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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,771 Comments
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Published9 Feb '26 Updated2 Mar '26

I held his paw and slept by his side for 14 days in hospital. But it turned out, all the love in the world wasn’t enough to save him. Thus begins the final post on Life of Dozer.

My dearest Dozer,

You came into my life in my arms, holding you protectively. And after almost 14 years together, I held you in my arms protectively again as I said goodbye.

I was sobbing so hard, I forgot everything I wanted to say to you in our final moments together.

So I started writing this letter to you, to say all those things.

I wanted to reminisce about our wonderful times – the thousands of visits to the dog beach, all the wonderful food we sampled together, the cuddles, the neck-scratching-sessions, our road trips.

Dozer Nagi at Bayview May 2022

I wanted to thank you for spreading the joy that is you with readers all around the world, for happily coming along with me to meet readers at events, book signings, fund raisers, lunches, dinners, not to mention TV shows, photo shoots, and my gosh, we can’t forget our stint on Play School!

Nagi and Dozer on Studio 10 Channel 10 cookbook publicity tour
Nagi-Dozer-Roundhouse-Crystalbrook-Newcastle-photos-by-Megan-Evans-Photography-5

But as I sit here, typing away with tears streaming down my face, I realise that’s not what I want to say to you.

What I want to say is thank you.

Thank you for giving me your whole heart.

Thank you for giving me your unconditional loyalty.

Thank you for loving me just as I am, for all my flaws, for never caring what I weigh, what I wear, what I look like.

Thank you for always being there, my one constant through the good and bad times.

Thank you for making me smile, even on the hardest of days.

And thank you for trying so hard to stay with me as long as you could, fighting to heal until your very last day. I will never forget how deep you had to dig to find the strength for your rehab walk on our final morning together.

I know that one day, I will be able to look at photos of you again without sobbing. And I know all this pain I am feeling is because I loved you so fiercely and completely, and I wouldn’t trade it for a second I got to spend with you.

But right now, four days after saying goodbye, it feels like the heartbreak will never heal, like I will never smile again.

Rest in peace, my darling Dozer. I will never forget you, and I will never stop loving you.

Love,

Your mum xoxo

Thank you SASH

To the vets and nurses at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH),

Thank you for the extraordinary care, skill, and kindness you showed Dozer. Every moment, from the medical expertise to the gentle reassurance and cheering him on, meant more to me than I can say. Knowing he was in such capable, compassionate hands gave me comfort during the hardest days. I will always be deeply grateful for everything you did for my beautiful boy. – Nagi x

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4,771 Comments

  1. Naz says

    March 10, 2026 at 12:06 pm

    Our thoughts are with you. RIP Dozer
    🐾 ❤️ 🐾 ❤️ 🐾

    Reply
  2. Samantha says

    March 7, 2026 at 9:31 am

    I have no words that will bring you comfort and dry your tears because the loss of your best friend is just too heartbreaking. I do wish that the time comes quickly when thoughts of Dozer bring smiles of happiness as you remember your time together rather than the agony of his loss. RIP Dozer
    🐾 ❤️ 🐾 ❤️ 🐾

    Reply
  3. sue bond says

    March 6, 2026 at 8:16 pm

    I am crying and i never met him but plain to see the love, how lucky you both were to find each other and the wonderful life he had as official tester bless take care sleep well Dozer love sue over the pond in uk

    Reply
  4. Karen says

    March 6, 2026 at 6:03 pm

    Such a huge loss for you. Our dogs are so special, and what a team the two of you were! He will forever be with you ❤️

    Reply
  5. Charlotte says

    March 6, 2026 at 1:25 pm

    My heart is breaking ! Dozer was your baby. Sometimes people don’t understand the connection we have with our fur baby, our best friend, our secret keeper. I’m sorry for your sorrow.
    Always love 💕

    Reply
  6. Laureena says

    March 6, 2026 at 12:39 pm

    Hi Nagi: we have never met but I use your recipes and videos often to teach my autistic Son to cook. We both wanted you to know how sorry we both are over the loss of your dear companion. Dozer was such a delight, please accept our sincere condolence ♡♡♡
    – Laureena & Jamie from Canada

    Reply
  7. Sue says

    March 6, 2026 at 11:45 am

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. I am so sorry.

