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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. Tracy L Pufpaff says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:34 am

    My heart aches for you Nagi. What a beautiful boy he was and what a wonderful life he had. Keeping you and Dozer in my heart ❤️

    Reply
  2. Cindy says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:34 am

    Thru years pics of Dozer and you were always happy and even lately. Much love between two of you! Rest in peace and love Dozer! You will be looking for Dozer everywhere for sometime. Good thoughts for you! Hugs a fan, Cindy R

    Reply
  3. chris wells says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:34 am

    i am so sorry about Dozer- he was such a good boy. And he had a great life with you -bringing all of us joy. May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  4. Terri says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:33 am

    I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. You two had a beautiful life together. He’s at peace now and I’m praying you will find comfort soon, too.

    Terri

    Reply
  5. Frank Masullo says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:33 am

    So very sorry to hear about Dozer. Our pets are like family and sometimes even closer.
    I’ll say a prayer for you and Dozer.

    Frank

    Reply
  6. Valerie Bro says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:33 am

    You gave him your all 🫶🏻 Nagi. You really did xxx Will miss you so much Dozer 😞🐾

    Reply
  7. Bev says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:32 am

    So very sorry for your loss, Nagi. Those of us who’ve experienced it know the awful pain you’re going through. But do know it eases with time and you’ll come to a point when you’ll be able to visit Dozer in your memories with a smile. Give yourself some time and space right now.

    Reply
  8. jacquie says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:31 am

    sending hugs, dog kisses, and tail wags. I’m so sorry for loss of your sweet friend. You and Dozer will be w/ me as i light my candles tonight.

    Reply
  9. Lyn Hazell-Bland says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:31 am

    As @kazbo67 so beautifully said “Wherever you are Nagi, he is home.”
    What really mattered to Dozer was the comfort of having you by his side – not where he was.
    You may feel you forgot to say certain things, but your love, devotion and kindness throughout his entire life, and the special bond between you over the last 14 days, was everything Dozer needed.
    You were there for him when he needed you most – unconditional love from his Mum – no words necessary.
    Take care Nagi – Dozer will be in your heart forever❤️🐾 and always by your side.
    Sending kisses across the night sky to Dozer’s🌟Star at Rainbow🌈🌟🐾Bridge.

    Reply
  10. Katrina says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:31 am

    I am so sorry Nagi that your beautiful boy Dozer has passed. You gave him a beautiful life and tried everything to save him. My heart breaks for you.

    Reply
  11. Korina Johnson says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:30 am

    Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear the sad news about Dozer. He was really special, and the bond between you was obvious. He’ll always be with you xxxx

    Reply
  12. Missy says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:29 am

    Nagi,
    My heart breaks for you! In addition to your amazing recipes, which my entire family loves, I looked forward to the many adventures of Dozer and his always smiling face
    All my love to you!
    Missy (michigan U.S.)

    Reply
  13. celia moreira says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:29 am

    I was thrilled to read your post about Dozer. I’m so sorry

    Reply
  14. Marjorie says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:29 am

    Thankyou for sharing your love of and life with Dozer and now your deep grief .You have the biggest heart and you are the best mom he could have had 💕

    Reply
  15. Jeremy says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:28 am

    I’m very sorry for your loss, Nagi. Dozer brought joy to people all over the world through your writing and photos.

    Reply
  16. Lori says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:28 am

    I am so deeply sorry
    We also lost our beautiful golden boy and know the pain you are feeling just remember how lucky we were to have had our boys although never long enough sending hugs

    Reply
  17. Steven Christenson says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:28 am

    I was crying so hard as I read your “In Memory of Dozer.”

    Reply
  18. Sherry says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:27 am

    Sending hugs. So very sorry for your loss. RIP Dozer.

    Reply
  19. Donna Altamore says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:27 am

    I am so very sorry that Dozer has crossed the bridge. He certainly had his own fan base, and everyone loved him. I lost my boy years ago, and it still hurts. You gave him a wonderful life.

    Reply
  20. Liana says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:27 am

    So sad and heartbreaking when we loose our furbabies.
    Sending strength and lots of love.
    Dozers legacy will live on. ❤️

    Reply
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