When you accidentally make your dog as much of the face of a business as you are, it is inevitable that there will come a time when you have to publicly share not-so-happy news with the world.
Let me first preface this post by assuring you that Dozer is currently “ok”. He has a condition called laryngeal paralysis which is obstructing his breathing. He is home after being in surgery, exhausted. But he is alive, and as I write this post he is sprawled at my feet, snoring loudly.
Here is an update on what’s happened – and why I’m telling you.
Dozer has laryngeal paralysis
Dozer has been diagnosed with a condition called laryngeal paralysis which is where the larynx is paralysed so it doesn’t open to allow the free flow of air into his lungs. Think of it like a flap in your throat that opens to let air in.
It’s a nerve deterioration condition that’s irreversible and untreatable. In the last week before his surgery, the lack of oxygen meant he was permanently lethargic. He didn’t want to go for walks or swim. He couldn’t climb stairs.
And most concerning (not joking), he wouldn’t waddle into the kitchen when I started cooking.
All he did was eat, sleep and go to the toilet. And pant a lot. Heavy, raspy breathing – even with the air con on.
A swift decline
His decline has been swift. In January, he was running wild on the beach as he has done for the whole 11 years of his life:
By the end of January, he was refusing to walk around the block. Just sleeping all day inside.
In mid February he was diagnosed with one paralysed larynx at our local vet. Then one week later, the specialist hospital determined that his other larynx was also paralysed.
And one week after that, he was in surgery.
The decision for surgery
There is no treatment for laryngeal paralysis. I could have done nothing. The consequence of that would be Dozer spending the rest of his days pretty much doing nothing because he wouldn’t have the energy to do anything, and to hype him up into an excited state would be dangerous.
He could never chase birds again, or run with his friends. His muscle mass would quickly fade. He would lose interest in life.
His tail would never wag.
I couldn’t let him be like that. It’s not living life.
So I made the decision for Dozer to undergo surgery to tie back one larynx which would help clear his airway to allow more oxygen into his lungs.
The surgery itself was not complicated (I’m told) though I was warned of a mortality of 1 in 10, I understand relating to post op complications. Which, as you can imagine, had me in a flood of hysterical tears at the thought of losing Dozer.
The surgery went fine!
So, this update post is live and in real time. Dozer went in for surgery yesterday at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (“SASH”) in North Ryde which is only 15 minutes from my house. His operation was fine, no complications.
The vets and surgeons there are incredible. They called me just before he went into surgery and when he finished. They sent me photos and reports at the end of the day. And it will come as no surprise to you that I called for an update in the middle of the night and 6 am this morning. 😊
This is a photo from inside the ICU from last night:
He’s home 🥰
After a night in ICU, he’s home. He’s absolutely exhausted, still recovering from the anaesthetic I presume. He’s breathing heavily from swelling around his air passageways. He’s very wobbly on his feet, he can barely stand, let alone walk.
And he’s got a nice big shaved patch on the left side of his neck, revealing skin more wrinkly and flabby than I expected! They went in from the outside of his neck to operate on his larynx.
He’s snoring like a trooper in his favourite place – under the dining table, surrounded by his most precious possessions. I’m so happy he’s back home!
Why I’m not celebrating – yet
While the operation did not have any complications, you might be sensing a lack of happiness in this post. And that’s because he’s not in the clear yet.
His breathing still sounds raspy because of swelling inside his oesophagus from the operation. The vet tells me it could be up to two weeks before the swelling goes down and we can hear if it has improved his breathing.
Secondly, the operation does not come without consequences. With his larynx tied back, he is now at greater risk of lung infections. Which means:
no swimming – the beach is his favourite place in the world 😢
no more random treats. He needs special lung infection “safe” food that will slide down his throat – like slippery meatballs
no bones – danger of little bits flying into his lungs too great
So, there will be a new life routine to figure out. And a whole lot of research and recipe development to create new safe Dozer-food.
But I’m so hopeful that he will be able to get back to some level of normalcy in his active life!
Why I’m telling you
I always swore that I wouldn’t use my website as a platform to mope and moan about headaches. And I actually did not intend to make this news about Dozer public until after the surgery and once I knew the surgery was a success.
However, I felt like I had to explain myself as a result of this media piece due to cancelling an event I was due to be at in Adelaide this week. Not explaining myself to the media, but to questions that I received from the RecipeTin community – understandably so after cancelling a reader dinner just a few days prior.
All these questions came from a place of concern and kindness. And that’s what made me decide to explain what was happening on social media – and now here on my website. If you’d like a little more background, I made a little video on Instagram – you can watch it here.
