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. ❤️
Thinking of you and your lovely boy xx
This is heartbreaking to read, I feel for you Nagi, our pups are so much apart of us and we love them dearly. Enjoy your time with Dozer xxx
Nagi it is an extremely difficult place that you are in. My heart goes out to you. There is none so loyal or who loved so much as our faithful 4 legged companions. What a wonderful life you and Dozer have had together. My prayers and love to you both
Thank you for sharing one of your most painful times with us. We do appreciate it as we’ve all grown to love you both. Although we will all cry with you, it won’t ease your heartbreak but we know that it wasn’t possible to give him a better life than you did. He won us over with his beautiful face and cheeky ways and he won’t be forgotten. You are a special pair and we’ve enjoyed the ride with you.🥰
My heart goes out to you Nagi. I know only too well how hard it is to let a beloved pet go. ❤️
You’re in the moment together and that’s all Dozer needs right now, whatever the outcome. You’re both brave, amazing and incredible. Much Aroha to you both.
Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry. Dozer has been such a huge part of your business, brand and life. It’s hard to imagine you without him. You’ve been so lucky to have eachother. I’m sad that Dozer’s days on earth are numbered, but I know that he’ll always be in your heart. Thinking of you.
Oh Nagi…this is so sad, but your wonderful memories will always be with you. The inevitable will happen, you’ll cry even more tears, but you are absolutely surrounded by those who love and support you.
Cliche, I know, but time will slowly heal you.
Love always
Carol
Such sad news, the little guy has been your wingman from the beginning. Hang in there and take care. X
Come on Dozer, you’re a fighter, you can do this! Don’t make your mum lose anymore tears yet.
Sending woofs and hugs to you both..
Been there done that.. it’s hell.
love Sam & Moose in the wet soggy UK.
Nagi, my heart ❤️ goes out to you. This is a tough time. He’s loved, what a great life xxxx
My heart breaks for you both Nagi. You have been an amazing Mum to Dozer giving him the best life. Hoping you get to take him home to enjoy your favorite things together. Much love to you both🥰
Im so sorry that dozer isn’t well. That’s a pretty good sge youve got him too. 13.9 years is a good age for a big dog like Dozer. You will go thru dimr truaks and tribulations over the next few days. Best to you and dozer. snevregsrds
HELRN JESSUP
Oh Nagi, I opened your email with hope and trepidation, and now the tears are flowing, for you, gorgeous Dozer and for our Tilly (Black lab left us 5/21 just after her 14th Birthday).
The really sucky part of having pets is they don’t live as long as us, and while you might acknowledge this when you get the little bundle of cuteness, and share your life with them, it smacks you in the heart to say the final goodbye.
What a gift you have had, raising him from pup to senior, and everything that goes with it. Please know, he’s loved the life you gave him, and you, more than you will ever now. What a privilege to have shared his life with you and now.
Take care of yourself and gorgeous Dozer in the time you have with him, and when you help him over the rainbow bridge. So much love and care for you both xx
So sorry to hear about Dozer, I lost my soulmate to Nasal Cancer at 10yrs old so know what you are going through. Lord bless you both.
My heart goes out to you and Dozer. Sending to our love and best wishes for many more happy moments together xxxx
My lil furbaby and I really feel for you Nagi, you’ve been amazing with Dozer, we will miss him too xx
Sorry to hear about Dozer. I have truly enjoyed the journey of Dozer! Prayers and Thoughts of Love during this season!! Blessings
The comfort of your hugs will be the nourishment he needs.
Oh Nagi,
I don’t know you but if I could give you a huge hug, I would. They give us so much but the pain of their leaving is so hard. I know he had a beautiful life with you.
Wishing you comfort in beautiful memories..x