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. ❤️
Oh dear Nagi, I’m so sorry to read this, I wish we could give miracles and turn the clock back.My heart breaks for you, we love our animals and when we have a special dog like Dozer we bond with them and they are our life.Try to take some comfort from knowing you gave Dozer the best life ever, he was such a lucky boy.
Sending you love and strength from NZ.❤️🩹🥀
My heart goes out to you sweetheart.
My thoughts are with you. Animals are so important to us humans and we miss them so much. Grieve as you need
I love your recipes and your passion for Dozer. My Ellie is a 15 year is German Shepherd who has bad arthritis in her hips, a divestive system that can only be described as “challenging” and a heart that doesn’t quit. She swims and sniffs every day for about 45 mins and that is her “time”. We play, throw sticks and I talk to her continuously. I totally understand your pain and the grief that will follow. Xxxx
I lost my 13.9 year old cocker spaniel in November last year.
It has been 2 months since he had to leave.
He had acute leukaemia and we had 1 month post diagnosis to treasure every moment before saying goodbye.
You can sit and love and give endless pats but know you will never be truly ready. I am so sorry you are going through this and it is going to be the worst to say goodbye knowing you have a whole life you have to live without him.
So love love love Dozer, be present, take endless photos (and videos are so important!!) and know and believe you did everything you could. If you get a chance to take professional photos, do it!
Anticipatory grief is bad, but the grief after is worst. I have lost my soul doggy and my heart is broken. I am surviving, and I take solace in knowing I gave him a good life, no one could have loved or
looked after him better, he had to go, I appreciated every moment and I will never forget him.
Again I am so sorry, he is so lucky to have you.
My heart goes out to you Nagi, we have lost 8 dogs over the years and have loved them all dearly and still miss them terribly. Cherish every moment with your beautiful soul buddy Dozer 🐾💙
Sending you much love Nagi, it has to be one of the hardest moments in our lives to lose a much loved friend. I really hope that you get to have him home, with you, where he belongs❤️
Oh dear Nagi, how devastating a time this is for you..a path Ive also walked down just recently 🥹so my heart goes out to you with hugs attached… beautiful Dozer, what a precious treasure he has been in your life and given he’s such a star, he’s also touched so many of our lives..so thank you for sharing him with us..❤️….sending love and strength to you in this most difficult time..💕
So sad, my heart goes out to you. 😥
Much love to you, your team and of course Dozer. XO
Nagi reading and looking at your photos of Dozer surrounded with so much love brings me to tears. Love to you and Dozer.
Oh Nagi… we have had beautiful golden retrievers.. our last being Charlie❤️❤️.. looking very much like your Dozer❤️❤️
They are the best doggies and we wish all the very best for Dozer.. I love how he features in your books and online platform. Love to you and Dozer.❤️❤️❤️
Be gentle on yourself, Nagi. It’s not easy to be when you love Dozer so much and you understand the road ahead. Remember to whisper that you love him in his ear. Dogs are super sensitive and he needs to hear you say those words. Thinking of you.
Hi Nagi, Dogs are ‘mans’ best friend. Love them dearly. I know he has had a quality life to date so fingers crossed. Chin up, Rick
Dear Nagi, I am so sad to read your latest news of dear Dozer. My heart is breaking for you. You both have brought so much joy to our lives as you have shared your lives with all of us each week. Thinking of you & sending you love. Know that you are in our thoughts. Bless you Dozer!
Sending you so much love Nagi! What an incredible gift to have 13 years with your beautiful boy, thank you for sharing him with us. Praying that he gets the send off you both deserve
We love your recipes, but we don’t really care about them, in comparison to them to Dozer. 1,000,000,000% all of my love your way xxx
Oh Nagi, sending you and Dozer so much love x x x Hoping for the best for you xxxx
Dozer is part of your global family and very much loved. Sending lots of love and healing vibes from New Zealand.
You and your beautiful boy have bought so many smiles to our household over the years. My thoughts are with you at you at a sad time in your life. But what a life you had together!
You and your beautiful boy have bought so many smiles to our household over the years. My thoughts are with you.
What a life you had together!
I have a plaque by a rose bush called Best Friend, and it’s a memorial to all of my beautiful fur babies who have passed. It says ‘if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.’ Hugs and kisses for you and beautiful Dozer. ♥♥♥
Wow that is so touching 🌹 I love that
What an amazing life you two have had together . Unforgettable and so much love . It’s an unimaginable life without Dozer . My heart goes out to you both while yours will be broken ❤️💔