    Reply
  8. Anne Canton says

    March 6, 2026 at 9:44 am

    Hi Nagi,

    so sorry to hear about your sad loss. I know how much it hurts.

    Thank you for your special memories of Dozer.

    And thank you for your wonderful recipes, they are delicious and the first go to when I’m stuck for a meal idea.

    All the best

    Annie

    Reply
  9. Petra says

    March 6, 2026 at 8:45 am

    I am so sorry, It is certainly not easy losing a much loved pet, and believe me Dozer knew he was loved.
    We love seeing the memories.
    It will get easier with time. Sending much love.

    Reply
  10. Daniel Godfrey says

    March 6, 2026 at 7:33 am

    The pain of their passing never totally leaves, but time and our loving memories of them does soften into an ache when we think about them. It’s at times like this you have to think about how they pack an entire human lifetime into a few short years, how they love you totally and unconditionally, 100% loyal for being part of their pack. They are there without complaint though the hard times and the good, never complaining, never thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, just living in the now.
    Remember the life lessons Dozer would have taught you, that will help you get through the quiet nights. And eventually when the time is right your next furry companion will find you, and they will be just as special as he is to you.
    One day you will cross the Rainbow Bridge and he will be there waiting patiently for you, tail wagging and eyes smiling.
    Rest in peace Dozer

    Reply
  11. Eileen Holt says

    March 6, 2026 at 4:37 am

    Just want to say how sad I was to read that Dozer had to go on his long sleep. I think they remain by your side forever. I feel your pain, stay strong, you’ll be together again one day xx

    Reply
  12. Anne Petran says

    March 6, 2026 at 12:48 am

    Hi Nagi
    I absolutely love your recipes, they never fail! Reading In Memory of Dozer had me in tears. I know he is resting in peace. May God grant you peace during this difficult time.

    Reply
  13. Caitlin says

    March 5, 2026 at 11:21 pm

    Hi Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t remember when I first started following you as it feels like forever, but seeing Dozer was the highlight of videos and recipes. I can’t imagine how your feeling right now. He will be sadly missed. Lots of love ❤️

    Reply
  14. MudCrab says

    March 5, 2026 at 3:03 pm

    Oh.
    I was looking for some comfort food to make and saw this post instead.
    Dozer was the sort of dog next door I always want in my life. I have a ‘no pets’ lease (and no yard) so can’t have one of my own, so I am always open to a doggo who will wag their way over to say hello when they see me outside.

    so. yeah. Not really the post I was looking for. Sorry.

    Reply
  15. Heather says

    March 5, 2026 at 12:31 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Our pets are our true companions because they share the deepest part of us without judgment but acceptance and love. There is a quote can’t remember who’s its from but oh so true part of the quote is as follows ” Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us everyday” May Dozer find his new place as wonderful as you made this one.

    Reply
  16. Danny Valk says

    March 5, 2026 at 9:32 am

    Hi Nagi. Discovered your website three months ago. Hooked! Went through all recipes, which resulted in a lot of laughs and smiles and cooking plans for years to come. Some I’ve already made 3 or 4 times so I’m behind on scedule already 😉
    You know we’re all touched and share in your loss. Just wanted to say it’s wonderful how you were by his side, all the way up ’till the end. Those last pics are terrible, sweet and special all at the same time. And men, do you have a way with words… Not only foodwise. Every dog deserves an owner like you.
    Please keep up the good work and keep your spirit high.
    X from Holland.

    Reply
  17. lori says

    March 5, 2026 at 9:28 am

    I am so sorry to hear about Dozer!! sending a hug!! what a beautiful boy!! so so sorry!

    Reply
  18. W says

    March 5, 2026 at 9:10 am

    😭 my youngest child will be very sad to hear this, as am I. Your recipes bring my family so much joy and Dozer’s antics made us feel as if we had a dog ourselves, so so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  19. Patricia says

    March 5, 2026 at 8:18 am

    My heart is breaking for you and al who loved that wonderful pup. Goodbye Dozer-you made the world better just by being in it.

    Reply
  20. Maja says

    March 5, 2026 at 2:00 am

    RIP Dozer, I’m so sorry for your loss. He was such a lovely companion to your amazing recipes and will be missed by so many ❤️
    Sending you strength and love from Croatia!

    Reply
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