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 Aroha from NZ. Love Dozer just as much as I love the mojo your recipes has put back in my love of cooking at 64 😊
Kia kaha | Stay Strong
Sending love to you both….thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us….it’s been a joy…
I just saw you have over 3,000 comments for this post. What phenomenal evidence of how many people you & Dozer have touched. Sending all the love & strength to you for this final part of his journey. What a gift it is that you can be by his side holding him through this. And that you can be there with him to the very end. Grief is unique to each person. Weave your way through it in your own time. And know he’ll always be a part of you 💕
Wishing you & Dozer love& peace. Take all the time you need.
Thinking of you both. Beautiful boy 🐕❤️
Like many of your readers and followers, I’m literally in tears, and I’m not one to usually cry. I have both you and Dozer in my thoughts and hope that when the time comes, knowing that you’ve had the most wonderful pet in Dozer, brings you some comfort. There are so many that have never received that gift. Sending you big hugs xxx
My heart aches for you but you have given Dozer the best possible life. I lost my retriever at only 7 years and the pain never leaves but we are still thankful for the time we get to spend with these beautiful furballs. Sending love to you both.
I’m so sorry. They give us so much and the most selfless thing in life we can do is to let them go and be pain free. Sending love.
Sending much love and big hugs to you Nagi and to your beautiful Dozer. I feel your pain. He is very much loved and thank you for sharing your wonderful memories to us all xox
My heart breaks for you Nagi
Sending you all the love in the world, Nagi and Dozer. xxx
Praying the final chapter can be written on your terms. 🙏
What a beautiful boy. What a fighter! And what a wonderful “hu-mum” you are to Dozer to take this time to make his last memories and yours so special. Big hugs to you both x
I’m sorry to read this. My heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all.
So much love coming for you and sweet Dozier. So sorry you are going through this
To dear Nagi, the tears are falling as I read this update. Hope you get just a bit more special time with your boy!
How much pleasure we have had over the years seeing Dozers amazing lifestyle. I believe your army of followers will understand you taking as much time away as you need…..
Sending hugs, strength and peace. So hard
Sending so much love! And praying for a miracle!!!! 🙏❤️
This is one of the worst heartbreaks a human can endure. Sending all our love and big big hugs from Queensland Nagi and Dozer 🫂💔
You have both been so lucky to have found each other in this lifetime.
Sending love for both of you in this chapter. The whole RTE community is thinking of you.
X
Sending love Nagi ❤️😢
Both you dears Negi and dahling Dozer, wishing you both healthy and happy life. Negi I/we are all sure dear Dozer will come out of his health related issues with the flying colours. My and ours prayers for both of you !! watch it every thing will be honky dorry !!
Once again sending good vibes and LOVE to you both. ❤️