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. ❤️
There is nothing like the love of a great dog. (((Hugs)))
So sorry for your loss. It is really hard to lose a loved one. They just don’t live long enough and it will leave a huge hole in your heart for a very long time.
But Dozer will live on in your memory and also in your heart.
My sweet Dozer gone ?
I can’t believe it.
I looked forward to reading about Dozer and keeping all the pictures of him you used to send us in your posts.
Now I won’t be seeing any more.
Oh Nagi I’m with you in your sorrow.
I know how your heart is breaking with this terrible loss.
I too feel so very sad at the loss of
Dozer.
I don’t know either you or Dozer personally, but I’ve had to say goodbye to three 16 year old Golden’s and I understand your grief. What a wonderful friend and companion you’ve had in him for nearly 14 years, that’s so special – they are such a joy! When you’re able, your many pictures and memories will be such a treasure. With tears in my eyes, I wish you peace and comfort.
Dear Nagi, my heart bleeds for you. I’m shedding a few tears myself as Dozer was a big part of our Recipetineats community. He lived a good life and I’m sure loved you dearly! Take all the time you need. Losing a pet is losing a family member and it hurts bad! Big hugs and sweet dreams dear beautiful Dozer! Xox
When our Dogs Die, they Leave Paw Prints on our Hearts…
Rainbow Bridge – Author unknown
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing – they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and when you and your special friend Dozer finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, Dozer, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
Such sad news Nagi Dozer will always be with you right by your side urging you on to feel the same energy you both shared, loving each other and laughing at the most magical snippets of your life together.
I cried big tears for you and Dozer it’s not easy saying goodbye knowing it is goodbye.
Big hugs Nagi ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nagi I’m so sorry. Although I don’t know either you or Dozer personally, it was clear he had the absolute best life ever. Take all the time you need in this immediate grieving stage. Definitely one of the tough times in life. X
Hi Nagi, So sorry about Doser,
we all love our pets and are so broken when they leave our world! Just remember him and
visit the SPCA and other places of homeless animals and think of him again. Mike in Durban. LOL!
My heart goes out to you Nagi and my thoughts are with you as I know your heart is hurting….
Dear Dozer, doze now peacefully..
Dear Nagi…Dozer left with part of your heart but he will care for it like you cared for him…Let the tears flow as they must..Big love and big hugs to you xx
Sobbing and heartbroken with you and for you. Dozer was one in a million. Thank you for sharing his beautiful life with us. We are all richer for it. Each time a special fur baby passes they take a little piece of your heart that never heals. Big hugs to you Nagi. May you live happily in the memories of your beautiful friend.
💔😭💔
Heartfelt tears shed whilst watching your reel 🥹 Dozer was such a huge part of recipetineats for us and we loved sharing his life and adventures with you. Words will not help at the moment … just know that those of us that have lost our best friend, sidekick and partner in crime feel your pain and send much love ❤️🥹❤️
Try to remember all the wonderfull times you both had together. I know having to have been in your place twice and my old girl is now near. I make sure we have the best, I try to make sure all is how she feels safe and loved. The best I can say to you is, live with all your times and happiness that you were so very lucky for. Xxxx
hey honey-dozer will always be with you in spirit-love never ever dies-my family as others love their furbabies or any “animal” we’ve been there so many times over the years-never gets easier but-if we didn’t love them who would’ve? and they know they are loved-and trust me honey-plzzz-we all will meet again-their souls have more love than many humans-I hope 1 day you may find another furbaby who will have a beautiful life-we’ve saved so many rescue babies of all creation-our lives would be empty without any of them-take care beautiful soul x
It is so sweet of you to share your love letter to Dozer. thank you.
50 yrs ago I lost Bella, my beautiful Siamese. Sadly there have been many that have joined her. At times I still cry for Bella and all the others, but I also remember the crazy, things each did to make me laugh. And as much as it hurts, I am grateful for the time Bella, Colombo, Brandy, Tomas, Suzette, Bailey, Coco, and Tyler shared their love.
Nagi, my deepest condolences for your loss. Dozer was a precious boy. Thank you for sharing his stories and all those great pictures.
Oh Nagi, my heart goes out to you. I am sitting here bawling my eyes out trying to type something that makes sense!!
Dozer knew how much you loved him, and he loved you also ❤️❤️❤️
Take some time for yourself now!!
Sending lots of love 🥰 hugs 🤗 and kisses 😘
Dear Ngai and family / friends of Dozer,
I am so sorry to great of your loss. It not only impacted you and your family but also families all around the world. The pain will always be there, but know that Dozer will always be in your heart.
Know in your heart that you gave Dozer the best of everything as he wasn’t just some member of your famiily. Dozer has been and will always be yoru family.
It is completely normal to just break down and cry T the strangest times but that is mourning for you.
My heart goes to you all ( no matter how many times you a love leaves). The pain will always be there and only time will help you with your heartache.
Dozer is a one a of a kind and if / when you ate ready to include a new pet, it will never be Dozer. As all pets are never replaceable.
Will be thinking of you.
Dogs are family and Dozer became a part of ours everytime I open one of my favourite cookbooks. He will live forever in our kitchens
Crying right now. We all loved Dozer though your big hearted love of Dozer. 🙏🙏💕🙏🙏