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. ❤️
Coming from a life where animals were always around when I was growing up, I thought SO long & hard about bring a pup home when our daughter was 7.
I kept thinking of the unbearable heartaches I had experienced when each of my much adored pets eventually went on to pet heaven.
Silly silly me……….I moved the focus to the endless & abundant joy experienced when they were here & the unmatched love they brought.
My daughter is now 12, understands the circle of life & knows to cherish the time with her dog, however long or short.
In signing off I will say, lucky lucky you & lucky lucky Dozer, a bond that many here will envy.
Enjoy the precious time – thank you for sharing it with us……..extra pats & iceblocks for Dozer from us all 🙂 XXX
I am so sad to see how Dozer is not well and having had and still have 2 wonderful dogs and having lost them when their time is up, I know how hard it can be but their love, loyalty and memories stay forever,
Sending massive hugs
Dear Nagi, our sincere condolences go out to you and your family and prayers and cuddles to Dozer. We have raised and lost our own 3 Golden Retrievers and they are no doubt our angels in a fur coat. We wish you both all the love and strength in the world. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Love Heather, Greg, Chelsea GR at 9.5 and Clancy GR who is 3. xx
Sending love, I hope whatever this next chapter brings you remember the joy Dozer has brought you and the whole RTE community over the years. I love your recipes because they are real, unpretentious and always work…but I stayed because you’re a dog person ❤️
He’s had an amazing long life and care thanks to you, full of so much love and joy. Hugs from Canada.
Sending you and Dozer the biggest hugs Nagi. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I hope that you can enjoy this final chapter together and make some beautiful memories. 🤍🤍🤍
Please do what you need to do and please take time for you. x
Your love and compassion is inspiring and my heart aches for you,sending love and healing rainbows to you and Dozers hearts
🌈 ❤️ 🌈 xxx
Sending you and Dozer, love, strength and prayers xx
This hurts my heart so much when I read this. Being a dog mum of two i understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your favourite thing in the whole entire world struggle and you can’t do anything to fix them 🥲 Just be there to love him 🌈 🐾❤️
Lots of love to you and Dozer. I hope his last days with you are filled with joy and treats xxx
Sending all the love to you and all the kisses to Dozer. What an amazing life you have given him. Xx
Nagi, I just love your books and I share you love of Dozer…..what a honey bunny!!
I am hugging my 14 year old fur baby and crying my eyes out. God speed Nagi. I hope the time you have with Dozer is as long as God will allow. Sending love and prayers.
We love Dozer, stay strong dozer for your Maam and us xxx
Darling Dozer…I can feel the love…rest well …mans best friend..you dearest boy xxx
There are no words as tears roll down my face for the love of Dozer…almost 14 years he has walked beside you, had the best beaches and love any dog could ever dream of….Nagi know you have so much support around you, it doesn’t make it any easier….but we all care deeply xxxxx
Aww Nagi this breaks my heart I am so sorry and sad for your precious baby boy Dozer. I always say no one can possibly give you as much love and tenderness as a dog who are literally our real babies .
Sending you love and strength and please give Dozer a kiss from me. Love to you through this incredibly devastating time ♥️♥️♥️
Dear Nagi
I’m so sorry to read about Dozer. I really was hoping he had recovered fully. I lost my dog Ruby @ 13yrs old 8 days ago. I miss her terribly. The pain is enormous and I’m keeping you and Dozer in my thoughts. Much love, Christina
I have no words…. except I’m thinking of you & Dozer with love & affection 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