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Home Dozer

The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
5,130 Comments
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Published3 Feb '26 Updated3 Mar '26
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I’ve cried a thousand tears and there’s a million more to come.

Almost a fortnight ago, Dozer was hospitalised at SASH with a double lung infection (pneumonia). If he was a spritely young chap, it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. But he’s 13.9 years old, with other medical conditions, and with that comes the reality that is the circle of life.

The initial prognosis was dire, and he went downhill worryingly fast. But my boy is a fighter. Against all odds, he improved, his lungs showed some healing and his vitals were strong. He worked hard on physical rehab and was even discharged on the weekend ………

The happiness of discharge day was sadly fleeting….we were back at ICU mere hours later. With -some of the wonderful ICU nurses of SASH (left to right: Heather, Jo Jo, Taylor, Raf and Dr Adelina).

…….only to be back in ICU a mere 2 hours later with complications. Discharged again….then back in ICU again 10 hours later.

We’re in the final chapter of Life of Dozer and we all know how the story will end. But before we get to the final page, it is my greatest hope that Dozer can come home in good enough condition to have some time to do the things he loves the most – spending time with his favourite people, scavenging around the table, playing with friends at the beach.

And being by my side, 24/7. All the neck rubs in the world. All the hugs, all the kisses, all the pats.

So for the next little while, I will be taking time away from work. JB and my brother Goh are taking charge of both RTE and RTM (our food bank). JB is going to start sharing new recipes and bring some much needed cheer to this website. Hopefully one a week, if he can manage it with the extra business operations responsibilities he’s taken on. He’s been dropping off recipe samples to me at ICU, which I appreciate greatly, even if eating French delicacies next to beeping machines feels slightly surreal.

I can’t promise to share Dozer updates on all his recipes – to be frank, it depends how Dozer is going – but you’ll see some interesting insights into how JB and I work together on recipes remotely. 🙂

Thank you for all the years of love you’ve shown Dozer, for sharing your own fur baby stories, and for making him feel so deeply adored far beyond our little world. I hope to be able to share some more light hearted Life of Dozer tales for the next little while.

Love – Nagi x

Update: I am brokenhearted to share that he didn’t make it. See the Dozer Tribute post here.


Life of Dozer

In honour of the joy Dozer has brought to this website over the years, I can’t finish this post without bringing some cheer to the Life of Dozer section. 🙂 Here he is eating an ice pop – literally just plain ice. It’s his absolute favourite treat these days! Funny how much the bar drops when you’re in hospital, gourmet expectations reduced to frozen tap water and he’s living his best life. ❤️


Dozer was my beautiful dog and faithful companion for 14 years. He was also official taste-tester of RecipeTin Eats, and filled every day with joy, mischief and laughs. He passed away in February 2026. I miss him every day. The Life Of Dozer section shares the happiest moments of his life and keeps his memory alive. Read more about him here.

In loving memory of Dozer

2012 – 2026


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5,130 Comments

  1. Eileen says

    February 5, 2026 at 7:01 am

    I’m sorry you are going through this. We just did this last week. It’s so hard to let go, they are our family members, but we have a life time of memories to look back on and smile when the time is right.

    Reply
  2. Rosanna Marshall says

    February 5, 2026 at 7:00 am

    Hi Nagi,
    I can relate how hard when our beloved pet are sick. Take care and be strong.

    Reply
  3. Cathy Cray says

    February 5, 2026 at 6:52 am

    RE: Dozer
    I cried reading this! It reminds me of when my Meg died and my 2 other goldens, Bonnie & Clyde. I feel your pain and sorrow. 🙏🙏🙏

    Reply
  4. Kristine says

    February 5, 2026 at 6:50 am

    What a sad time for you Nagi! Thank you for sharing some of Dozer’s fab life and the fun you’ve had together, I loved scrolling to the end to check out his antics… you are a beautiful mum, he’ll be greatly missed 💕

    Reply
  5. Debby says

    February 5, 2026 at 6:40 am

    Thank you gor sharing Dozer with us Nagi. We’ve loved every update and sneak peek into your lives ! Your love for him was incredible and he has had the best life ever.
    Sending love and positivity 🥰

    Reply
  6. Rosa rojas says

    February 5, 2026 at 6:30 am

    🥹🥲cuánto lo siento

    Reply
  7. Robyn Farrell says

    February 5, 2026 at 6:25 am

    Hi Navi, I feel your pain having had two schnauzers that ended their lives in ICU at Sydney University Veterinary Hospital.

