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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,779 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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4,779 Comments

  1. Isabel says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:46 pm

    Dogs are family – only if you have a dog you know that they are able to unconditionally love their humans. And they have a perfect sensor for moods. This makes them unique and precious and … best friends. Nagi, you will never forget Dozer, this bond will last forever. He is over the rainbow, without any pain, but surely he misses you too.

    Reply
  2. vic says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:46 pm

    Nagi, my heart goes out to you, I can appreciate the way you are feeling at the moment having been there. You feel you will never recover but you will (it will take time and for us all that time frame is different) and you will have fantastic memories of life with Dozer to look back on. And your love for each other was unconditional.

    Reply
  3. Janette Garratt says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:44 pm

    My heart goes out to you.
    They are your best companion.
    They know when you are not well & stay by your side ,just like you did in return for Dozer.
    ❤️

    Reply
  4. Josh says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:44 pm

    RIP Dozer. Sat in my car with tears in my own eyes for a dog I only knew via this website. You could feel your bond with him from the other side of the word.

    Reply
  5. Rhonda Hale says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:44 pm

    Awwww…so sorry to hear of Dozers passing. Such a beautiful boy

    Reply
  6. Annette says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:43 pm

    Loving memories will see you through this heartbreaking time. Your loyal fans are sending all their love to you. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too, for Dozer.

    Reply
  7. Kirsten says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    It’s so hard to imagine Nagi without Dozer 💔 It’s like Judy without Punch or salt without pepper. What a beautiful love you shared for each other. Your constant companion, Chief Taster of all things delicious, precious mascot of RTE. Our hearts all break for you Nagi, he was SO loved. Just as you are and we’re all here for you. With much love ❤️💫🤍

    Reply
  8. Kat says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    So sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing, this is just so sad!! We could all see you 2 were the best of friends. You will have many lovely memories of him to keep with you, take care xoxoxoxo

    Reply
  9. Mark Preston says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    Such a heart breaking ordeal losing a pet, my most sincere condolences.

    Reply
  10. Freny Tayebjee says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    My thoughts are with you dear Nagi. Reading your posts made Dozer a part of my life.

    Reply
  11. Jolene says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    💔💔

    Reply
  12. Katie says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:40 pm

    Beautiful letter so sorry for your loss kx

    Reply
  13. Gyorgyi Mezovari says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    Lost three of my babies within the last two years…And my heart is still heavy..My prayers to you and my smiles to Dozer no longer suffering..and always watching over you!

    Reply
  14. margot McPherson Balanos says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    I am so sorry for you, My condolences, There is no better thing on earth than a dog, and no better thing on earth for a dog that to be loved. Dozer had a happy life. Hugs

    Reply
  15. Edie C says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    I’m crying along with you Nagi because I too, will be facing the inevitable loss of my little buddy. The pain to let them go is not easy.
    But like you mentioned, you wouldn’t give up a second of it because they’re so worth it for the amount of love and loyalty and laughter they’ve given us. RIP dear, dear Dozer.

    Reply
  16. Sandra Laureyssens says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    So very sorry to read of your loss. He made your posts fun to read. You have some wonderful memories Hugs

    Reply
  17. Marian Tinnion says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    When we lost our beautiful boy we were sent this poem by a friend….Remembering…….
    the good times;
    the funny times;
    the Don’t eat THAT! times;
    the Arrghh, what have you done times;
    the leave it, leave it, LEAVE IT,
    Oh, for CRYING OUT LOUD times.
    Remembering
    the furry hug times;
    the warm bed times;
    the cheering up times;
    the welcome home times;
    the just me and my dog times.
    Remembering all these times
    and so very many more.
    Thank you for making
    this life better.

    Reply
  18. Anthony says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:38 pm

    The loss of anyone’s pet is just heart breaking. Remember the love that you both gave to each other and the happy times x

    Reply
  19. Donna says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:38 pm

    Dear Nagi,

    That was such a raw, real, sad & beautiful email. Life seems so unfair at times. The impact Dozer made on your life and you on his is evident. Stay strong Nagi, the hurt & loss will never go away but you will manage to somehow get through. There are no words or magic potion for grief but all the wonderful memories you shared with Dozer will remain with you for always. Dozer will be very sadly missed by many, RIP you big beautiful fur baby. XO

    Reply
  20. Sally says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:38 pm

    Your posts on Dozer have brought me lots of joy .Anyone who has loved a dog will join you in your heartfelt letter .thankyou Dozer .

    Reply
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