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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. Tamera Alexander says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:54 am

    My heart aches with yours, Nagi, and I’m praying for your peace and comfort, friend. Some days from now, when you have a quiet moment, please read this link and take comfort in the firm hope of seeing your sweet Dozer again. After all, God created your precious Dozer…
    https://www.epm.org/blog/2017/Sep/22/animals-pets-heaven

    Reply
  2. Bari says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:52 am

    I am so sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. I know your heart is broken. Our dogs hold such a huge part of our hearts.

    Reply
  3. Antjie Giliomee says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:52 am

    So sorry for your loss. Our pets are our children.
    Memories are precious.
    He was a special boy.
    May he rest in peace.
    Stay strong and take care.
    Antjie, Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

    Reply
  4. Paul says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:52 am

    What a beautiful and loving relationship you “have” with Dozer! Your life with him goes on. He’ll always be close by. Listen for him!

    Reply
  5. Sharon Fogliato says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:51 am

    Please try to find comfort in knowing he loved you so much and you gave him love in return.You had a wonderful life together and you’ll remember those beautiful times, and this will give you peace.

    Reply
  6. Dennette Schott says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:48 am

    Nagi, although I knew it was coming I was gutted when I saw your post on Dozer’s passing. For now there are no words that will ease your saddened heart. I am so sorry for your loss.

    You are a wonderful mum.

    Dennette

    Reply
  7. Tracy says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:47 am

    So sorry for your loss of Dozer. Been through it myself. Be easy with yourself. Love and hugs to you.

    Reply
  8. Barbara Corbett says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:47 am

    You and your Dozer made cooking along with you extra special. Thank you for sharing your precious pup with us. 🙏💔😪💙

    Reply
  9. Robert G Williams says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:47 am

    Dear Nagi, our hearts go out to you and Dozer. May future days bring you peace and joy. May each and every glorious rising morning sun bring you lasting loving visions of Dozer spread across your morning sky.

    Reply
  10. Bron says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:47 am

    So very sorry. Beautiful Dozer. They are a part of your family and become a part of you. I cried all the way to Thailand after my dog died – to the point the cabin staff didn’t know how to deal with me – and I did t either. People say time is a great healer – and while it sounds trite as you deal with loss, it is true. Treasure the memories. We all share in your grief! X

    Reply
  11. Linda McKinley says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:47 am

    So sorry for your loss. Dozer will be missed be many,many people. Thank you for sharing your special boy with all of us🌈💔

    Reply
  12. Eu says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:46 am

    Sending you a huge hug from Costa Rica. Dozer was really fortunate for having such a great mum. And thanks to your measureless love for him, he was the happiest dog he could ever be.
    People say time heals all wounds, but I think one learns to live with the pain. ❤️💐
    XOXO

    Reply
  13. Steph says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:46 am

    🙁 I am soooo sorry! I’m sitting at my desk at work and crying because Dozer brought so many smiles in some of my rough days. Thank you for sharing him with us, and he will never ever be forgotten!

    Reply
  14. Yvonne Fanning says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:46 am

    I am so so sorry. prayers for you both.

    Reply
  15. Marti says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:45 am

    So very sorry for the profound loss of your beloved Dozer. He was a beautiful boy and you gave him a wonderful life. I know how much this hurts. Hugs. 💔

    Reply
  16. Cath Collins says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:45 am

    RIP wonderful Dozer. You will be missed and remembered. Sending love and comfort to you Nagi. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  17. Yvonne Fanning says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:45 am

    I am so so sorry. Thank you for sharing him with us. Prayers for you both.

    Reply
  18. Henri says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:45 am

    My heart and thoughts go out to you. There is nothing I can say to ease the pain. I am not that profound. I just want you to know that the two of you have brought me much joy over the years, and I thank you both for that. My thoughts are with you! Henri and Bubba (my doggie companion) from Kentucky

    Reply
  19. Susan Hastings says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:45 am

    You’re in my heart with prayers for sympathy and blessings for your beautiful words to Dozer.
    I have said good bye to several pets, but now I’m caring for 4 loving senior cats.
    It’s very hard when they have serious health issues.
    You’re a dear person to share your heartache.
    Susan

    Reply
  20. Glenn brooks says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:43 am

    Followed you and Dozer for years he will be missed all my love dozer from Glenn

    Reply
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