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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,785 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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4,785 Comments

  1. Ginger Cavalier says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:21 am

    I sob for you…. my Mugzy has been gone for decades… Dogs are pure love … a gift for us if we dare…… all animals are pure love and when they are gone they stay in our hearts forever..You are amazing

    Reply
  2. Martha says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:21 am

    Sorry for you loss.

    Reply
  3. Rebeca says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:21 am

    Lots of hugs for you, Nagi. What a beautiful, full life you gave your sweet pup. Thank you for sharing him, and yourself, with us.

    Reply
  4. Deb says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:20 am

    Thank you for sharing during this very sad time. Our hearts are with you. 💔🦮❤️

    Reply
  5. Monique says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:20 am

    So sorry Nagi for your great loss.

    Reply
  6. Cindy H says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:19 am

    I am so sorry. I know the heart ache of loosing your beloved furry family. My thoughts are with you at this time. Life will be different but Dozer and his love with remain with you forever. Be well.

    Reply
  7. Debbie says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:19 am

    Nagi,
    I can’t tell you how much my heart aches for you and Dozer. I know how much you loved him and what an important part of your life he will always be. So let the tears flow, grieve as long as it takes and know he will always be in your heart. You will cherish him always!

    Reply
  8. Julia Clark says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:19 am

    Beautiful Dozer is always with you and clearly he had the best life 🙂 My thoughts and hugs are with you xxxx

    Reply
  9. Beth W. says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:18 am

    I am so very sorry for the loss of Dozer. Our fur babies are family and it’s so hard to say goodbye. How lucky he was to have had such a wonderful life and mom! Run free Dozer!
    💙 🌈 🐾

    Reply
  10. Lori KIng says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:18 am

    Nagi, Dozer knew he had the best 14 years of an dog before or after. I am crying from your beautiful goodbye.

    Reply
  11. Mary says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:18 am

    💕💕💕💕 to you and Dozer.

    Reply
  12. Sarah says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:18 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss! Dozer will be dearly missed.

    Reply
  13. sandra says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:18 am

    So sorry for your loss, Nagi, but so happy that you had 14 wonderful years. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful friend.

    Reply
  14. Donna DiBiase says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:18 am

    Sometimes there are no words. Sending gentle hugs and a shoulder to cry on. 💔🐾💔

    Reply
  15. Janice Zinn says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:17 am

    Sharing your loss and feeling your pain. You will be reunited one day and in each others’ arms again. Take care <3

    Reply
  16. Jennyquack says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:17 am

    My heart aches for you! I lost 2 parents and a dog and a cat in 1 year, and honestly, the dog was so difficult. His absence was/is ever-present. You are loved.

    Reply
  17. Pat Hayden says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:17 am

    my heart breaks for you THANK YOU for sharing Dozer with us

    Reply
  18. Lorraine Carlsen says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:16 am

    Sending you a big hug, Nagi. There are no words to help you heal your broken heart at this time, but know that there are so many of us sending you our deepest condolences. Dozer had a wonderful life with you and that is the greatest gift we can give our furry family members.

    Reply
  19. Ruth says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:16 am

    I am very sorry to hear this Nagy! It must be tough on you! Take care of yourself!!

    Reply
  20. Michele Munkarah says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:16 am

    I am so sorry about Dozer. He knew how much you loved him. Hugs

    Reply
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