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. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story
It’s so sad but dozer will always be remembered 💙
I’m so sorry to hear that your adorable Dozer has been so unwell. We all love him. I hope he can spend some time at home doing Dozer things before you have to say goodbye. Sending love to you both. Xx
It sucks that dogs have so much shorter lives than us and dog lovers go down this road so many times. Best wishes- dozer loved you his whole life xx
For every delicious recipe of yours that I have cooked over the years, I have eagerly scrolled to the very end just so I can share in the joy of Life of Dozer. Sending both you and the sweetest boi all the love and strength from our little fam and fellow goldie. Praying he can come home soon❤️.
Hi Nagi,
You may remember me posting to you some time ago about my own Golden Retriever who suffered with GOLPP. “Winston” got pneumonia once after his laryngeal tie back surgery early 2023 and thankfully recovered before being taken by an aggressive cancer in December 2023.
Last year we also lost 2 of our dear dogs- “Coco” our Chihuahua to cancer, and “Rosie” our 14 month old Groodle to pneumonia, after spending a week in SASH ICU in Adelaide with half of that week in an induced coma on the ventilator. It’s just heartbreaking, and it is taking a long time to heal. I feel your pain, and I will keep you both in my thoughts. They are such a big part of our lives. Enjoy your time together. Take care x
Praying for the best, really love you Dozer & Nagi,be though, hugs,😢💖
Sending you all my love!
Sorry to hear this sad news. Sending love and hugs to you both xx
Shoo.. I am soo very sorry.. my heart absolutely aches for you.. sending you and Dozer loads of love from Cape Town, South Adrica
Thinking of you, I’m 76 and have loved and lost 9 wonderful friends
I have loved your recipes and posts for over a year now. I also share your site with friend who enjoy food and dogs. Wishing you and Dozer the best in the days ahead!
I’m so sorry and so sad! I met both you and Dozer in person at one of your book signings and got a photo in. I’m so glad and honoured to have met him in person. Much love to you both ❤️
Sending you and Dozer much love love 💕
Crying so many tears with you Nagi. You have a world full of Dozer fans and we will weep with you. Must be the most loved dog the world over. xx
Sending positive thoughts to you both. xO
Hugs and love! ❤️ Have fun
Love you Dozer xx Big hugs for you Nagi xx
Nahi, my heart bleeds for you. Dozer is so lucky to have you as his special human. Your love and connection to one another is palpable. Sending loving thoughts to you both.
Sending you both the biggest love and hugs..and some extra squishy neck hugs n scratches for Dozer. Thank you for letting his beautiful self be a part of our worlds too, Nagi.
Much love, Trish
Dear Nagi, I am so sad for you that Dozer has been so ill. He surely feels your love! . This is such a hard part of life but I am sure you are grateful for the last 13.9 years of good health for him. Much love and caring are being sent your way. You are in my prayers. Be kind to yourself!