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 really enjoy your recipes, but have not previously written to you.
However, because of your comments about Dozer being so poorly, I just want to say that my thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time and I hope he will not suffer during the time that he still has with all of you. Take care x
Love and prayers are with you and Dozer. May you enjoy your days together. Lots of love and hugs. We lost Moose a beautiful German Shepherd and my heart crys every day. Love😘🥲💞💞
Sending love from South Carolina 💗
My family and I lost our almost 13yo Spoodle 5 days ago. She laid on the floor and never woke up. Beautiful Dozer is a special boy as are all our furbabies. The world is a much better place with dogs in it. Thinking of you Nagi and Dozer.
Nagi you have given Dozer the best life. And now you can give him the best passing. He will tell you when it is time, animals are pretty good at that, Being honest. But do tell him it is o.k. to go. And when it happens, cry a lot and run on the beach and splash in the water and remember the good times because he will be there with you. My boy went many years ago and I still miss him to forever.
Thinking of you both and holding you both in my heart.
Helen
Helen – you have had the gift of words to put the pain we all feel at the moment in the best way of all of us – thank you . . .
Helen you’ve said what many of us want to say but can’t so thank you.
We never forget and hold our boys and girls in our hearts forever.
Dozer is Nagi’s forever heart boy.
I love Dozer as if he is my own. I hope he can come home and spend what might be his final days in the place he loves so much, surrounded by all his friends. We, as guardians of our pets must make the best decision for our pets re: the quality of THEIR life, not the quality of our own. Very, very hard.
Sending you and Dozer big hugs and prayers. Spend as much time as you are able with your beloved fur baby, Dozer, we all understand.
Wishing you all the strength during this heart breaking time Nagi and our thoughts are with you and Dozer! Dozer how loved you are far and wide you gorgeous handsome incredibly strong Golden boy!!
Oh , I’m so sorry, love Dozer
Dozer is loved by all, so sorry that u are going through this, I hope that Dozer comes home for treats and cuddles before he goes to heaven. I’m sorry Nagi
I feel for you, it is such a difficult time when their final chapter is on us and so quickly. I have an over 15 year old cocker who is my pride and joy. She has so many issues now. I think it is time, However I keep changing my mind because I want her to stay. Take care of yourself. X
My love and prayers are with you both, enjoy this time together 🥰
Nagi , it was really hard reading about dozer , I understand your concern and heartbreak , our fur babies bring us so much joy and happiness but very sadly when they are sick or nearing the end the heartbreak is indescribable , wishing you all the strength and comfort you will need , as you face this chapter , will certainly keep both you and dozer in my prayers , please look after your self too , 🌹🌹🌹
I’m so sorry Nagi you are going through this. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us. He has brought us all joy. Please know we are all thinking of you and holding you both in our hearts.
Nagi. Just spend time with your beautiful boy. Big hugs to you both x
Oh Nagi Dozer is such a beautiful boy and clearly so loved. Soak up every moment life is so much better with our babies in it and heartbreaking when they are no longer with us. Hold him close
Sending love and big hugs
D
Hi Nagi,
I’m so sorry for you. I’ve added a section from a poem by Margaret Atwood. It’s about Sekhmet. The Egyptian lion headed goddess of war and healing. There’s a statue of her in one of the Canadian museums.
I loved the imagery when I lost my dog. Hope you like it.
“I just sit where I’m put composed of stone and wishful thinking:
that the deity who kills for pleasure will also heal,
that in the midst of your nightmare, the final one, a kind lion will come with bandages in her mouth and the soft body of a woman,
and lick you clean of fever,
and pick your soul up gently by the nape of the neck and caress you into darkness and paradise. “
He has been well loved and although its hard to say goodbye sometimes you have to do whats best for them.Lots of love to you and Dozer xxx
My heart goes out to you. Dozer has been so very lucky to have you as his guardian angel and you have generously shared him with all of us.
Take care and take time xx
I’m sending you lots of love. ❤️