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. ❤️
Dozer, beautiful boy, have had the best life. Time to rest is near. Much love Nagi❤️
So much love and cuddles and healthy healing vibes to you both.
I’m bawling already, stay strong Dozer ♥️♥️
I know exactly how you are feeling. I just put my little girl to sleep yesterday 03/02/26. It was sudden and now even though I have 4 more dogs I feel so empty and alone. I hope Dozer pulls through, Much love to you and Dozer xxxx
It is the most heartbreaking part of pet ownership. That all things being equal, we will outlive them. How lucky you both are to have had a doggie lifetime together. They really are the most incredible company.
There’s no chance he will be leaving wondering if he was loved. What a beautiful pooch he is. I’m so sorry for the heartbreak that we have all felt in our own pet losses, he’ll certainly leave a scar…or a beauty spot perhaps?
Oh, Nagi….I have read every post that you have done about Dozer….in fact, I feel like he is part of my family.
My boy, Boris, is 4 and I know that day will come also…
& it breaks my heart. So, I know how hard this is for you.t Thank you for all your recipes, (which I go to every day), but ,more thank you for your grasp to be wonderful. I pray that Gozer comes thru & gives you just a bit more time……but, if he doesn’t……I pray that you get all the hugs you can, & he goes knowing you love him.
My heart is with you Nagi and Dozer. I’ve recently been through this, and my heart is breaking for you. Our pets become a part of our life. I know he is feeling the love right now, from you, and all his adoring fans. He has made an impression in our lives that we will not soon forget. XX
Thanks for sharing Dozer with us, it feels like he’s apart of all our families. Sending you and dozer lots of love hugs and thoughts. Enjoy every moment with him xx
He’s a beautiful dog who’s had an amazing life, and could not have wished for more from you. I know he will be deeply missed and always remembered. Sending love to you both.
Beautiful Dozer has brought so many smiles to my face over the years. I have loved watching how much you love Dozer & his cheeky personality from the beach trips to being by your side when testing recipes. I hope Dozer gets to enjoy some of his favourite things over the following days. Sending prayers strength and love to you and beautiful Dozer 💜❤️💚
I am one of the many people who have followed Dozer’s antics and loved to see and read the pictures and stories in your recipe books. Thankyou Dozer for all the happiness, smiles and joy you have brought to so many people. We hope you get some special time at home with your adoring Master, Nagi. xx
What a wonderful life Dozer has led! Thank you Nagi for letting him be part of our lives and may his next journey be just as adventurous
Thinking of you and your beloved Dozer as I am passionate about dogs and have been a golden retriever mama.🐾🐾🐾
So sorry, Nagi! Sending you a Big hug. Dozer will live forever in your heart and in ours too. Lots of love!
Hi Nagi ,feel the same way as you, I hope you can stay strong, and that Dozer is happy to share precious moments with you during his life time.
Dear Nagi. Sending love and hugs to you and Dozer. 💕💕
Dear Nagi,
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer’s decline. The dogs in our lives are such good company and the best of friends, unconditionally. I’m feeling saddened for you and your many hard months ahead. Sending love.
Thinking so much of you at this sad time. We have a dog that we treasure so much ourselves. We cannot even think of not having her in our lives. So enjoy your recipes also. You are a brilliant chef. Use a lot of your recipes. Thinking of you at this sad time. 🥰🐶
Dearest Nagi,
I’m lost for words. It’s the hardest thing in life, getting ready to part with our pets. They are our whole world, and Dozer has been yours. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all, and always having him in on your blogs, recipe tastings and public appearances. He’s had his absolute best life with you. Thank you for bringing Dozer into all our hearts. We love him always.
Nick and Pat.
Such an important family member regardless of size or time they leave a huge hole . That is fill with love ,pats ,rubs ,rolls , runs , x
There’s not much any of us can say to ease the pain of this. Take some comfort that Dozer will end his life in peace and dignity and surrounded by love. And that there are many good boys and girls waiting for him on the other side of the rainbow bridge.