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
Update: I am brokenhearted to share that he didn’t make it. See the Dozer Tribute post here.
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. ❤️
If love could keep him here, he would lived forever.
Try to be strong, I know its not easy.
Dearest Nagi and Dozer,
My heart is weeping.
Know that powerful thoughts and prayers are heading your way.
Nagi – – Thank you so much for sharing at this very difficult time. Your generosity in sharing your lives – yours and Dozerl’s – with us has been wonderful. Give him a kiss and a hug from all of us, and please tell him how much he is loved.
I cook from either your website or from both of your books every week. And in every work you do I see how much you love Dozer and talk about him!! Sending you love and prayers. I know Dozer had an amazing life under your care. I can’t imagine him having been more loved. You gave him an incredible life! So sorry for your loss
Thinking of you and Dozer through this incredibly hard time. Big big hugs.
Our hearts and support are with you. We’ve all had/have a Dozer and share your pain and our love.
The love of an animal never leaves you. Every bit of fur on furniture and clothing is just part of that blanket of love, and once you’ve snuggled up with that, you never want it to go away.
Time is a thief but it’s also precious. Take in every moment with your sweet boy.
Thank you for sharing him with us. I think we came for the recipes, and stayed for the Dozer.
Squishiest of hugs from Nanaimo, BC
– Minnie, Daryl, Max and Rupert (our purry fur babies).
Sending you and Dozer much love and hugs! The final chapter is so hard and special.
Anti, please know that we are all rooting for you and Mr. Dozer. Sending positive thoughts and healing, enjoy this time to make even more memories.
I’m so sorry about Dozer,my heart goes out to you,he is one very loved 🐕 xx
My heart is breaking for you right now!!! SO sorry and sad to hear this news. Praying for him and for you – and warm healing hugs to you both!! ❤️❤️
Praying for a miracle for sweet, fur baby Dozer 🙏🐶
Our precious Nagi and Dozer,
Words can not express how much our hearts ache for you! We have been following you and Dozer since basically the beginning from our home in little Estonia.
We are praying for you, Nagi, for strength and peace! One of my favorite verses in the Bible is I Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”
Sending both of you tons of love and big, big hugs!!! ❤️❤️
Barbara and family from Tallinn, Estonia
I just cried, knowing exactly what you are going through and what you will have to deal with in the near future.
I lost my best friend and fur girl just over a year ago.
I feel like Dozer is part of my family, as well as your buddy, after all the years I have rushed to see the ‘Life of Dozer’.
You both are lucky to have shared this life together, and the best thing you can do is what you are doing right now….being there with him and for him.
Love to both of you.
I’m so sorry about this very sad period of the life you have to go through! Dozer have had a beautiful life with you. Stay close to all your wonderful memories togheter. I’m pretty sure it will help you!
hugs and love to you
I love your recipes, but I always scrolled to see pictures of Dozer first! I am so sorry, Nagi. Sending you and Dozer much love ♥️♥️♥️
You and domestic are in our thoughts and prayers. Look up the rainbow bridge. I have found it very comforting over the years with my goldens.
Hi Nagi, my heart hurts for you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us over the years. I’ve loved him across the miles from Toronto, Canada. Will always be able to see him in your books that I reach for practically daily. We keep you both in prayer in his final stages. Enjoy every moment with him. My family loves you Nagi. Stay strong. Natalie
Tears in my eyes now. I’ve been there and I’m sending you the biggest hugs.