    I’m sure dozer had a fabulous fun filled life with you. Dogs are so special- they give so much to us and expect so little in return. It is unfortunate that their lives are so much shorter than ours.

    Take care of yourself and Dozer,.

    Robyn

    Reply
  8. Sandra says

    February 5, 2026 at 6:21 am

    My thoughts are with you both, it is so so hard losing your ” best friend”. Unconditional love always. He has been so lucky in having you with him in his life. Bless you both xx

    Reply
  9. Becca says

    February 5, 2026 at 6:07 am

    What a journey Dozer has had, bringing light to many people’s lives, at the centre of his light is you. We are crying those tears alongside you Nagi, thinking of you while you are beside him for your final moments together may there be tears of joy inside this final chapter. The Dozer legacy is real he will live on here in RTE ❤️

    Reply
  10. Charlene Boyd says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:57 am

    You and Dozer have enjoyed the life you both deserve. I hope all the love you feel from all the people who know you and just know you on Facebook gives you some comfort and helps you through this transition. Everyone out here loves you.

    Reply
  11. Sandy Campbell says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:52 am

    Nagi I have loved watching you and Dozer having fun for many years and know how hard it is to see your fur baby coming to the end of the road of life. I hope your time with him now at the end of the road is special with lots of hugs and kisses and of course treats. Please give Dozer a hug and kisses from me.

    Reply
  12. Susan says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:52 am

    Hello Nagi,
    Sending love to you and Dozer as he reaches the last days shared with you. You know he will.always be with you in spirit.
    Its so hard to day goodbye after a lifetime. Im glad that you have so many experiences and doggy kisses to remember Dozer by when he leaves. Leave softly and in God’s hands Dozer. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us. xxx

    Reply
  13. PurpleThumb says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:52 am

    Aawww, I’m so sorry Dozer is sick. I will pray for his healing and recovery and that he will be able to go home. Sending big hugs to you and Dozer!

    Reply
  14. Elizabeth Storbeck says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:37 am

    Having recently lost our golden oldie Labby, the hurt was still too raw to read this newsletter at first. From one furball lover to another: “no heaven will ever heaven be, unless my animals are there to greet me”. Holding you in our thoughts, Nagi xx

    Reply
  15. Michelle Russell says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:34 am

    Thinking of you and your sweet Dozer!
    You’ve created many memories that will forever be cherished ….

    Reply
  16. Barbara says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:33 am

    Nagi, I am so sorry, Dozer has been part of my life too. My daughter and I talk about him all the time. He was very special. Stay strong.
    .

    Reply
  17. Eila T says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:32 am

    Thank you for sharing your precious boy with us. Without a doubt he knows how much he’s loved. As are you, Nagi.

    Reply
  18. Telethe Wery says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:31 am

    Our love to you and Dozer thru this most difficult time. In Sept we said goodbye to our bestest love Bluetick Coonhound, Elvis at about the same age as Dozer. The heartache is real. Take care of yourself thru this! ❣️

    Reply
  19. Lynn says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:24 am

    So sorry to see Dozer going down so fast. It is never easy to watch a loving fur baby become so sick. All the love they give us! Sending huge HUGS to both of you.

    Reply
  20. Bethany Roderer says

    February 5, 2026 at 5:19 am

    My love to Nagi and Dozer. I’m so glad for him that you are attending him while he makes his transition. I wish him well in Dog Heaven. I hope he gets to meet Harper and Cassie.

    Reply
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