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
Hi Nagi, first of all thanks for the amazing recipes! did the toad in the hole and it was truly delicious!! Also I sincerely hope Dozer is recovering very well. Dogs become a part of the family and occupy a large part of our hearts and it is extremely hard to believe that their life expectancy is not as long as humans. It should be!! Much love to both of you and wishing a long happy and healthy life to Dozer xxx
Lovely Nagi and dear, dear Dozer,
I have been quietly cooking and baking with you for a few years now and following the life of Dozer with delight.
I am hoping he will have many more good times with
all the love you give him.
Hang in there Nagi, so many of us are cheering for Dozer from the sidelines!
Hugs,
Linde
so happy to hear about Dozer and you’re a true pet parent. You did not put the cost ahead of his health. I love that. thank you for sharing.
Never apologize for loving your fur baby. Wishing him and you all the best. Animals are the best gifts from Life.. They are chosen to be with you and he knew you both needed each other. There are no mistakes in life only the truest love you will ever experience. I love your website and I love it more knowing you are such a great mom. Sending you both all my best. Keep us posted.
Hi, I just read about Dozer…he is so lovely. My friend went through a similar ordeal with her dog….She is now part of a Facebook group that is dedicated to laryngeal paralysis.She loves it and it helps her learn more about it so she can be a better support for her dog (Engi). Here is the link in case you are interested. Best of luck!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/larpar/
I hope Dozer enjoys his time ahead with you. xxx
I am going through a similar time with my bestie Romeo and I cook him Pork and Apple sausages or Tomato and Bacon Rissoles for lunch every day in between medication and he is thriving.
Love to you and Dozer. xxx
Oh Nagi, I wept as I read this. As the proud parent of an 11.5 year old Golden girl (our world revolves around her), I felt your words so deeply. I am sending so much love to both of you, and wishing this sweet boy a swift recovery. That said, I vote that King Dozer keep his crown for as long as he’d like to 🙂
We know how you feel…. and you and Dozer are in our thoughts! Any thoughts of working on recipes for dogs? We are currently switching from dry to homemade and can already see the results. Getting a straight answer on recipes has been a different story though. I am new to your site but have enjoyed it immensely so far!! Thanks!
Thinking of you Nagi and Dozer…must be so stressful for you both…you are in my prayers and thoughts…All will be well again…sending you loads of love light and hugs from us here in Ireland 🇮🇪 🤗 💖
Dear Nagi, I loved reading your detailed update on beautiful, big-hearted Dozer. It was enlightening and touching. You’re so right about having to be prepared for the extra loving care needed for our dogs when they are elders. They are our best friends and cherished family members all in one. Dozer, enjoy those chunky cubes of steaks and being king of the castle! Love to you both! 💚💚
Oh Nagi like you lm so busy every day working cooking cleaning n Family. I’m catching up with you News of Dozer blew me away Hi Boy your in the best hands Nagi LOVES you so much n you know that. N you know how much she cares for you n extra care from Nagi she gives you will pull you through this.Nagi take care of YOU. too the strain n heart ache understandably is heavy you are such a Good person.The saying”The Family That Plays Together Stays Together” is So True n that’s you n Dozer Nagi.Theres a bloke in California America l was reading about a Horse Owner in Particular n Breeder lm sure it will warm your heart to read about him.This was on Racing Post International. His name is Eddie Rich ( no catch on the surname by the way that’s just his name) what a big hearted person like yourself. He owns “Finnegan’s Wake” Stallion a Millionaire Grade 1 Winner . He decided to make his contribution by allowing mare owners to breed to his Stallion for FREE. California racetracks face struggles of Racing with field sizes he decided to do something about it.He just thinks breeders are in a very difficult place right now and need encouragement. What a wonderful man .Have a read Nagi lm sure it will put your smile on your face.l wish you well Dozer our so related Human. Be looking in Nagi /Day by Day the Health improvements will be happening for Dozer.Call me Jay please everyone does
So sorry you have gone through this. Not nice for either of of you. You are a great Mum.
Hope things settle for you in good time.
Thank you for being you.
yes I agree she is a good mum
Hi Nagi and Dozer
Dozer, I am so glad to hear you’re feeling better and enjoying life again!
Nagi I wanted to thank you for so many great recipes and the enjoyable way that you show them to us!
I live in Toronto. Canada. I made a full Easter meal for my family with your recipes and every dish was loved.
12 hour lamb shoulder
Ultra Crispy smashed potatoes
Cherry Tomato Salad with basil
Spring Salad with asparagus
Roasted carrots
Everything was so straight forward and tasted excellent – thank you.
Nagi, I just read your post and am in tears. I am so glad Dozer is still with you. There is nothing like the love of and from a Golden Retriever! I miss and think about my Golden Boy, Irwin (named after another famous Aussie, Steve Irwin) every day. As our furry loves grow older, I’m reminded of the quote from Agnes Sligh Turnbull, who said, “Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” Sending love and best wishes to you and Dozer!
Where can i find the Dozer recipes you were trialling for his recovery? I remember seeing them..but now can’t find..thanks
Hi Nagi & Dozer,
Oh my! Just read your post. I hope things are still progressing on a positive note for both of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. And Nagi, I’m sure you realize that you crowned King Dozer the minute you first saw him. He will NEVER be dethroned!
Nagi, this post made me cry. As a dog mum to three beautiful girls, the love and pain is all too real. Praying for Dozer’s speedy recover and sending so much love to both of you♥️♥️
Tyler and Jonica send love to Dozer for a speedy recovery Nagi xx
Thank you for posting your story on Dozer. First and foremost he is adorable and like yourself I love my dogs and will do anything for them . Dozer is so lucky to have such a great, caring and loving mom. I agree with you whole heartedly on everything you have written about Dozer. We love our pets 24/7 and take care of them 24/7. In return they are the best companions and love us and loyal to us unconditionally. So I am with you and agree with you of all that you have written about Dozer .
You post whatever subjects you wish and we as your fans both to you and to your recipes( 5 stars on all by the way!) will stick by you and give support and love unconditionally. We will pray for Dozer to heal fast and get better. He is one lucky fellow! 🐶
With love to you both !❤️
All the best for you both. It is such a stressful time and we rely heavily on all the good times to get us through. I have my 2’s pawprints on my inner forearm after losing both the elderly buggers 2 years ago. It helps.