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. ❤️
So sad to read this final chapter of your beautiful companion’s life. I am reliving the final hours of my black lab’s time on earth as I read of Dozer. My fella crossed the rainbow bridge with the entire family surrounding him. He was unresponsive – but when my young grandson came in, Blackwood wagged his tail, the only movement he could make. That did us all in. My thoughts are with you from here in Canada.
I’m sitting here in tears for you and Dozer. Been there. It is just SO HARD.
He is a wonderful part of your life and always will be. Spend as much time as you can with him and be secure in the knowledge that he knows he is loved. Our prayers are with you.
I have loved seeing your life with Dozer for several years. He is such a great boy and it is obvious the bond you have with one another. Losing your best friend is difficult without a doubt. Many of us have lost one or more of our best friends through our lifetimes, so we get what you’re experiencing and feeling. Know that we are all rooting for you and Big D to have sometime together before leaves you and goes onto his next great journey.
You will always have him in your heart, because these friends leave an indelible paw print on our hearts and souls.
I wish you peace and time to say all the things you want him to know.
So sorry to here this sad news you are in my thoughts and prayers especially Dozer lot’s of love ❤️ ❤️
Dozer is a good boy. He has the best mommy. Lots of love to Dozer and U.
Thank you for sharing Dozer’s news. He is in our hearts and always will be. We wish him comfort and wish you courage at this difficult time.
Enjoy your precious time with Dozer and spoil him senseless!!! I wish you both some more great escapades together, get up to as much mischief as physically possible❤️
That is such a difficult ride. Wishing you strength.
Dozer, you have brought so much joy, happiness and love to so many. May your days be peaceful and full of love.❤️ My heart breaks for you Nagi. 😢💔
We love you …. we love dozer! Much love nagi xx sending you strength and love to get through the next phase xx it’s horrible but you’ll do the right thing for the love of your life and while the pain will be unbearable the wonderful memories will slowly replace the pain xxxx much love
Taking care of my hubs who has dementia. I haven’t been keeping up very well. Hubs knows Dozer too and we are sorry he is ill!
Remember All dogs go to heaven and we love you both Nagi!
I’m heartbroken for you. Dozer was so loved.
Sending the biggest cuddles and kisses to Dozer. I do hope you guys get to do all your favourite things for a wee while longer. People say our dogs are family, but really they are so much more. I hope Dozer knows how loved he is by the world xx
So very sorry!!! He will be missed.
My heart is breaking for you Nagi, Dozer is internationally loved by so many….thanks for the memories Dozer 💔 😢
So sorry to hear this news. My big boy is 10 with health issues too. We try to make the most of the time we have left with our gentle, loving boy, as are you with Dozer. My prayers are with you, Dozer, and all your wonderful family.
Sending heartfelt love and thoughts
I am so very sorry. Please know you and Dozer are in my thoughts.
I love reading about Dozer. I have followed you both for a,long time. He reminds me of my girl Lexi (who I love as you love Dozer!). Dozer always reminds our lucky we are to have our best friends love and devotion.