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. ❤️
I am so sorry. We have been where you are and know the sadness. You both will be in our prayers.
This is the day all of us dread… you have shown all of us who LOVE dogs and those who don’t know the unending power of the love they bring into our lives … we never believe it could end. My heart is with you Nagi and yes you have all the memories of the best life you have given Dozer. Give Dozer a kiss from me. Take good care of yourself and thank you for sharing all of this with us.
I’m praying for you as you spend time with Dozer and usher him into his next phase. I’ve only recently been in your and Dozers space for a little over a year but I’ve seen the joy and love you both share. I’m praying for your strength and peace during this time. Hakunah Matata (i may have spelled that wrong) 🫶🏾
There will be a Dozer-shaped hole in many hearts one day. I am so sorry you have to go through this. We are all there with you in spirit. Please give him kisses from Ohio! 🐾🐾🩷
Nagi I’m so sorry for this challenging season. Soak up every bit of joy! I’m a vet in the USA and I fell in love with that sweet boy through your love of him. I always read your updates on him and can sincerely thank your team for teaching me how to cook! Praying for you as you walk forward in this
Love you Dozer & Nagi!!!
Sending love and thoughts from France. Our dogs are our love and our lives – this is the sad but inevitable point we will all reach. Peace and strength to you and Dozer ❤️
Reading this post has me in tears! You are such a wonderful Mum to Dozer. You deserve each other, for all the love you have given each other, the good times, happy moments, and the way you adore each other. I hope that Dozer gets to go home and enjoy the things that he loves doing most. It is wonderful that he has such lovely, supportive ICU nurses around him. Sending you and Dozer hugs and love and praying for you both. Thank you Dozer for sharing your life with us through the eyes of your loving Mum!
Tears are rolling down as I am reading this. Dozer is a fighter. He was blessed to have such a wonderful mum who gave him a wonderful life.
Being a doggie mum myself, I can imagine what you are going through Nagi, but hang in there just like Dozer is doing.
Thank you for sharing Nagi, I will be praying for you and Dozer.
Sending you and Dozer lots of hugs and prayers from Toronto, Canada
I’ve been following you but only a short while, have both your cookbooks, and have learned so much about your RTM family and Dozer. Sending my love and healing thoughts to You, Dozer, and the rest of the RTM family. I just love you all so much!
Oh Nagi! I am so very sorry to hear about Dozer. My heart just breaks for you. I’ve lost several fur babies in my lifetime and it never gets any easier to lose them, I pray that he will be able to come home with you. Rest a little easier knowing that you have given him the very best life that you could.
Sending loves and hugs xx
I have been following you and Dozer for so long. He was always there by your side. As a fellow dog person, they are part of the family. Sending hugs and deepest sympathy.
What is it about a dog?
I think he is the one who got me cooking with Nagi . I came for the dog and stayed for the recipes.
Nagi–you and Dozer have reached so many over the years, and in that time Dozer has made his way into my heart.
I send hugs and prayers during this tender time.
We know there are horses in heaven, so I’m sure our fur babies go there, too. Love and Prayers.
You are such a great Mom! Through tears, sending prayers and hugs to Dozer and you 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Nagi my heart is so heavy for you. There are no words. I will be keeping you and Dozer in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you both much love and hugs ❤️
Dear Nagi, I was heartbroken when I saw the title of your post and the tears fell as I read it. I have lost many pets over the years and its like losing a family member. The pain is so great and you think you can’t do it again. but we do.. Right now one of my fur babies (Baci) is 14 yrs and deaf, blind in one eye and has asthma. We love and provide for them the best we can. My thoughts are with you and Dozer. Much love. Remember pets leave paw prints on our hearts forever and I believe they wait for us on the other side of Rainbow bridge.
Oh my! I have followed you and Dozer for years. Sending you love. I am sure you will eventually find smiles and laugher remembering his love. Your community is here for you.
What great joy Dozer shared with you and so many others. Keep those memories close to you. Bless