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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,778 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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4,778 Comments

  1. Michael Hultquist says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:36 pm

    Take care, Nagi. Thinking of you. Very sad to hear.

    Reply
  2. Christine Braithwaite says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:35 pm

    I am so incredibly sad about Dozer. He gave you so much love and joy but please remember how much you gave him over his 14 years with you. He couldn’t have found more happiness than he had with you. I know you’re hurting and I am so sorry; you give so much to so many people with your talent and commitment and warmth that I wish I could take your pain away. He was an exceptional dog and he shared his life with an exceptional and loving mother.

    Reply
  3. Nora says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:35 pm

    I am so sorry, Nagi–a beautiful story of unconditional love and dedication–thank you for sharing the journey ❤️

    Reply
  4. Pete Ikin says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:35 pm

    Devastating news to learn of your very sad loss, Nagi. Our puppies grow older so much quicker than we do, and we understand that from the very beginning, but it doesn’t make saying goodbye any darn easier when their time to visit Rainbow Bridge arrives. My thoughts are with you at this tough time, and as you mentioned in your message, a time will come when you can share photos and stories of Dozer without it bringing anything other than a tear of joy. Focussing on the good times shared, and you certainly have many, is a good start to a slow healing process. RIP Dozer and may his beautiful spirit live on through you, always. xo

    Reply
  5. Alice Cassotta says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:34 pm

    Nagi, My heart breaks for you.I went through the same thing last month. Time really does heal. You were such a wonderful mom to Dozer. He brought so much joy and happiness to so many. thank you Dozer, rest in peace sweetie pie xoxoxox

    Reply
  6. Celestina Simmons says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:33 pm

    Nagi, I know and understand you lost our Duke, who left us 15 years ago, and we still have the most wonderful memories, still speak of him, and smile or laugh as the case may be.

    Reply
  7. Tam says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:32 pm

    I scrolled on past the email because I knew what I was about to read and I could not bare the thought of what you had written.

    However I just knew I had to read it and share my feelings.
    My heart aches for you and I
    Crying as I write this .

    It reminds me that I will have to walk this road again in some years after going through it in 2020.

    Warmest hugs to you from the Bahamas.

    Reply
  8. Meredith says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:31 pm

    So sorry. Sending very best wishes.

    Reply
  9. Jonathan Janov says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:29 pm

    Nagy, I only started using your recipes about 3 years ago, which was about a year after our dearest Bentley went to sleep and to the rainbow bridge. The hurt is real. For us, parents of an almost 17 year old dog, who had been with us almost as long as we’d been together, it hit really hard. Every time we look at his pictures we laugh and cry. Good tears. Sorry for your loss. Dozer would want you to smile when thinking of him.

    Reply
  10. Markie P McCoy says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:28 pm

    Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. Losing a pet is so, so difficult. It is clear to all how much you love and adore that sweet boy. I’m certain he knew that, and was grateful for the happy life you gave him. Cheers to the the BEST BOY, Dozer!

    Reply
  11. Vanessa says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:27 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, as I read your post I couldn’t help but feel your pain. I know dozer looks down on you and smiles and is full of the love you gave him. I hope one day you will be okay, thank you for your recipes and for bringing dozer into our lives 💕

    Reply
  12. Kelly-Jane M says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:26 pm

    Aw Nagi, I’m so sorry. He was your special boy, but he touched hearts around the world too, with his special Dozer ways. Be good to yourself lovely. 💖🙏🏻🌟xx

    Reply
  13. Mona-Lisa says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:26 pm

    Dear Nagi, so sorry for your loss. Dozer brought me happiness when seeing him in your posts. May you find peace knowing the extreme love you had for him.

    Reply
  14. Andrea says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:26 pm

    💔🥺💔

    Reply
  15. Melanie says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:25 pm

    I am sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Dozer.

    Reply
  16. Patricia Cloke says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:25 pm

    Condolences to you on losing your beloved dog Dozer.I understand your pain as I have experienced it. Remember the good times you spent with him and mind yourself

    Reply
  17. Anne Lyerly says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:25 pm

    My deepest condolences, I feel your sadness of such a tremendous loss. I too lost my besties after 17 yrs. While we will never forget, we get through remembering the times together with smiles and appreciation for their heart touch. You are not alone, from across the pond (USA), I will miss Dozer too.

    Reply
  18. Kitty says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:24 pm

    Hi Nagi,

    I have cried twice this week only for you and Dozer. Have just become a dog lover.

    Kit xx

    Reply
  19. Andy says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:24 pm

    Unless you are a dog lover, you’ll never know how much love, joy, loyalty and happiness they bring.

    So sorry to read about your loss. R.I.P Dozer

    Reply
  20. Judy says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:24 pm

    ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

    Reply
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