☀️ On the brighter side! ☀️
All that said and done, I can’t finish this post on a sombre note! And even with all the worry, we’ve had some lighter moments throughout the last couple of weeks. Here are some of my favourites!
1. Realisation: ONLY LARGE TREATS
Yes, you heard me right. Gone are the days I’d save a tiny scrap of my steak for him. Small = unsafe because it could fly into his lungs! It has to be a 2.5cm / 1″ piece that will slide down his throat safely.
Yes, you heard me right. It is unsafe to give Dozer tiny scraps of food. You must give him large pieces of your steak from hereon!
2. REALISATION: he can do what he wants
“Don’t stress him out!!” is the mantra around here these days. Agitated Dozer means distressed breathing which has to be avoided.
Which means – if he doesn’t want to do it, no one is allowed to force him. Plonks himself in the middle of the kitchen? Everybody walks around him. Doesn’t want to go upstairs to my bedroom? I move my bed downstairs. Nudges you for a belly rub? You better drop everything and rub away, lest he starts barking (bad for his throat!!).
Yes, what Dozer wants, Dozer gets. I can’t quite believe we’ve ended up in this position either. (Though note: hopeful once he has fully recovered from his operation, King Dozer may be dethroned!)
3. I NEVER GOT FLOWERS THAT BIG!
Seriously. He got flowers. Even on my sickest of sickest days, I can tell you that I NEVER got flowers as big as Dozer did!
4. scavenging until the very end
I’m sure it will come as no surprise to anyone that I baked for the vet hospital. 🙂 Especially on surgery day when I couldn’t work or sleep, I just baked, baked, baked and took them in with me when I dropped Dozer on surgery day.
And right up until that very last moment when they took him away, he was sniffing the warm muffins, hopeful for a little taste. That’s my boy!
5. dozer’s big heart
And lastly, my favourite. When the vet showed me Dozer’s X-rays, he noted that Dozer has a nice big heart.
I told him that we didn’t need an X-ray to know that. ❤️
I love you, Dozer.
You’ve been the one constant in my life since the moment I got you. You love unconditionally. You’re unwaveringly faithful. You want to be friends with everyone.
I have wanted you all my life. But I waited and waited until I knew I was in a position to be able to care for you properly, when I was done with the corporate world, travelling overseas and working long hours in the city.
I knew you would need care and attention as you grew older. You’re so fit and healthy for your age, but it was inevitable that time would catch up with you one day.
Whatever the coming years bring, I will be here for you to do whatever I can to make your life happy and comfortable.
I love you with all my heart, Dozer. – Nagi x
Update: Dozer is doing so well! Read the next Dozer update here and also live updates in the Life of Dozer section in each of the recipes I published after this post. Thank you all for caring so much about his well being, he feels very loved! – Nagi x
Dear Dozer, please thank Nagi for letting us know how you are. I know Nagi is doing everything she can for you and I hope you feel better and stronger every day. You bring so much joy and happiness to us all. Sending lots of love and cuddles xx
I have been a fan of your recipes for some time now, and I have never been disappointed. Of course, one cannot cook your recipes without experiencing the great LOVE you have for Dozer. So much so, that we cannot help but love him too. So, I thank you for your sharing. We wish you and Dozer the best of everything and in every circumstance. You are giving Dozer a wonderful life, which he will never forget and for which he will ALWAYS be grateful. You are both permanently blessed! It’s all about love, isn’t it?
I’m sitting here reading about Dozer and crying my eyes out for two reasons. I’m so glad and happy that he is well or getting there. This was also an important issue that you wrote about and getting this out to so many people was important. This could be an issue with another pet owner that might not know that something major is wrong with their dog. For that you are a blessing and an inspiration. So anyone reading this keep your pet safe and loved because they give back so much more than we ever give them. On a heavy note it brought back so many memories of losing my dog and doing everything I could but still don’t know what took her. Bless you, Nagi for spreading the news to so many people even though that might have been difficult. It may save someone else’s “Dozer”.
We love you Dozer! 🐾 🐶 ❤️
Common buddy ,you’ll be right mate
Hello Nagi & Dozer
Big huge hugs to you both!!
I am new to your recipes, only a year now and I so love them. My favorite part is that you have Dozer in a lot of your pictures and talk so much about him being so involved in your daily life in whatever you do. My heart goes out to you and dozer, so many emotions when a pet is ill or just slowing down as they age. I have a ton of pets myself all my life and dogs are truly the best companions filled with unconditional love, support, laughter and just tons of fun!!
Sending good vibes and positive energy strength to you, dozer and your husband.
Best,
Pam
I am in tears! I have 2 large babies myself, Unconditional love!
