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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,777 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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4,777 Comments

  1. Karen says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:40 am

    So sorry to hear about Dozer. He was such a lovely dog and a big part of your life. Take comfort that you looked after him well all through his lovely life x

    Reply
  2. Marcy says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:39 am

    I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend and companion. I hope that time will soften the hurt and bring you smiles and a peaceful heart when you think of Dozer.

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:38 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to Dozer! I will miss reading about his adventures. Thank you for sharing him with us. Praying for you as you grieve.

    Reply
  4. Fiona Heysen says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:38 am

    He adored you to the end as did you him. It is so unfair that dogs live such a short time and we never forget them. Dozer was so special and beautiful. My heart breaks for you.

    Reply
  5. Everett Hyman says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:38 am

    I am sorry for your loss. I will miss him, too

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      February 10, 2026 at 2:08 am

      Nagi – we are all grieving with you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. May you find peace in the days to come. Cherish the memories.

      Reply
  6. Joyce says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:38 am

    Nagi, I have been following you for a long time, and have enjoyed making many of your wonderful recipes. Many times you posted beautiful photos and stories of your sweet Dozer that often brought a smile to my face or even a chuckle. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer.

    Reply
  7. Tracy MacIsaac says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:38 am

    Dear Nagi, I am so very sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  8. G S says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:37 am

    💔🐾🌈💝

    Reply
  9. Lou says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:37 am

    Dozer was such a lucky puppy to have you as his mom. Thank you for sharing his life to us!
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Be proud that you gave him such a wonderful life.

    Reply
  10. Karen Trainer says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:37 am

    Oh Nagi,
    My heart absolutely cries with you. You have blessed us so very much with countless recipes, but you have also blessed us with funny, heart warming stories of gorgeous Dozer. Their unconditional love and adoration for us is like nothing else. Never judging, always loyal and so so loving. Now I have my own
    large goofy, fluff ball, I understand more than ever the heartbreak of not having them anymore –
    that sense of loss and loneliness without them by your side. I just want you to know as I read your email, I sobbed with you. All the way from Bournemouth on the south coast in the UK. Most of us have never met you, yet you feel like a friend. My heart is very much with you. Take comfort in the fact that Dozer could not have had a better Mum or a better life. You were the best companion he could ever have dreamed of. We are all thinking of you and sending you love xxx

    Reply
  11. Tamara L Renner says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:35 am

    I’m sobbing. I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you.
    ❤️

    Reply
  12. Catherine L. says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:35 am

    Thank you Nagi for sharing so much of you and Dozer. I felt like he was my dog too. So many tears right now for you and him. We never want to say goodbye. We always wish they had another 5, 10 more years. That they would pass when we do. That we would have a good 20-30 years with them. That would be only harder to say goodbye. It’s hard enough passing at any age. Our time is coming too. We have an almost 13 year old, almost 9 and 7. 3 dogs we’ve had for almost 9 years. It’s a lot of memories and a lot of love. But we know that day is coming too. What a beautiful and blessed life Dozer had with you. They bring so much to us and steal our hearts. Lots of love and hugs from south Texas. And from our furry friends Angel, Miracle and Kiwi.

    Reply
  13. Lisa Riley says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:34 am

    Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us over the years. Loosing a furry child is the hardest thing ever. Know that my thoughts are with you. Sending you big hugs from Canada.

    Reply
  14. karen says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:34 am

    So so sorry for your loss of Dozer He knows he had the best Mama !!

    Reply
  15. Janet Meerman says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:34 am

    ❤️❤️❤️Sending you love and hugs Nagi, I bawled my eyes out when I heard the news. So sorry for your loss xx

    Reply
  16. FrederIck Milne says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:33 am

    Nagi,
    Rest assured that Dozer will be waiting for you on the other side!

    Reply
  17. Carla says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:33 am

    Dear Nagi.
    I am a great follower of you recipes. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I to lost a beautiful Belgium Dog 7 years ago and still today I grieve her and recall all our days together. It is so hard and memory’s of things you both did together will be relieved and remembered every day. Just remember all you beautiful days you both shared together xx

    Reply
  18. Andrea says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:31 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope the pain you’re feeling will be eased by the beautiful memories you made with Dozer.💔🐾

    Reply
  19. Anne Krieger says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:31 am

    I am so sorry for your loss and sadness. Dozer was, for you, the best dog ever. I know another best dog ever will come into your life at just the right time. RIP, Dozer. Good boy.

    Reply
  20. Lina says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:31 am

    Oh Nagi, my heart is breaking for you and knowing personally how painful everyday can be, I pray for strength for each moment.

    Reply
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