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. ❤️


Much love, thoughts and hugs to you and Dozer … The RTE family are all here with you ❤️💜🤍
There is only one word to describe Dozer irreplaceable. Know that I am praying for him and you. It is difficult to witness and enjoy the entire life span of a beautiful creature only to see it end. Dozer will be resting in the arms of God. Happy and no longer struggling. I too have been in this situation.
There is only one word to describe Dozer irreplaceable. Know that I am praying for him and you. It is difficult to witness and enjoy the entire life span of a beautiful creature only to see it end. Dozer will be resting in the arms of God. Happy and no longer struggling. I too have been in this situation. Praying for you.
Crying for you Nagi – Dozer and you and are in our thoughts – Dozer has touched so many hearts all over the world
Sending so much love to you and Dozer.
Hugs and prayers from Canada.
Thank you for sharing with us his endless joy. You are magic and so is he! HUGE hugs and positive vibes coming from the other side of the world. You gave him an amazing life- and I know he gave you the same:)
Nagi, My heart goes out to you. I have enjoyed your recipes and your adventures with dozer. I am so grateful to you and dozer for being part of my life. I am sending you both a virtual and lots of love and energy. You both are in my prayers. Love you both. Remember breathe
Dozer has constantly been on my computer and I have loved every minute reading about him. I know what you are gong through as I lost my beloved Wolfhound Banjo last October and I have cried ever since. Spend your time with Dozer and love him as I know you do.
I just popped onto your website and saw this about Dozer. I’m weeping as I write because he is so loved and so lovely and so beautiful. God bless you through the trials.
Dear Nagi, I feel like I know you. Your recipes are always my go to. I hope you and Dozer have some great moments before he moves on. I too lost my retriever, in 2017. Trust me that eventually a smile will come with the tears. Tell him to look for Sequoia at the rainbow bridge. She would love a new friend.
I’m so sorry Nagi. Sending you and Dozer love and hugs. He’s brought so much joy to so many 🐾
So sorry Nagi. Life of Dozer is always my favourite part of your recipes. I hope the sorrow in your heart is lightened by the heavy weight of the love between you both. Sending you love.
Sending you and Dozer love and hugs! What a blessing that I stumbled across your website. Peace to you both! 💕
Our hearts are breaking,,,
big hugs to both of you !!!!
I am so sorry. I have just lost my beautiful girl. After 2 weeks I still cry rivers of tears. They say to remember the good times and it will help. It doesn’t. Love and tears.
My heart is breaking for you. I hope Dozer’s final days are happy and pain-free. I wish you the peace that comes from knowing you have a special relationship that never truly ends.
Sweet Dozer. Hard to lose a beloved one. He is fortunate to have a loving mama. May he pass peacefully. My heart goes out to you, Nagi.
I’m so sorry, Nagi. God be with you and Dozer, comfort you both, and hold you close.