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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. Helen says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:08 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. You shared so many great stories of Dozer that I felt like I knew him. I’m sending you strength at this difficult time.

    Reply
  2. Josie Keegan says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:07 pm

    I FEEL LIKE CRYING TOO! lOTS OF LOVE!

    Reply
  3. Robert M Law says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:06 pm

    Dozer shared my birth date 26th April, such a lovely companion, I feel your loss.So Sad.

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:06 pm

    My heart is so sad for you Nagi
    how wonderful that you had Dozer in your life and he had you in his

    Reply
  5. jane baker says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    Hi Nagi I have been through it a few times its very painful but he will always know he was loved and wanted until the end look after yourself and it will be hard to believe now but one day when you are ready you can share all your love with another ‘fur baby’ Jane

    Reply
  6. Arturo Delmoni says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    Dear Nagi – I will write a longer letter soon – but for now I want to say that my heart breaks for you on the loss of your beloved Dozer. May God grant you peace and courage during this unbearably sad time in your life.
    💚🩵

    Reply
  7. Sandy says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    I cry with you

    Reply
  8. Carolyn says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    Dozers memory will live in us all, through your wonderful recipes. Every time I cook one of them, I will think of him and how his love for you contributed to your food.
    Thank you Dozer.

    Reply
  9. Mandy says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:54 pm

    Dearest Nagi
    May your beloved Dozer rest after his long journey to the 🌈 rainbow Bridge.
    Sending tons of healing vibes and huge hugs.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Kia kaha. Stand strong.

    Reply
  10. Sue Jordan-Moore says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:53 pm

    So, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Dozer, my heart is bleeding with you 💔
    Thank YOU for sharing him so generously with us. Love & hugs coming your way 💐❤️

    Reply
  11. Justine says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:51 pm

    Dear Nagi, I am so sorry for the loss of Dozer.

    Reply
  12. Marlene Rowe says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:47 pm

    So sad I feel your pain, your grief at this huge loss. Our love for our fortunate animals, is indescribable and only fellow pet lovers understand. You gave Dozer a wonderful life, he was one lucky dog and he will be with you in his essence. Love does not die, it changes for. I still shed a tear over my boy whom I had for 16 years, a rescue whom I loved so so much.
    Love and light to you Nagi. RIP beautiful Dozer

    Reply
  13. Sarah Bederman says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:47 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is the absolute worst. Dozer was the best and will be deeply missed.

    Reply
  14. Lilly says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:46 pm

    oh gosh, I am at my desk SOBBING. Dear Nagi, I am so so sorry. And Dear Dozer, you take all your Mums love with you. You will rest on a Cloud in the Sun looking down on your lovely Mum. We all love you Dozer. i have a 3.5 year old Dog called Snowbear, and he sends all his love to you. much Love Nagi, big hug and thank you for sharing your precious Dozer with us all these years. Much love xxx

    Reply
  15. Evangeline Corcoran says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:43 pm

    So very sorry on losing your beautiful dog . I am a pet lover and I know about losing , my breaks for you . Take care ❤️🤗

    Reply
  16. Elizabeth says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:43 pm

    Nagi, you will not be able to look at a photo of Dozer without a tear or two appearing from deep down. They will be happy tears. You’ll feel yourself slowing smiling. There will be a quick quiet chuckle. You will be reminded of how much you still love him. You will tell him so as you kiss his picture. It has been 13 years for me. I still cry, as I do now, for my chow/shepherd Henri. I hope they have met and are living their best life. Take care.

    Reply
  17. Mitchell Reece says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:42 pm

    😢

    Reply
  18. Marion Lee says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:41 pm

    Oh my goodness I am standing here at my desk with tears running down my cheeks. Dozer had the best mum and the biggest family in the world . RIP Dozer may you run and be free from pain forever xx

    Reply
  19. Betty says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:40 pm

    I’m sorry Nagi. We will miss Mr Dozer and remember the joy he brought you and that you shared with all of us. Love.

    Reply
  20. Susan Battistessa says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:38 pm

    My deepest sympathy Nagi on the loss of your beloved and wonderful Dozer.

    Reply
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