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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. David Bruner says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:11 am

    Our deepest condolences to you, your extended family and colleagues for the loss of Dozer.

    Dozer brought so much joy to you and so many people. We always enjoyed reading the little life of Dozer comment and photos at the end of each recipe. For us, that made it real.

    Time will heal. He will always be remembered and will always stay in your heart.

    Reply
  2. Jacqueline Butler says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:11 am

    So sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs 💜

    Reply
  3. Carole says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:10 am

    Dozer will be missed. Even only seeing him through your posts, one could see how special he was. Take your time and grieve. He was your child, your best friend and companion. We will all miss him.

    Reply
  4. Sarah says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:10 am

    My heart goes out to you ,I am sat here crying for your loss and pain.The pain will subside and you will never get over it,you will however get used to it.Cry when ever you want to ,over any little thing, it shows the love you have for him x

    Reply
  5. Nicky says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:10 am

    Nagi, my heart absolutely broke reading your words. One thing for sure, Dozer knew how much you love him and he loved you equally in return. I’m so sorry he’s left physically but you have to believe he’ll always be around you in spirit. And yes, it’s too painful now but the clouds will clear and you’ll have lots of happy memories to warm your heart. Sending love and hugs xxxx

    Reply
  6. Nel Cameron says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:09 am

    From my heart, my deepest condolences. And thank you for sharing Dozer with us, your readers. Sending Blessings and peace.

    Reply
  7. Diane Sesler says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:09 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I am crying as I write this note to you. I have been following you for years. It was always such a pleasure to see Dozer in your posts. Rest in Peace sweet Dozer and sending much healing thoughts to you for the pain and loss you are experiencing. It hurts.

    Reply
  8. Janet says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:09 am

    Nagi, I am so sorry for the loss or your wonderful companion and friend. You were both so lucky to have found each other. I know the grief you are suffering and hope that the memories that you made together will bring you some relief. Lots of love. Xx

    Reply
  9. Lynn Anderson says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:08 am

    Dear Nagi,
    So very sorry for your loss.
    Dozer was a wonderful dog that gave all of us joy & many smiles.
    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Lynn from NE Pa USA

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:07 am

    So sorry about Dozer passing, I lost my own boy in November so know what you’re going through. Just remember all the good times you had together, and you certainly had plenty of those. I can imagine Dozer and my Max playing together up in doggy heaven 💔

    Reply
  11. Teresita Ruz says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:07 am

    Nagi, Dozer was loved to the max. I am crying with you. I went through the same thing with our Calhoun. We will continue to have the cherished memories and just cry. Sending love and hugs💗💕💕💕.

    Reply
  12. Molly Pisula says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:06 am

    Nagi, I am so so sorry for your loss. I have loved all of the Dozer content you have shared over the years. The bond between the two of you was/is so beautiful. Sending love!

    Reply
  13. Mona says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:06 am

    Nagi,
    I am so sorry! I know how you loved Dozer.I didn’t see all the recipes, but I always looked at life with Dozer. I know exactly how you feel, but hold to this thought. It will get easier. You will never forget him, but you will be able to think of him without tears; knowing he is waiting for you. His love didn’t die, it is just on hold waiting for you.

    Reply
  14. Chris Catterwell says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:06 am

    So sad Nagi, you have my deepest sympathy.. Dozer was lucky to have a mum who loved him so deeply. He was also loved by hundreds of your readers, like myself. Thank you for sharing him with us. RIP in peace beautiful Dozer. Love to you Nagi, we share your grief.

    Reply
  15. Micki Sandell says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:05 am

    I am so sorry about Dozer and the pain you are going through. I enjoyed getting to know him through the cookbooks and your site.

    Micki Sandell
    Bella Vista, Arkansas

    Reply
  16. J.B. Van Wely says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:05 am

    My deepest sympathies. The bond between the two of you was palpable from halfway around the world. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  17. Susan K says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:04 am

    I feel your pain and loss as I’ve been there having to say goodbye to my dear Ollie of 16 yrs just last year. Depth of our sorrow is how we know how much we loved them. It will get better with time. Know they are always with us, in our hearts, and we are all the better for experiencing that unconditional love. Thank you for sharing your journey with Dozer with all of us. You both are incredible ambassadors of love and kindness and his memory will live on. Sending you lots of love and hugs. xoxo

    Reply
  18. Meera says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:03 am

    I weep for you and Dozer. My heart aches. He was a blessing for all of us. and his memory will remain with us.

    Reply
  19. jane stein says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:02 am

    My heart goes out to you for the sad loss of your beloved boy. We who have lost our dear pups empathize and send wishes for peace, strength and a return to happiness. I have always felt that personality plus time determines healing. You seem like a person with great inner strength. I hope you are able to to draw on it. Rest in peace beautiful Dozer.😞❤️

    Reply
  20. Bonnie Quinlan says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:01 am

    So sorry for your loss of Dozer. Our pets hold such a special place in our hearts. ❤️🐶🐾 sending much love from Canada.

    Reply
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