagi I do feel for you I know what it feels like for you at this stage in Dozers life. I so hope he gets to go home with you and live the final chapter of his life at home.
My heart goes out to you and Dozer.
I have some understanding of what you are both going through. Hugs and kisses 💖😘
Oh Nagi, i was so sorry to read this email update.
You’re in my thoughts along with Dozer. Please give him a pat from all of us. He’s such a good boy, and his cheekiness will be missed. But for now cherish the time you have.
Lots of love!
We’re all pulling for Dozer, and thinking of you all.
My heart breaks for you. I’ve followed your site since the beginning and I’ve watched him grow with you and your exploits.
I am also the proud owner of an enormous 9.5 year old 1st generation Labradoodle which missed out on the hypoallergenic coat so he’s basically a giant, orange shaggy mess and is the light of my life. He’s always reminded me of Dozer but he’s getting on and slowing down and I dread the day I lose him.
Thankyou for sharing him with us, it’s been wonderful. The nation will grieve with you and you have my most sincere condolences.
So so with you both. Such a beautiful and tough journey to share. Dozer so super special. Probably not too far behind you with our girl – a mountain of tears ahead. Big love to you all.
My heart is aching for you. Please give Dozer extra kisses and cuddles from me. Sending you virtual support Nagi, it’s a tough time. Xoxo