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. ❤️
You have given him a wonderful life Nagi. I know that doesn’t take the sting out of what lies ahead. I’m sure he knows how deeply he is loved, by you, the RTE team, and strangers all over the world. We will weep with you when the final chapter ends. Please take care of yourself, because Dozer will need you to be strong for him. Many hugs.
Sending love, hugs and prayers for the love the two of you have for each other. 🙏💕🙏💕
Dearest Nagi, I am so sorry that you and Dozer are having to go through this very sad stage of his life but how wonderful that you, and he, have been given this very special time to spend together.
You and Dozer were made for each other.
Special thoughts and wishes for you both 💙🩷
Dozer is so lucky to have had an amazing life with you. I am so sorry for both of you. Sending lots of love and hugs to both you and Dozer. Thank you for being so brave to share this final journey.
Dear Nagi, I’m so heartbroken to learn of Dozer’s health struggles. Dozer has been such a delightful inclusion as I peruse your amazing recipes. My heart goes out to you and to all who love Dozer. I have had beloved dogs I have had to say good bye to over the last 5 years and seeing your photos with Dozer in this post brought the ache back. I truly hope you can have a little more time with him. I wish you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Hugs to you Nagi and Dozer. Its never easy to say goodbye. Enjoy his final moments make them memorable. That golden fluffball is the reason I followed recipetineats. I had my own called Demus and he was stolen. Not a single day passes without thinking of him. But it does get better with time.
Dear Nagi, thank you for sharing with us all, Dozers journey through life with you My heart breaks for you on this his final journey May your memories ease your pain Many prayers blessings 🙏
Dear Nagi and Dozer, you have both given so many people joy and happiness. My Stella and Oscar will be there to welcome you, Dozer when the time comes. Two beautiful, loving black Labs that gave our family joy for an eternity. Much love 🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾
Thank you Nagi for all that you are and all that you share through your professional n personal life – sending much love for your time in needing comfort for Dozer – what a fabulous gift you’ve shared with us all 🩷🩷🩷
My thoughts are with. Dozer is not just your dog, he is your child too. You are surrounded with support.
tight hugs for both of you ❤️
Nagi you’re right you will cry a million more tears. Believe me I know, but you will smile when you think of all the funny, silly, sweet things Dozer has done over the years. Our pets really do become a vital part of our family. Nagi seeing your Life of Dozer posts over the years it’s clear to see how very much you love him and no doubt he returned that love. You made a wonderful life for him. Sadly something not every dog gets to experience. I’m sure a lot of us have shred many tears over what we know is to come. So many of us love Dozer and our hearts are breaking. Yet I know this will be a profound loss for you especially. Cherish every memory you have of your precious boy. ❤️
Sending you strength Nagi and the biggest of hugs to you both!
I know there is no easy way to accept the inevitable but I do hope it’s peaceful and painfree!
Thinking of you.xoxo
My heart breaks for you Nagi. I dont know what else to say.
Praying for peace for Dozer and for you, Nagi, and for all the RTE family. We have followed you both for a long time and feel sad for this final chapter in Dozer’s life. May your memories bring you comfort in the future.
Give Dozer my love
Dear Nagi thankyou for sharing Dozer with us all. What a gorgeous boy he is. Sending love,hugs and prayers.Xxxx
My heart aches for you and Dozer. I also hope Dozer still gets to go home with you and be surrounded by everyone and everything he loves and be able to run around a bit more. Sending you both my love and prayers.
God bless. They only give us one bad day. Love to you both.
Sweet Dozer, I truly hope that you can spend your last days doing the things that you love the most. My heart goes out to you Nagi. Sending strength and best wishes
Sending you lots of love during this time. What a happy life Dozer has had with you Nagi ♥️