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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. Cynthia Bigley says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:00 am

    Nagi- Praying for your broken heart to heal as this pain is so fresh and sharp. 💔 I know Dozer’s loss has left a huge hole in your heart and life, Hopefully in time there will be another four legged friend to accompany you on your journey that will help ease the heartache and fill that hole. For now, may the memories bring comfort along with the tears -you shared a wonderful life together 🐾💔❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  2. Tiffany says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:00 am

    I’ve very sorry for your loss.
    Dozer was the extra joy that came with your newsletter & recipes. He will be greatly missed. ♥️

    Reply
  3. Ellen Pierno says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:00 am

    I only write comments when my heart tells me to. Having lost my lab Mercy last April, my tears now include Dozer. I always went to the Dozer button first. I’m so sorry

    Reply
  4. Janet says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:00 am

    Dear Nagi, my heart breaks for you. Sending love to you. Janet x

    Reply
  5. TJ says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm

    Nagi, we surround you in love and prayers. What a blessing it is to have such a beautiful walk through life with Dozer. May time heal your sadness and loss. Much love to you.

    Reply
  6. Kevin Pierre Harvey says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm

    Our furry friends show unbiased, unwavering love for their human families. May the time Dozer provided support, love, and stability to your life continue to resonate within you. Thank you for sharing this part of your life. Sincere condolences for your loss.

    Reply
  7. Stephen Brazenor says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm

    Rest in Peace Dozer. Be at peace Nagi

    Reply
  8. Mark Barlow says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm

    I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Dozer. Our dogs are truly members of our family. At times like this, I am always comforted by the knowledge of the trade we make when we bring a four-legged friend into our lives: many years of love and companionship and one heartbreaking day at the end. I share you sorrow today but take comfort with the knowledge that there is another puppy out there, when you’re ready, to share your companionship, affection and love of cooking. God Bless you and Dozer.

    Reply
  9. Jenny says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:58 pm

    I’m also shedding buckets of tears for you Nagi and for beautiful Dozer. I’ve been there several times and have been utterly bereft each time – and years later still miss every one of my darling goldens. Take care of yourself, it will take a long time for life to be good again, nothing anyone writes or says will make any difference, the pain and sadness will be overwhelming. Just know that your boy was loved by so many and could not have been more loved by you. He had the best life possible.

    Reply
  10. Lucas Thong Karen says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:58 pm

    I was so sorry to hear that Dozer had died. It breaks your heart when you loose a loved pet. He will always have a place in your heart.

    Reply
  11. Roslyn Bycroft says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:58 pm

    ❤️RIP Dozer
    Hugs to you Nagi
    Cry all you you want😘

    Reply
  12. Elny says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:56 pm

    I’m with you, Nagi. I feel your sorrow and pain. Hope you will get better although I don’t know how you will heal your heart.

    I pray for Dozer to be happy in the heaven.

    Reply
  13. Jen says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:56 pm

    We ALL love you Nagi

    Reply
  14. Susie Woolfall says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:56 pm

    All my love goes out to you, there is no such heartbreak then loosing your little furry friend, fly high above rainbow bridge Dozer. Xxxxx

    Reply
  15. Gina says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:55 pm

    We are so very sorry to hear this. RIP Dozer❤️

    Reply
  16. Lynn L. says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:54 pm

    My heart goes out to you. I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your best friend, Dozer. I hope all your happy memories of him will always be a comfort to you. Thank you for having shared Dozer’s special life with us.

    Reply
  17. louise sang says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:54 pm

    My heart is breaking for you. Our furbabies give us unconditional love and forever in our hearts. Rest assured he has crossed the rainbow and running around with all the wonderful doggies there x

    Reply
  18. Donna says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:53 pm

    I am so very sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. Thinking of you, Nagi, and I know how difficult it is.

    Reply
  19. Julie Vecchitto says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:52 pm

    I’m so sad for you, Nagi. I have had to say good-bye to a few dogs, and it’s never, ever gotten any easier. Eventually, the sorrow will subside, bit by bit, but it will take awhile. Take care of yourself.

    Reply
  20. Marlene says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:51 pm

    Such a beautiful love story…my heart is sending your heart all the love in the world…
    You gave him so much…he was a lucky boy when you became his Mum, he couldn’t have had a better life…hoping you find comfort in that. Love to you Mum…you did great

    Reply
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