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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. Janene Edgecombe says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:38 am

    With tears as well I read you most loving and heart forever by my side post…you and Dozer were the perfect match, and that true love will never end. We are so sorry for the loss of your treasured Dozer, but as you say he will always be in your heart.

    Reply
  2. ESTERINA NASUTI says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:38 am

    Dear Nagi

    My condolences to you.

    I want to thank you for sharing your life with Dozer with me.

    Love and light to You Nagi

    Rina

    Reply
  3. Susan says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:37 am

    Along with the thousands of tears being shed across the globe at this moment, I share your loss and heartbreak. To me, there is no greater unconditional love than what comes from a beloved dog. Dozer was so fortunate to have you for his whole life. I will pray for Dozer and my Speck, as they wait for us in doggie heaven. God bless!

    Reply
  4. Penny says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:37 am

    Nagi, so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you. Dozer was so very lucky to have you as his doting mum, he had a beautiful life with you. May he now rest in peace.

    Reply
  5. Coby Van Den Elst says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:37 am

    Dear Nagi, so sorry for your loss. He will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.

    Reply
  6. Millia says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:36 am

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer 🙁 RIL Beautiful boy

    Reply
  7. Eila T says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:36 am

    I am so very sorry, my heart aches for your loss. But Dozer will go on to live in the memories of the many of us with whom you shared him. Thank you for the joy he brought to us also. Hugging you with my heart.

    Reply
  8. Alice - mum of Roxie & Lulu says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:36 am

    So beautiful & unbearably sad. I hope you slowly find a place where your many loving memories comfort you. Many of us read this thru a flood of tears, remembering the loss of our own much loved pets. For me, l lost my 20 year old cats late 2024, had them since babies. l too held & slept with them, as did my daughter, until they passed. Dozer knows how much you loved him & what he meant to you. Unconditional love for both of you.

    Reply
  9. Paul says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:35 am

    My heart goes out to you. The love of a dog is given unconditionally. It is very special. It is unlike anything else. Know that Dozer loved you with all of his being.

    Reply
  10. frances pessina says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:32 am

    Dear Nagi
    So very sad for you

    Reply
  11. Liliana says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:32 am

    So sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. We fellow dog lovers totally get what you’re going through right now. It was always so lovely to see him in your books and online posts. Not only were you blessed to have such a devoted companion, but he was equally blessed to have your love. Take care Nagi .

    Reply
  12. Judith Ferrari says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:32 am

    He had the best life. I feel for you

    Reply
  13. Lisa says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:31 am

    😔 My heart hurts for you. I wish our pets could live as long as we do. ❤

    Reply
  14. Kirsten says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:31 am

    Immense, heartfelt love to you as you remember your wonderful times with Dozer which will be with you forever.

    Reply
  15. PAULINE REID says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:31 am

    Dear Nagi, I am truly sorry for your loss of your gorgeous boy, Dozer. Just heartbreaking when they leave, their time with us is never long enough 💔 Dozer will be on that beach at the bridge, where he will wait till you meet again 🌈

    Reply
  16. Kelly Fisher says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:30 am

    Sending hugs n love to you Nagi, may your angel Dozer, visit spiritually and be forever in your dreams. What a wonderful life you both shared 🐾🏖️🪽xx Kelly & Ralph

    Reply
  17. Jillian McKimm says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:30 am

    Dear Nagi, the price of love is this.
    Dozer was a very lucky dog to have found you, he had the best mum.

    “I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart) by e.e. cummings

    We are all so sad he has gone but so glad he was here.💋💋

    Reply
  18. Jojo says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:29 am

    💔 when you lose a child it is hard,but every morning think of one beautiful memory and hold on to it.🩷❤️💙💜

    Reply
  19. Ruth Y Fujita says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:29 am

    I feel your loss having lost one I loved as much. All dogs go to heaven so Dozer must be playing with my Buddy.

    Reply
  20. Emma Dorsey says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:29 am

    I am so sorry to hear Dozer passed. I know he was your comfort and your buddy. It is so hard to lose our furbabies especially when they have been with you for such a long time. I am sure you have many wonderful memories you will hold on to.
    We too have an old girl dealing with some health issues and worry everyday that she will be gone . She is my hubby’s girl. We lost her sister a few years back to cancer. It was heartwrenching for me because it was my girl.
    I know it will take time to heal. I cried when I read Dozer was sick and I cried again when you lost him. What a wonderful tribute you gave. May all your memories bring happy thoughts to your heart . Warmest Regards, Emma

    Reply
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