Oh Nagi, it’s so hard with our beloved furry friends! I hope Dozer continues to improve and help you in the kitchen again soon ❤️❤️❤️
Oh Nagi, wishing Dozer years and years ahead of good health. Hope he recovers well and soon. You are such an amazing dog Mama xx
I’m sorry you have to go through this with your best friend but it’s unfortunately the way it is. I lost my bestie almost 20 years ago and miss her to this day. There us just nothing like a wonderful companion a great dog a great friend through thick and thin. You are both in my prayers!
Oh Nagi, send you both lots of love and big hugs to Dozer for a speedy recovery xx
Aww, Dozer. I’m glad you are doing better. You are such a sweet boy! Get even better soon. Nagi loves you!
Thank you for sharing, i hope Dozer recovers soon, give him a huge hug from me and look after you, he needs you fit and well x
Oh, Nagi… what a hard post this must have been to write. I’m feeling your pain, feeling your fear, feeling your hope, and wishing you peace in your heart. May all be well. Your on-line family loves Dozer!
Thank you for sharing I hope with all my heart Dozer gets better Please give him a hug for good luck.
What a sweetheart….and of course you too Nagi… !! Your message brought on tears for you both..words cannot express how very close pets can become from day one…but we never forget them and their sweetness. I have followed you both on my iPad and your dishes always look so very appetizing, and your friendly approach to making easy and interesting meals,was what made me want to learn more. I wish you and Dozer all the very best of love in the days ahead.
Thank you for sharing your and Dozer’s story. It is so hard to think straight when our friends are not well. I wish you both a speedy recovery and a long time together.
I love you and your website and all your recipes but I love Dozer the most. Lots of healing energy and white light to your most special special boy.
Hi Nagi, while I tend to be introverted , my children and dogs have always been my solace and in every instance where I have been dealing with stress I was always surrounded by my children (when they were younger) and my dogs at the time.
When I took my kids camping every month and we went hunting for rabbits, our dogs new that they were for a treat that evening because no matter I always overcooked the rabbits and they always lay patiently until we declared that I had ruined our evening meal yet again and our dogs needed it more than we did, at which point they were always sitting patiently for my rabbit failures, which my boys always enjoyed feeding them while I got creative with heating up food from cans courtesy of “fish in a hubcap” and similar recipe cook books.
It was never great food, but it was always great fun that my kids, dogs and I always enjoyed together.
My heart ached with each dogs passing, because they are always family to me and have been for my children.
Now I have a 70kg Dough de Bordeaux and while my house mate bought her almost 11 years ago, she adopted me as her owner and safe place to be with. When my housemate finally purchased her own home she agreed that “Lola” belonged to me and now I’m a man with a loving dog who hangs out around the kitchen with the hope that I just might drop some food for her, or even better open the fridge and discover a fresh carrot for her to throw around to kill it and then eat it.
You can smile, but she managed to break three windows with her antics, but I love her to death anyway.
Lola is almost 11 ears old and I know that her time is coming soon for a giant breed, which doesn’t make it any easier to lose someone that you love and someone that you have spent so much time with.
The look on her face as she tolerated my ex house mates grand children riding her while she looked at me as if to say “please get rid of them” as they rose her like a pony and explored her ears and mouth was precious because she never snapped once in her life .
She sleeps on the two couches at home so she can bark and scare off the bogymen, which she does successfully, and while she is a moving challenge around me while I’m in the kitchen, and caused a few falls over the years, I love her to death.
Nagi, I do feel your pain and concerns about Dozer, simply because I’m older than you and I have had a few more dogs that inevitably had to be put to sleep to alleviate their suffering .
In every case it broke my heart because it was like losing my partner in life who forgave me for everything and gave me undivided love and attention without judgement.
I recall sneaking my 70kg Rhodesian Ridgeback up the fire escape stairs while a nurse had blocked the door open so that my late wife could spend some time with him before she passed.
They both adored each other and sadly he passed away not long after my wife.
Nagi, I apolagise for the monologue but often we forget who our greatest supporters and love ones are (albeit apart from family)
Cheers Rob
Ps I do enjoy trying your recipes as does my dog Lola, because I still mistakes in the kitchen (well actually often because my mind is elsewhere) and she loves your recipes after I have buggered them up. But those that I don’t mess up are bloody delicious.
Cheers Rob
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
Rob that is such a wonderful “monologue”. A beautiful essay. You’ve really captured the ways our animal friends enrich our lives, and inevitably break our hearts.
Hang in there! You are doing all you can for him. Eleven years is great for a dog his size and says you have taken care of him through the years. It’s heartbreaking for them to go through surgery as they don’t understand. The love you have for him will help him heal. Please keep us updated on how he is doing and I will pray for both of you.
Best wishes for a fast recovery and return to being the same old dozer thinking of you