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 hope you get your wish to bring your lovely Dozer home one more time. Our pets are quite simply our heart and soul and take a huge chunk of our heart when they leave
Much love to Dozer & you all. What a wonderful life he has had & he is still surrounded by love.
Sending love to you both He is so loved and you ❤️ both are in our thoughts at this difficult time
Best love is from a pet 🥹♥️
Oh dear Nagi, sending you a big hug and one for Dozer as well.. be kind to yourself 🫶🏻
The love you and Dozer have shared over the years with the rest of us, is being returned ten fold. You are not alone. This is your time with your best friend, cherish the moments.
How heartbreaking it is to be facing the final chapter with Dozer. Thank you so much for sharing him with your RTE audience and the wider internet.
May you have comfort and strength in this difficult time.
Sorry Magi. It,s hardbreaking.
Hugs for you and Dozer!❤️
Hugs Nagi to you both. Dozers life updates at the end of every recipe have always brought a smile and laughter over the years. Thinking of you and hoping you both get a little more time together.❤️
Dear Nagi and Dozer, This makes me so so sad, Dozer you and Nagi are so special and so loved by people all over the world, all 🙏 praying for you and sending loving ❤️ thoughts your way. I feel your pain and sadness Nagi , as does everyone who has ever lost their beloved furbaby. I wish we didn’t have to ever say goodbye to them it’s heart shattering. 💔 xxxxx
Sending you and Dozer so much love as you navigate his final steps. Nagi you are amazing and Dozer wood wood woofy woof woof WOOOOF
Could you have ever imagined at the start, what a difference, how many smiles and how much reach your lovely hound has made. Cherish the special time Dozer has left and the beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing him with us all.
Sending so much love and thoughts. There are no words that can help.
Life without a best friend is unimaginable and heartbreaking. If love could keep our wonderful furry friends with us, they would live forever. 🐾
Oh Nagi, I feel your pain. I had to say goodbye to my two besties within 3 months of each other thankfully at home through the most amazing groups of people who facilitate this option. They were home with me, in their own environment with their own smells and toys and treats. It was brutal for me but so peaceful for them.. It is true love when you let them go with dignity and peace to stop their pain.. cry a river as it shows them they are loved…😪💔
Feeling so much have lost two babies one Labrador’ who was very young (Ben only 3) and Sam another lab but he reached 13. I feel the pain and still miss my babies Thoughts and love to you
I’m holding my breath and sending positive thoughts to you both. Hoping for brighter days but knowing he has had a long and very much loved life. Nothing but the best for the iconic Dozer!
My thoughts and prayers are with you both, all the way from Tomerong in New South Wales, 🌏 Australia.
😍 Carol. Xxx
Sending love and healing hugs that Dozer gets home to spend some more precious time with you. our fur babies steal our hearts.♥️
I’m so sorry for you both with the latest developments. I was hoping a miracle would happen and he would make a recovery.
Take all the time you need, you are losing a member of your family. 💙
Oh Nagi
I feel your pain. Had to make the sad decision for my boy Toby in November just 3 weeks after his 15th birthday with his sister still going strong and turning 15 later this month.
They come into our lives for what is a short time in our lifespan but if the 7 year equivalent is true for them, boy what a wonderful time together we’ve had. Here’s cheers to Dozer for all the joy he brings to our lives,
All dogs are special but some are exceptional!