Popular Australian food blogger and best-selling author Nagi Maehashi has delivered a heartbreaking health update concerning her cherished family pet, golden retriever Dozer. The self-taught cook, known for her RecipeTin Eats platform, shared an emotional message with her 1.7 million Instagram followers, stating that they are entering the final chapter of Dozer's life.
Dozer's Serious Health Battle
The Sydney-based former MasterChef contestant revealed that Dozer was hospitalised at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) two weeks ago with pneumonia affecting both lungs. This serious condition may have been triggered by complications from pre-existing health issues, specifically larynx paralysis.
"If he was a spritely young chap, it probably wouldn't be a big deal," Maehashi explained. "But he's 13.9 years old, with other medical conditions, and with that comes the reality that is the circle of life."
Emotional Journey for Blogger and Pet
Maehashi, who was born in Japan and raised in Sydney, has been regularly photographed with Dozer throughout her career. She describes the golden retriever as being by her side constantly, making this health crisis particularly devastating.
"I've cried a thousand tears and there's a million more to come," the blogger shared in her emotional online update.
Dozer has spent the past fortnight in intensive care at SASH hospital, fighting the double lung infection. Despite the grim prognosis, Maehashi reported that Dozer initially showed some improvement and was discharged twice before being readmitted with complications.
Final Chapter of Life of Dozer
"We're in the final chapter of Life of Dozer and we all know how the story will end," Maehashi acknowledged with heartbreaking honesty.
Before reaching that inevitable conclusion, the blogger expressed her greatest hope: "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. All the neck rubs in the world. All the hugs, all the kisses, all the pats."
Stepping Back to Focus on Family
In light of this difficult situation, Maehashi announced she will be taking a step back from her professional responsibilities to concentrate on Dozer's care. RecipeTin Eats will continue operating under the guidance of head chef Jean-Baptiste Alexandre (JB) and Maehashi's brother Goh.
The blogger expressed gratitude for having recipe samples delivered to the ICU where she has been spending her days, though she noted that "eating French delicacies next to beeping machines feels slightly surreal."
Community Support and Future Plans
Maehashi thanked her followers for their years of support and love shown toward Dozer, acknowledging how much their stories about their own pets have meant to her family.
"JB is going to start sharing new recipes and bring some much needed cheer to this website," she announced regarding the temporary transition of RecipeTin Eats operations.
The blogger concluded with a hopeful note, stating: "I hope to be able to share some more light hearted Life of Dozer tales for the next little while."
