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. ❤️
Nagi, I’m sorry to hear about Dozer. My thoughts are with you both together with your family and team.
Like many others who have posted, we’ve had the recent loss of both our fur-babies after 12 years together. The heartbreak is so painful but the precious memories are slowly helping us to heal together with many, many tears filled with love for them. ❤️🐾❤️
I hope he has a peaceful trip to the great kennel in the sky
Thinking of you Nagi and your gorgeous boy. It is a shocking time in both your lives, I’ve been there quite a few times and I feel for you both. Give Dozer a big kiss from one of your and his fans 😘
My heart goes out to you. I fully understand what you’re going through, Dozer plays a huge part of your family’s life. A big hug to Dozer and you.
Sending hope that the time you now share will be filled with laughter, love and making memories that will last forever.
Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️❤️❤️Dozer has bring so much love in our life. Love you Dozer ❤️❤️
Oh Nagi ❤️ my thoughts are with you during this hard time. I’ve been thinking of you both a lot as Dozer reminds me so much of my precious boy Winnie (Irish Setter) who I lost in May last year. He was a fighter too and I was able to give him the best last day on earth. Big hugs and lots of love to you both 💕 thank you for keeping us updated during this difficult time and thank you for sharing his life with us along with your recipes xx
Wishing you all the best Nagi. Dozer has lived an amazing life with you and he has been such a lucky and good boy. Hoping that you can get him home again for a few days.
Bless Dozer and all his/her friends xx
Heartbroken for you Nagi. Sending all my love to you and your beautiful boy 😔🙏♥️
Nagi, I’m am so very sad to read this, I know only too well how heartbreaking this journey is. The only comfort I got after losing my boy was to make sure I did everything we needed to do together before he went over the rainbow bridge surrounded as always by love. I still cry three years on just thinking about it, but having no regrets is so important. You take all the time you need, they are our babies and to lose them is beyond heartbreaking.
Thinking of you both 🐾🐾
Dear Nagi… I personally that know there are no words of comfort to make this time any more bearable, as I’ve been there with two soul dogs and the pain is beyond description. Please know that I’m sending you and your most beautiful, precious, boy Dozer a world of love and support. 🐾❤️🐾
Sending you blessings. I have enjoyed your regular updates on the life of Dozer as much as your recipes. Hugs to you both
Nagi, you HUG that sweet boy for All Of Us who love him too.
And then. Give yourself a HUG too!!! We love you!!!!
Prayers coming your way from the PNW of the USA. 🙏🙏🙏
Thinking of you and Dozer 🤍 Sending so much love and hoping he comes home in a better place, with time still ahead for some extra memories you are wishing to make together. 🙏🌞
Sending you, Dozer, and the whole RTE’s family all my love xx
Dear Nagi, thank you for updating Dozer’s condition. There is no comparison the love our dear pet gives us. It touches our hearts and souls for the rest of our lives. It will be a sad moment to come but give him all of you and all of our love to him and make his journey to Nirvana a peaceful one. Please thank you Dozer for all the lovely things that he has done. Love fr NZ
Nagi, as a dog owner my heart goes out to you and of course, Dozer. He’s a gentle giant and loved by all. I can only wish him the best and a speedy, “get back on ya feet soon mate” cause us cooking fans love you.
Sending love and hugs to you both….thank you for sharing Dozer with us all. I miss my Golden Girl every day ♥️❤️🩹
I’m so sorry. You and Dozer have been the luckiest of souls to have each other. Thank you for sharing him with us. Take all the time you need, and take care of yourself. And thank you to the lovely JB and Goh for stepping in for you, so that you can give yourself fully to this process.
So much love to you and Dozer!