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. ❤️
Every fur baby is a valued and loved member of the family and it truly is heartbreaking when the time does eventually come. They know you love them and that you would never leave them when they need you the most. Sending all my love to you and Dozer ❤️
Been there with three dogs over my adult life. Dog number 4, a long legged staghound just 4yo is sleeping in her bed, will sneak onto mine sometime tonight when I am asleep.
Parting with a loving if dumb partner is hard and sad, true. But they bring so much life and love that soon we are choosing another companion.
Best wishes for Dozer.
I’m so sorry Nagi, our whole family had been hoping that Dozer would come through this ok. It’s so hard saying good bye, my boy Charlie made 14 years and we spent his last day at the beach enjoying a slight paddle and a cheeseburger. That was 6 years ago, and I have enjoyed watching you and Dozer ever since to give me my doggy fur baby fix.
Sending you a tonne of strength and hugs as you get through the next few weeks and months. Thinking of Dozer, you, your family, JB and the RTM crew xxxx
Dozer is so loved by your community and the little spark of joy for us all was to see him in your posts and updates and newsletters. Sending him a big all embracing doggy hug 🥰
Hello Nagi and Dozer
Remember all the good times and the love you share. Thinking of you both and wishing for the best outcome. We love you best. Xx
Thoughts and many prayers to you both ❤️🐾🙏
I am so sorry to read this Sending lots of love to you both, sending lots of hugs and kisses to Dozer, I have loved reading the exploits he got up to.
Much love to you both and I hope beautiful Dozer can go home soon. You are both so loved xxx
Dearest Nagi and bestest Dozer
You are Dozer’s whole world and as we shed lots of tears because we love him so much, he is with his Mum having lots and lots of cuddles.
xxxxxx
Sending hugs and love to you and Dozer. I’ve been in your shoes before and it’s hard to say goodbye to your family, there is no preparation for it.
If only our love could make them well and give them a longer life. Thinking of you and Dozer.
Margaret and Archie.
Hugs, Thoughts and many prayers to you both ❤️🐾🙏
Thinking of you. Hope you are able to spend some more precious days with Dozer. I enjoy seeing his ventures nd love how much a part of your lives he is.
Oh dear. I respect your positivty, going through that with Dozer must be very hard. Best wishes to you both.
I’m so sorry, and from personal experiance I know nothing I can do or say will make things go away, except that you, yourself know and realize you loved and cared and did all you could to make Dozers time a fun, enjoyable and loving experiance for him. God Bless.
Dearest Nagi and Dozer,
As many here have commented, I share both your joy and your pain. I have also written several last chapters with beloved animal friends. Here are two sentences that are a comfort to me:
From a letter written to me by my vet:
“We know this time will come when we choose to share our lives with beings whose lifespans are shorter than ours. The only pain worse than this is the thought of never having had them in our lives at all.”
And from Eckhart Tolle:
“I have lived with several Zen masters–all of them cats.”:
It seems to me that our animals teach us so much more than we ever teach them.
My heart is with you both.
Although your recipes are amazing and so simple to follow, as a fellow Goldie mum x 2, it was Dozer who really turned me into an RTE fanatic.
All my love to you and Dozer as you navigate your final chapter together on this plane.
Oh Nagi I’m so sorry it’s so hard isn’t it ? . Hope he can get home . And you can spend precious time together sending you love and hugs from the UK
Sending strength at this difficult time. Enjoy Dozer ❤️
Dear Nagi, my heart goes out to you, I’m typing this with tears in my eyes. Fingers and toes crossed for both you and Dozer. He’s an amazing fur and you’re an amazing mum. Stay strong. Big hugs and kisses to you both xoxo