• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

  • My RecipeTin
  • My cookbooks!
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Iconic + cult classics
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish recipes
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot – One Pan
    • Stewy slow-cooked things
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Salads & veg
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice (all)
      • Fried rice recipes
      • Rice (plain)
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cheesecakes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
      • Ice cream
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • RecipeTin Japan 🇯🇵
        • Korean
        • Modern Asian
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • 🎄Christmas
      • Cocktails
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
    • Recipe collections
    • Cookbook recipes
  • My Food Bank
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • My Cookbooks
      • Tonight (NEW!)
      • Dinner
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,778 Comments
Share
  • Copy Link
  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
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

Previous Post
The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer
Next Post
🌈 Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry 🌈

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




4,778 Comments

  1. Joycie Neilson says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:06 pm

    Song…. “Oceans”…by Liv Harland is my memory song xxx

    Reply
  2. Cindy Harrison says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:06 pm

    Dozer was a dog loved around the world. I hope that your memories of your much loved pup bring some comfort as you grieve. Those of us who have loved dogs know the pain of your loss. Rest easy, Dozer. You were obviously so loved.

    Reply
  3. Sian says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:06 pm

    Dear Nagi
    All of your friends on line who have loved and lost a beloved and adored companion in life understand and acknowledge the unbelievable pain you are experiencing. I am so sorry and can only say give yourself the time and grace to rest and heal in whatever or whichever way you need.
    Your love for Dozer will remain firmly intact inside your heart and soul forever. So much love and gentle hugs xxx

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:05 pm

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. It hurts so much when you are so close. The grief is no different to losing a family member. I’ve just had to say goodbye to my girl too.

    Reply
  5. Tuomisto Janet says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:05 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose something so dear. We had a golden and when she was gone, there was a hole in our hearts. I’m sure you’re experiencing that now. It gets better, but never goes away. Our thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  6. Sheila says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:05 pm

    You had a beautiful bond with your beloved Dozer.
    You will be so sad for a very long time but heh ! what a wonderful life he had with you travelling all over being on tv and in your books and videos
    Not to many pups has had such a wonderful fe as your Dozer.
    So very sorry for your loss he in doggy heaven now possible cooking for all those other pups up there.RIP Dozer

    Reply
  7. GAIL says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:05 pm

    RIP beautiful Dozier – Please take care of my Baby – He was probably waiting for you to cuddle up to

    Reply
  8. Liz Lewis says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:05 pm

    I am so very sorry. The pain of losing a much-loved dog is the price we pay for the unconditional love they give to us. My heart breaks for you and Dozer.

    Reply
  9. Linda Fink says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:03 pm

    Nagi, your words to Dozer are so beautiful and heartbreaking. The photos and stories of Dozer always cheered my heart. I pray that your heart will be held and comforted as you mourn his passing. One of the hardest things to get used to is the quiet in the house without him. Take heart, the day will come when the tears remembering bring will be replaced with the joy that his life and adventures brought to you.

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:03 pm

    This was the post I was dreading. I cry along with you remembering my Charlie. I will miss hearing about Dozer. Take care and rest in peace Dozer. Sue

    Reply
  11. Rebecca says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:02 pm

    I am so, so very sorry for your loss, the two of you had such a special love. I wish I had words to make it less painful but I don’t there are not xoxox

    Reply
  12. Caitlin says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:01 pm

    Also reading this sobbing my heart out. Dogs are more than just pets. They are truely the best family members. Thinking of you so much during this tough time. Dozer was one lucky pup to call you his mummy. Sending lots of love

    Reply
  13. nancy artesi says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:01 pm

    Tears are streaming down my face. You loved him so much and he was one in a million. I’ve been afraid for this day for a few years now as I saw he was aging. I don’t even know you, really; but your connection to Dozer was so strong that I feared your pain when he had to leave. I’m so sorry, and I wish it didn’t hurt so damned much.
    Peace, sweet lady.

    Reply
  14. Deanne Williams says

    February 9, 2026 at 11:00 pm

    I cried so much reading this. I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of Dozer ❤️ Pets take up such a special place in our hearts and the sadness when we lose them is just so deep. I’m glad you could by his side until his last moments, that’s exactly what he would have wanted.

    Reply
  15. Janet Blake says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:59 pm

    Dear Nagi. I am so sorry your beloved companion Dozer has moved on. Thank you for sharing him with us all. xxx

    Reply
  16. Cassandra says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:59 pm

    😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 dozer wasn’t a good boy… HE WAS THE BEST BOY!!!!! Rest easy dozer, and know how loved you were by so many.💔

    Reply
  17. Celia Whitehead says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:59 pm

    Sending love
    Cx

    Reply
  18. Shanti says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:58 pm

    Dear Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss! Dozer was very lucky to have you as his mum. He had a beautiful life and we all will miss him too. Sending light and love to you.

    Reply
  19. Clare Tyler says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:57 pm

    I’m sure Dozer will be having a wonderful time in doggy heaven

    Reply
  20. Margaret Mary Stableford says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:57 pm

    So sorry to read about Dozer, I felt I knew and loved him too.

    Reply
Newer Comments
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive 3 FREE ebooks!

Subscribe
Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • By Category
  • Collections
About
  • About Nagi
  • About Dozer
  • RecipeTin Meals
Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
Help
  • Contact
  • Image Use Policy
© RecipeTin Eats 2026
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits
Maintained by Human Made Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
All Rights Reserved

Subscribe to my newsletter

Sign up and receive 3 FREE EBOOKS!