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. ❤️


It is so hard to lose our fur babies. You gave him a wonderful life with great love you both shared together. Blessed be to you both.🙏♥️
We’ll all miss dozer, of course no more than you. I wish you the chance to bring him home and to thank you for all the joy you and he have given. xx
So very sorry that you are dealing with this heartbreaking time with your ( and our ) beloved Dozer. Take comfort in knowing you have given him the best life and he is loved by many. Warm hugs to you and Dozer , x
Your beautiful boy Dozer loves you so much, you can see it in his eyes. He has had 13 years of an amazing life and still going (that’s pretty good for a big boy doggo). I am sure you will make his final memories the best for both of you. He reminds me of my Alphie, they are the same colour and about the same size. I cried when I read your post because I know one day too I will have to say goodbye to my bubba
You just hold your head high Nagi even when your lower lip is quivering. That just means you are real and you feel the love for him so deeply. You just hug that boy often and even though you will feel pain and sorrow at times. Rest in the knowledge that you are his everything and he is yours. That’s the best gift ever. God bless
Oh Nagi, this is so very sad and my heart breaks for you and Dozer. You have given your beautiful boy the best life and care and he is so lucky to have you by his side x
So sorry hear about Dozer. Thank you sharing all the wonderful times you had with him.
Nagi, you have been absolutely the best pet parent for Dozer. It’s so heartbreaking that dogs just don’t have a long enough life expectancy. But you have done everything humanly possible to provide Dozer with the best life any dog could ever hope for. You will have all those special memories of your wonderful relationship with him forever.
My heart breaks for you and all you are facing. Life without your pet seems to much to think about. Dozer has been so loved and had a wonderful life.
Dear Nagi, dear Dozer,
I just wanted to drop a line and let you know I have you both in my thoughts. I lost my soulmate Abby almost two months ago, after fighting for her life for quite some time. She had a tumour on her pancreas and had a prognosis to live for maybe up to two months since diagnosis. But our beautiful girl made it to an impressive 20 months before it all became too much for her and we had to let her go. She was almost 14 when she passed peacefully.
With all my heart, I hope that Dozer will have the strength to make it home again and enjoy a few more days or weeks, doing what he loves best, celebrating and enjoying every minute he has left with you and then, once it’s time, going peacefully and gently. It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time that we, the guardians of our pets, get to decide when it’s time to let go. I know Dozer will tell you when he’s ready. Until then, I’m glad you can take time out to enjoy every second together to the fullest. This time is the most precious time in the world. Sending you both all my love, strength and healing.
Inge
Sending much love to you & dearest Dozer
Darling Dozer has brought so much joy into your life and via your wonderful posts, into ours too. Memories are forever. Xx
Sending hugs from Scotland 🤗
I’m so sorry to read that your lovely Dozer is not doing too great. Your friend is loved and cared for, regardless of the outcome, by your team and friends. Take heart, we’re all thinking of you.
Dear Nagi
Thank you for keeping us informed about Dozer. We wish him all the best and that he’ll pull through. Keep your strength up for him. Xx
Oh nagi, my heart Hurst for you….sending you so much love and peace
So sorry to hear Dozer isn’t well my heart breaks for what’s to come prayers and hugs to you both
Sending much love to you and Dozer xxx
So much joy and never enough time. Hoping you find a way to ease your heart <3
So sorry to hear about Dozer. He’s absolutely gorgeous. You’re looking after him so well. X
Sending hugs to you and Dozer xx