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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. peggy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    I am so very sorry that Dozer’s life has come to an end. You have shared an extraordinary life together, bringing happiness to all you both touched. I am reminded of my sadness when my own golden retriever, Sunny, who was a twin to Dozer, left this world after a lengthy illness. They will always have a huge place in our hearts. Thinking of you all, who loved Dozer. Peggy. Canada.

    Reply
  2. Carlie Victor says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. What a dog and what a loss. He knew how loved he was and will forever be a huge part of your story. RIP beautiful Dozer ♥️ sending so much strength your way at this difficult time.

    Reply
  3. Sharon Darmanin says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Oh Nagi, what beautiful heartfelt words for your beloved Dozer…I can’t stop crying…I can only imagine how devastated you must feel.
    Dozer was the best companion ever!

    I’m hugging my fur baby right now…looking for comfort.

    Thinking of you both with joyful memories ❤️

    Reply
  4. Bob Crawford says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    I know its too early to be thinking of another first best friend but as time passes you must at least consider another barker. Bob

    Reply
  5. Geoff says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Luv your food – keep it up.
    Sorry about Dozer – woof woof !!

    Reply
  6. Susan says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Oh Nagi, I felt gutted reading your post. Dozer was a lucky boy to have you as his mum, and you were blessed having him as part of your family.

    Reply
  7. Cathy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    There are no words. Deepest sympathy. Reading your email sent me back nearly 10 years and the tears are still there. How blessed we are to be able to share our lives with our four legged family members. Go well Nagi.

    Reply
  8. Cheryl says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi. But you have such beautiful memories to keep 💔❤️

    Reply
  9. Deborah Hopkins says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    So,so hard to say goodbye to our fur babies, heartbreaking. So sorry Nagi, thankyou for sharing Dozer with us all, he will be missed xx

    Reply
  10. Alice M says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Thank you for sharing sweet Dozer with us, and letting us love him. My family sends you our deepest condolences for your loss, Nagi. 💛

    Reply
  11. Di says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Thank you for sharing with so many of us Nagi! He legacy will live on with so many 💗🌹

    Reply
  12. Amity says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Sad days indeed. Thank you Dozer for making us smile and you too Nagi for sharing him unselfishly with us. All our thoughts and love to you in this hard time. Xo

    Reply
  13. Nicki Matakaiongo says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. Run free sweet Dozer.

    Reply
  14. Chris says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    I feel your pain. Losing your fur baby is almost unbearable. But you can at least take comfort from the fact that Dozer loved you unconditionally and the degree of your grief shares testament to how much you loved him.

    Reply
  15. Kathryn Godfrey says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    I’m so so very sorry Nagi. I feel your pain and am grieving with you.
    Dogs give us unconditional love until the last beat of their hearts.
    Grief is love with nowhere to go.
    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    Take care

    Reply
  16. Michelle Borg says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    Oh Nagi. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Recipe tin eats will not be the same without him. I will miss him so much. I’m crying with you.

    Reply
  17. Marcia Gee Riley says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    My heart goes out to you for your loss. Dozer was a joy to follow and you were so lucky to have each other for as long as you did. Big hugs to you!

    Reply
  18. Caroline Skelley says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    So sad, Nagi, that your beloved dog passed away.

    Much love, Caroline

    Reply
  19. Robin says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    There are few things in life harder than having to say good-bye to our furry family members. I am very sorry for your loss of Dozer. He’s waiting for you at The Rainbow Bridge. One day, he’ll run to see you again. Hold tight and keep the faith.

    Reply
  20. Jay says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    So Sorry for your loss. I loved your pictures and stories of him in your posts and feel I personally know him as well. You loved Dozer as much as he loved you. May all the happy times you had together sustain you at this time.

    Reply
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