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
Helen Sparrow says
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.
Patricia Eagles says
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.
Bev says
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!
Sue Heddle says
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.
Jennifer Pearen says
I loved your story on Dozer. What a beautiful and precious boy he is. I am sending all of my best wishes & prayers that Dozer will get some quality of life again & that you will be able to spend many fun days with him. There’s nothing like a dog’s unwavering love & commitment. Best wishes to you both.
Annie Downes says
OMG Nagi you always make me laugh, but this time I was bawling as well. As a dog owner of 2 older bearded ladies, 13 and 10, I so feel for you. The anguish and heart ache would have been horrible. So happy he is doing well. He is soooo loved, by you especially but by his huge fan base as well. He is one lucky dog! It’s hard to see our pets get older but they do it with such dignity. Hope he fully recovers and lives on for many years. Xx
Kathy Wilkinson says
Hi, Nagi. I haven’t checked your blog for a while because life… but today I read your post and it made me sad and happy at the same time, You and Dozer are surely blessed to have each other. I faced a stressful time with my little Ernest (a black miniature schnauzer) who was needy, neurotic, but full of energy and love. He went in for a teeth cleaning about 2 years ago–he was 12, and they found a mass in his throat. It was melanoma. We had the tumor removed but it had spread and I didn’t want to put him through chemo, so I vowed to make his last days his best days. He lived another 8 months and I never left his side. It’s hard to lose our furry friends, but the memories of their unconditional love will see us through. Best to you and Dozer.
Jo Ruksenas says
Love to you and Dozer. Thanks for sharing your news. Everything crossed for a full recovery ❤️🩹
Sonia Williams says
Sending you all our love and best wishes for Dozer and sending you hugs and strength.
Love from my family including our 2 “fur babies” Lola and Finn.
Jo-AnN says
Dozer is looking so much better.. thank you for sharing Dozers life.
Kristie Longhurst says
I love this so much – we just went through cancer treatment with our 15 year old fur baby at SASH they are truly angels on this earth – I’m so glad you have more time with your beautiful fur baby
Dr. Alfred Joyell says
Animals are truly a gift to us and all they need is to be loved and given a “forever” home. I prayed for Dozer’s recovery and I could not be happier that he is now doing well. Bless Him.
Deena Miller says
My last “little boy” was with me for 24 years..A Kitty, not a Doggy. Dozier has a long life still ahead, Your boy has people who love him from all around the world, isn’t that magic? xoxo🐰
Stephen Hellyer says
Hi Nagi, all the best to you and Mr Dozer. I think that you both have a big part in everyone’s life for quite awhile. All the best with Dozer.🙏❤️❤️
Mitchell Reece says
Dear Nagi & Dozer,
What a couple you make, He’s a happy boy and well and truly loved. Just like every dog should be.
You are a wonderful mother to him Nagi xx
Nily says
Dear Nagi,
You and Dozer popped into my mind tonight, when I realized I hadn’t received any emails from your site in a coupla weeks. I hope that Dozer is continuing to improve and that you are handling all this. My prayers are with you both.
Mona Cladis says
Bravo to you as you help mend Dozer’s larynx. With your watchful eyes and alert instincts, your vet has all the help he needs plus a lot of prayers that all will be well soon. Lots of love and Big hug, M
Sana says
Dear nagi
Thank you for sharing. I don’t have a dog or any pets but your post brought me close to tears. I saw that news media article. You are not a cult food blugger. How embarrassing for the person who wrote it.
We are all allowed to have sick days and care for ourselves, our families and our pets. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise
Lots of love. I hope dozer starts to feel better soon 🙂
Sana
Ellen says
Lots of love to you and Dozer. Thank you for sharing him and of course your wonderful recipes.
Rita Rodenbaugh says
Glad of Dozer’s good report card!
Congratulations to my favorite recipe girl!…..