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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,790 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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4,790 Comments

  1. Louise says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:54 pm

    Dear Nagi.
    We said goodbye to our beloved chihuahua X late last year after almost 14 wonderful years with her.
    Nothing could have prepared us for such intense grief. Sending you love and strength. We all knew how much Dozer meant to you. Xx

    Reply
  2. Cate Gunn says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:53 pm

    So very, very sorry for you on your loss. It hurts so much when our furry family must leave us. Words can’t cover the sincere sympathy I have for you xx

    Reply
  3. Jennifer Muller says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:53 pm

    💔

    Reply
  4. Tapita says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:53 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer was just beautiful.❤️ I have no words but know we are by your side in spirit.🫶

    Reply
  5. wendy jackson says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:52 pm

    The best thing you could have done for Dozer (and did do) was to be by his side, holding his paw, as he passed from this earthly life! They break your heart but it is the price we pay for their unconditional love! RIP beautiful Dozer!! 💜❤️

    Reply
  6. Jayne says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:52 pm

    Words are not enough. My heart is breaking for you, Nagi. I love mine, like you loved, and will continue to love, Dozer. I know that I too, one day, will feel the pain you are now experiencing, but like you I will know that every tear will have been worth every single second of their incredible lives. You loved Dozer like no one else could and you will always have the memories, warmth and sheer joy he brought to your life. My deepest sympathy to you Nagi and all my prayers for Dozer, the beautiful wonderful boy that he was ❤️.

    Reply
  7. Cheryl Anne Maughan says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:52 pm

    Our hearts are breaking for you Nagi and our tears are running. You shared Dozer with all of us and we will always value the joy he brought when we read about his latest antics. He has taken with him a little bit of all our hearts.

    Reply
  8. Jacqueline Watkins says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:52 pm

    This made me cry too, I’m so sorry Nagi. You are going through the very thing I am dreading when my little one eventually goes. Why or why does a dog have such a short life compared to us. Sending love ❤️

    Reply
  9. Tanya Matthews says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:52 pm

    Dearest Nagi, I am so sorry and sad to hear of your beautiful boy, Dozers passing. I feel your pain and know how you must be feeling. I lost my boy (best friend, loyal companion), 9 years ago and keep him close by wearing some of his ashes in a heart locket around my neck. That locket has been kissed a thousand times. The pain does full but the memories will never leave me. Dozer will in someway always be with you. You have hun the best life and he’s looking down at you from the rainbow bridge. Much love and take care xx

    Reply
  10. Alison says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    My heartfelt thoughts to you Nagi at this sadest of times. You and Dozer were the perfect couple. Remember all those wonderful memories!

    Reply
  11. Jo Jackson says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    Sweet dreams beautiful Dozer. You will be missed so much, not just by your mum, but by the RTE/RTM teams and everyone who follows this page. You were a gorgeous boy full of life and love. Rest peacefully now beautiful boy 🐕🐾😘🐾💖🐾💔🐾

    Reply
  12. Angela Neaves says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    I am so sorry ❤️

    Reply
  13. Lesley Gallagher says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    I am so sorry, I feel your pain our dogs are not just dogs they are family our fur babies

    Reply
  14. Diane Gordon says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    I question how one lady and one dog, both whom never met, and never will, can affect me so profoundly.
    But you do.
    Thank you for allowing me into your lives xx

    Reply
  15. Natalie says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:50 pm

    Nagi, I am so deeply sorry to read of your loss of Dozer. I have lost several dogs in my time and I can feel the pain in your heart through your words and my heart breaks for you. I feel like Dozer would be so grateful for the amazing love and life you gave him throughout his beautiful journey with you. Many of us are crying with you, we all care for you and of course for Dozer. May he rest in paradise in puppy paradise. He will forever be with you. Take care Nagi xxxx

    Reply
  16. Michelle A says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:50 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer brought us all so much happiness!
    RIP ❤️

    Reply
  17. Di Smith says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:49 pm

    So sorry for your heartbreak- time will heal . Such a beautiful soul gone but never forgotten.
    RIP lovely Dozer ❤️

    Reply
  18. Helene says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:49 pm

    I’m not the only one to be able to feel your pain. It never leaves you but you do go on and the memories take over warming your heart. You will never forget him but both of you were lucky to have each other. Take care of yourself and smile as you remember his smile – a Golden’s smile is special.🥲🤗

    Reply
  19. Christakis Christou says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:48 pm

    It never gets easier loosing our four legged family members, but he is now at rest in doggie heaven with all the tineats food around him.

    Reply
  20. Claire McKay says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:48 pm

    So so sorry and sad for you 🥲 rip Dozer x

    Reply
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