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. ❤️
Oh Nagi my heart bleeds for you. The tears just flowed & still is flowing as I’m typing this message. I remember you & Dozer from many years ago & you were just a food blogger. How time has flown. Too many memories to write about. You have my greatest sympathy as I too lost my lab, Sandy, last year & I’m still finding when I’m cooking that I call her to lick out a bowl or pot. Best of luck to you. It’s not easy but the two of you made some beautiful memories together that we all were most grateful that you shared with us. More words cannot describe how I feel for you. Yours sincerely, Wilma Meiring, Gqeberha (new name for Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa.
The pain of grief is just as much part of life as the joy of love: it is perhaps the price we pay for love, the cost of commitment. You loved him and he loved you.
Nagi, my heart is breaking for you. Much love to you and Dozer x
I also had to say goodbye to my beautiful sparkles yesterday we had the pleasure of her life for 17 years. Unbeknown to me she came from a puppy farm in Newcastle. We gave her an excellent life was much loved.
Saying goodbye is very important and hard.
Big huggles to Dozer & you. Sending an abundance of love, positive energy x
Dear Nagi,
We are thinking of you as your lovingly care for Dozer. I hope he is comfortable and you are OK. Such an emotional and difficult time for you.
You are an inspiration to so many and in so many ways. XX
So sorry to hear your very sad news Nagi. Thinking of both of you and Dozer as you make this final precious journey together.
Heartbroken for you Nagi.
We lost our beloved Lily on August 4th last year and it was so very hard saying goodbye.
Dozer is loved so much by you and knows it so take comfort in that. Sending you love and hugs at this time. Xx
Wishing Dozer all the best. I lost my best friend a few years ago and still miss him to this day.
I shed tears for you and Dozer. Only nine months since my own heartbreaking experience.
Sending love xxx
Just sending love to you both at this incredibly difficult time. Everyone following RTE would say it MUST be all about Dozer right now. If love could keep you going Dozer would be with us forever xxxxxx
Parent of a furboy we almost lost last August – he is on a regime of meds but happy with his life – so we arrange our schedule around him because we wouldn’t have it any other way & we have given him [and us] more time – because we all know they are never around long enough!
Sending you and Dozer much love – and thoughts – from me and my furboy Biscuit xxx
Sending love & hugs Nagi. I love him too …
In he a a beautiful Labrador and my heart is with you both.
Ah god I am so, so sorry Nagi 💔 Its excruciating when you lose them. He’s had the best life with you. He couldn’t have been more loved and he knows that.
Been following the adventures of you two for many years now. Heart is breaking for you. Sending you both hugs and love xx
Sending love to you and your best friend. 💙
❤️❤️❤️💔
I was so sorry to read about Dozer’s recent health issues, it brought tears to my eyes as I have lost a few of my beautiful furry friends and know how difficult it is to say goodbye. I am thinking of you and Dozer.
Tears for you both. Dozer’s life has brought laughs & cheerfulness to many, many readers/cooks. We’ve all learned to love him. Thanks for sharing him.
Sending love thinking of beautiful Dozer ❤️🐶❤️
Sending the biggest squishy hugs to you and your beautiful Dozer.
I adore all animals and my doggies are so special
Sadly I lost my oldest one last August and it broke my heart. Our animals are our family.
Much love to you.
Oh… Well, this is what happens to all of us. I have loved to see Dozer sharing everything with you for years and will not forget the happyness it has brought to all of us.
I first followed you when I saw Dozer, not for the recipes. That was just a bonus. I have always looked at the posts about Dozer first, new recipes second. That said, I have made so many of your recipes. They’re a game changer for me and for friends I’ve recommended follow you. I’m so sad for you that Dozer is so unwell but sure he is so grateful to have you as his devoted owner. Take your time in coming back, we’ll be ok. Much love to you and Dozer ❤️❤️