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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. Virginia Yap says

    February 16, 2026 at 5:59 am

    Dear Nagy,
    I am sad to learned Dozer crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He received a lots of love and enjoy a good life.
    Forever he leaves a pawprint in your heart.
    Virginia

    Reply
  2. Yana says

    February 16, 2026 at 5:41 am

    Dear Nagi, I am heartbroken to hear that Dozer has passed. He was the reason I picked up your first book. A friend told me about it and how you feature him in your recipies and how he is a big part of this project. I loved your book and him right away. He was such a joy to see in all your posts. May his memory live on forever.

    “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” — Winnie-the-Pooh

    Reply
  3. Denny says

    February 16, 2026 at 4:32 am

    That was such a beautiful and touching tribute to your Dozer. It really moved me how animals can touch our lives so deeply and provide so much joy. Thank you for caring so much for him, and may you find another “Dozer” in your future. Best wishes!

    Reply
  4. David Sumner says

    February 16, 2026 at 4:28 am

    So sorry for your loss. I am writing this with a heavy heart, before looking at your wonderful recipes I always had to see what Dozer had been up to. I will remember him when making any of your recipes. Lots of Love and Light David Sumner

    Reply
  5. David Sumner says

    February 16, 2026 at 4:25 am

    So sorry for your loss. I am writing this with a heavy heart, before looking at your wonderful recipes I always had to see what Dozer had been up to. I will remember him when making any of your recipes..

    Reply
  6. Cella says

    February 16, 2026 at 4:24 am

    Dear Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss!
    All my love 🧡

    Reply
  7. Michelle says

    February 16, 2026 at 4:19 am

    My deepest heartfelt condolences Nagi. Dozer was a true treasure.

    Reply
  8. Susan Odlum says

    February 16, 2026 at 4:11 am

    Nagi, I am so terribly sorry. I can definitely feel your loss. Be strong. Susan

    Reply
  9. Chris Coogan says

    February 16, 2026 at 4:06 am

    So sorry for your loss Nagi.
    We are heartbroken for you.
    Chris and Annmarie

    Reply
  10. Emilia De Geer says

    February 16, 2026 at 3:58 am

    I am crying with you.

    Reply
  11. John Taylor says

    February 16, 2026 at 3:47 am

    So sorry Nagi!

    Reply
  12. Cyndi in L.A. says

    February 16, 2026 at 3:47 am

    Dear Nagi,
    May God bless you as your heart heals. Peace to you.

    Reply
  13. Jane says

    February 16, 2026 at 3:38 am

    Oh nagi, I have been through this and it is awful. People don’t understand how much it hurts when you lose your baby like this. How wonderful that you were with Dozer as he said his final goodbyes. That is something that will always hurt but also be a memory you will cherish, you may not think it now but you will. He’s brought you so much laughter and love in life and now he’s your fur angel always watching over you like he did in life. My sincerest sympathy is with you now.

    Reply
  14. Rachel says

    February 16, 2026 at 3:11 am

    Thank you for the joy Dozer, Nagi I’m so sorry for your loss <3

    Reply
  15. Bonnie Katz says

    February 16, 2026 at 2:42 am

    I just discovered you and as a lover of dogs went straight to Dozer’s page. Such a beautiful boy and I was excited to learn more (& explore your recipes). Then saw that he passed and the tears came. I do feel your pain and am so sorry for your loss 💔Hold his love for you and all the beautiful memories close to your heart💕

    Reply
  16. Marie says

    February 16, 2026 at 1:56 am

    It hurts, it hurts badly. So very sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  17. Adrienne says

    February 16, 2026 at 1:09 am

    I cried while reading this. Very sad. I will miss seeing Dozer at the end of your posts. 🥲

    Reply
  18. Clara says

    February 16, 2026 at 12:22 am

    Hugs. He was well loved by you.

    Your words hit home very hard and made me remember how much our dogs love us and do their very best for us. My heart broke as we had to make an emergency decision to let our 13 year old dog go 3 weeks ago. The utter trust as he laid down for me and stayed quietly still because I was with him. Then to remember our other dog who got up for me one last time with all her strength before she passed away within 1hr. I don’t know many humans who would do so much for their loved ones.

    Hugs. Its been a terrible time for us so I have nothing to say except hugs.

    Reply
  19. Victoria Martin says

    February 16, 2026 at 12:08 am

    What a wonderful relationship you had together. Dozer was as lucky to have you as you were to have him, Nagi. Sending you love and light. RIP Dozer.

    Reply
  20. Kimyata M Pressley says

    February 16, 2026 at 12:03 am

    My condolences on your loss.

    Reply
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