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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. Ann-Marie Spouge says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:14 pm

    Such a precious time you’ve had together, as with any great love…it is real, it hurts and there is a great big hole when it’s gone. But, as much as we don’t want to, breathe we do, and we wake each day with the hole still there… unfortunately, at some point, we have to accept “that’s life”, and eventually, we move on. The hole is still there, but we step forward anyway…

    Reply
  2. Nancy C says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:14 pm

    My heart goes out to you and Dozer. Having just lost my cat Ariel, 16 years on Feb 7, I know what you are going through. May you take solace knowing that Dozer knows he’s
    so loved. 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏

    Reply
  3. Teryl D Valazza says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:13 pm

    Over the rainbow bridge,
    Hugs and prayers from one dog mom to another.
    Wrapping you in love where words fall short.

    Reply
  4. Peter Waite says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:12 pm

    Dearest Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer and your adventures with us. He was a rascal but I’m sure he learnt that from you.
    Stay strong, much love,
    Pete xxx

    Reply
  5. Trish says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:12 pm

    I’m so sorry, Nagi… we’re all sending you our love and thinking of you.

    Reply
  6. Marie says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:11 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Time is definitely a healer. I lost my baby girl 2 years ago. She was 13. She meant the world and it was so hard to say goodbye. It was time. I can look at her photo and hold my beautiful locket that holds some of her and smile. Remembering her always. As will you. One day at a time. Lots of love. Xx

    Reply
  7. Phil says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:11 pm

    ♥️

    Reply
  8. Candace McKenna says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:11 pm

    Thank you sharing Dozer with us all of these years. True love.

    Reply
  9. Bojana says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:10 pm

    Sending you love and hugs. Such preciousness xoxoxo

    Reply
  10. kathleen q york says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:10 pm

    Dear Nagi,may God comfort you as you mourn Dozer. I always see creatures great and small sitting by a brook in a beautiful field with St Francis waiting for their beloved humans to also cross the raibow bridge.
    Peace and all good to you always,
    Kathleen

    Reply
  11. Des says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:10 pm

    Sending lots of love and hugs.

    Reply
  12. Margaret says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:10 pm

    They leave us physically, but never leave our hearts-in spirit, they are always there. What a beautiful life you gave him Nagi – full of love, fun and food. Look after yourself amidst those tears,won’t you

    Reply
  13. Liz says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:09 pm

    🥰

    Reply
  14. Jeanann Simons says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:09 pm

    My deepest condolences on the loss of Dozer. I know it’s extremely hard losing a dog. He is a member of the family. Your child. All the best.

    Reply
  15. Glenys Downs says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:08 pm

    Nagi, tears of sadness are streaming down my face. I have experienced such loss a number of times with my fur babies, & nothing at the moment will heal your pain. It takes time, so be kind to yourself. Dozer is now over Rainbow Bridge, with all the forever loved fur babies that have passed 💙 ❤️ 💕 Take care, & I’m sorry for your loss x

    Reply
  16. Kate Smith says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:08 pm

    I feel your pain. It’s the hardest thing in the world to lose the most loving, loyalist friend in your life…I. too, have been there many times. Cherish the happy memories…

    Reply
  17. Billee says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:07 pm

    Sending you all my love and strength. I’m sorry.

    Reply
  18. Sandra says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:07 pm

    Oh Nagi, I was so hopeful that Dozer would come home with you 💔 I know exactly how that feels & my heart breaks with yours 😩 Dozer is gone in the physical sense however his spirit & his love live on embedded in your heart 🙏 this is exactly where he would have chosen to be 💝

    Reply
  19. Ann says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:06 pm

    A beautiful tribute to our a beautiful mate. Dozer was lucky to have you love him so deeply and he returned that love. He will live in our hearts forever ❤️

    Reply
  20. Michelle says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:06 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I saw the email and can’t stop crying. Dozer was very special and loved by many people. I am one of them. You are the best dog mommy. He had a great life because of you ❤️

    Reply
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