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 went through all of these emotions in December when my girl came to the end of her time. But I wouldn’t trade any of the years I had with her for anything. When we give our hearts to a dog, it’s theirs forever. Anyone can see how much you love Dozer. And how much he loves and trusts you. Peace.
After letting our 14YO gent go a little over a week ago after a bout with melanoma, I feel for you. Take care of yourself!
Dearest Nagi & gorgeous handsome Dozer,
Thinking of you both. Dozer sure is a fighter & has had the best furmumma. Nagi you have so much love for your boy right here. It’s heartbreaking watching your baby age, get sick & to their end of life to cross that 🌈. You’ve gone above & beyond to give Dozer a fighting chance & he thanks you for that. He’s trying so hard to get home for you. I’m crying watching your stories bc I know the outcome 🫂🐾💔. Thank you for sharing the ups & downs. Hang in there. Sending so much love ❤️ & light ✨️& hugs 🫂🤗from Karen, Toby I🐾 and Charlie 🐾 in Qld
Thinking of you and your beloved Dozer. He is family and he has a very special place in your life. Wishing both of you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Lots of love
Oh, Nagi, my heart goes out to you. I know that you will make whatever time Dozer has left with you the best that he could have.
Take good care of yourself
Sending love and prayers for you both… 💔🙏😔🤗
Sending you and Dozer all the love in the world ❤️❤️
Dearest Nagi & gorgeous handsome Dozer,
Thinking of you both. Dozer sure is a fighter & has had the best furmumma. Nagi you have so much love for your boy right here. It’s heartbreaking watching your baby age, get sick & to their end of life to cross that 🌈. You’ve gone above & beyond to give Dozer a fighting chance & he thanks you for that. He’s trying so hard to get home for you. I’m crying watching your stories bc I know the outcome 🫂🐾💔. Thank you for sharing the ups & downs. Hang in there. Sending so much love ❤️ & light ✨️& hugs 🫂🤗from Karen, Toby I🐾 and Charlie 🐾 in Qld
Nagi and dear, lovable Dozer, my boys (13 and 14) and I are sending you love and happy thoughts 💕 It is a hard time but he has given you love and loyalty and it’s not much to ask to make his final journey peaceful. We will all meet again over the rainbow bridge xx I truly believe this, god named dog after himself xx
My thoughts and prayers are with you it is losing a family member their lives are short but the love you share will always be with you
Nagi, I am so sad for you. Dozer is a very special dog and you and he are so lucky to have shared so much joy the past years. He will never be forgotten by everyone who has ever had the luck to get to know him through your blog or in person. Please take all the time you need. Your community loves you and Dozer.xoxo
Sending lots of love and hugs to you and your beautiful Dozer ❤️
Praying for Dozer to be comfortable during his final journey and just enjoying all the love that you are showering him with. Sending the both of you lots of hugs and love.
Sending all my love to you and Dozer. I will hug my own golden retriever extra hard tonight. Dozer has the BEST mama in the world and we are so fortunate that you shared him with us for all these years.
Love you both xx
Enjoy your final days together. So hard when they pass. Such a huge hole in your life and heart. But know he had a beautiful life with you Nagi. Hugs to all. Xx
Hi there Nagi and your beautiful boy dozer.
The circle of life is truly heart-wrenching at times, sometimes a delight, and always inevitable. Life goes on, as they say, but that never diminishes the indescribable pain we feel when our fur children, who have given so much and asked very little in return except for our love, face the sunset and wander over the horizon.
All my deep, deep love to you both,
David A Neuman
What a wonderful Mum you are to Dozer, dogs are truly Gods angels on earth. My love to both of you,
LOVE TO YOU AND DOZER.
Sending you and Dozer so much love and strength in this difficult time. Xoxo
Stay strong Nagi.
Sending much love to you and Dozer.
Nattskii & Nala Marrow-Bone of the Wobble-Bums
🐾🐶❤️❤️
I am sooo sorry. It’s beyond heartbreaking to lose a oh so beloved pet. I’ll keep positive thoughts a prayers for you both. 😢