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. ❤️
In my thought and prayers for you both
Oh, Nagi, I am thinking about you and Dozer and sending you both much love.
And I’m sure they know how.much we love them. xxx
Dear Nagi, fingers crossed that you’ll get some more precious time with Dozer. Love and hugs Monika
I appreciate your stories and your recipes so much.
I do not comment much on your site, but I always felt a culinary kinship to you and your approach to life and I always loved that Dozer has been included as a beloved companion.
Sending lots of love to you and to Dozer.
Hi Nagi,
Your beautiful dozer has been such a part of your story from day 1. It is so heartbreaking to see he is unwell. Dozer has had the best life with you and I can see the love he has for you. I’m so sorry and send love and strength at this hard time. Alice and Georgia x
My heart goes out to both you and Dozer, tough times ahead. I’m facing similar with my fur baby as she enters the last stages of her life …
I am glad that you are taking this time with your gorgeous boy. The worst part about owning a dog is losing them. My heart breaks for you as being a dog lover have lost many over my lifetime. With tears running down my cheeks I send you love and strength to get through what is ahead.
❤️🙏🏻❤️
Sending all my love to you all, thank you Dozer for sharing your life with us all and spreading the smiles 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Dear Nagi & Dozer, My heart breaks for you both as we can all see the special bond you have with each other. You are the best Mom fror your boy and he is trying his best to please you despite his struggle, he knows how much you love him. A big hug to both of you.
I really feel for you and empathise loosing a loved one takes a long time to get over but eventually you will still have the memories, not any consolation now but down the track. Grief is a natural part of loosing someone who has been such a HUGE part of your life
Sending love and hugs to you Nagi and dozer it has always been a delight reading the life of dozer such beautiful souls the both you love penny ❤️❤️
Thinking of you Nagi and Dozer. My heart is just breaking for what you’re both going thru. Dozer is much loved by everyone. Praying for both of you.
Dear Nagi…I feel like I know both yourself and Dozer. I never go past Dozer when collecting yet another recipe. He has had a wonderful, loved life and is obviously your best friend. That piece of him that is in your heart will stay forever.
My heart goes out to you during this extremely sad time.
So sad about Dozer being in his last chapter of life – sending love, it’s so hard.
Thinking of you Nagi and praying for Dozer 🙏xx
I’m sorry Nagi. 🙁 Dozer has been such a presence and will be missed by so many Australians who love your blog.
I hope Dozer’s last days are sweet,
Hope you both get to spend a little more precious quality time together.
Bless Dozer & bless you, Nagi.
💕💕
Hope you both get to spend a little more precious quality time together.
Bless Dozer & bless you, Nagi.
💕💕
Dear Nagi, my wife Kate and I are desperately sad for both Dozer and yourself. Our puppies are such precious members of our family and it is heartbreaking when the time comes for us to say goodbye. The one consoling factor is knowing that you’ve given Dozer all the love and care you possibly could and that he’s been fully aware of it and loves you for it. I hope that he pulls through this nasty lung infection and makes a full recovery, but if not, that you’re there, holding and comforting him when he closes his eyes for the last time.
Thank you for all the wonderful meals I’ve learned to cook. Best wishes to you both, Rob
💔🌹❤️