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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. Shirley says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:24 pm

    So very sorry ,I know the pain is unbearable , you were his person and he was yours ,you gave each other a wonderful life .
    Sending love across the miles

    Reply
  2. Kaveeta says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:23 pm

    Dearest Nagi I made a typing error. Instead of typing Dearest Dozer, I typed Nagi. Pls can u delete that post amd I will rewrite it again. Thx dear n v sorry for the error. Th

    Reply
  3. Jessica Slattery says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:23 pm

    My heart breaks when I saw your email.. I knew the time had come for Dozer to run free and play with the angels. I cried while reading your message.

    Like you, a dog lover myself, Letting go is the hardest thing to go through and it doesn’t get easier, it is also the kindest thing one can do, no one wants their loved ones to suffer.

    Our first lot of dogs, both dogs left us in a span of five weeks of each other and I cried for days, sometimes howling when no one was around. I didn’t leave the house for days. They are such a part of our lives. It is never goodbye but see you later. However, we need to heal and we have so much love to give.

    We didn’t hesitate to put our names with our breeders (both different breeds). It is not about forgetting but allowing us to heal and giving love to another love. They are all different with their own character. I know I won’t forget Dozer and like everyone who has had Dozer in our lives, we will certainly miss her.

    Stay strong… can I give you a big air hug. Rip Dozer… I will certainly miss you.

    Reply
  4. Michelle says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:23 pm

    I know the pain you are feeling ❤️‍🩹 Dozer had such a great life and so lucky to have experienced so much love. Please take care of yourself we love you You are such a special person

    Reply
  5. Marion Treloar says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:22 pm

    I was waiting to see the doctor when the news of Dozer’s death came on the TV screen. I was not the only person in the waiting room who was crying. What remarkable reach this little man had. So much love to you, Nagi. “Life has to end. Love doesn’t” – Mitch Albom.

    Reply
  6. Gary Blewitt says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:22 pm

    Thanks for sharing Nagi and we will all miss Dozer
    He had a wonderful life with you more than you know. I know he will be with you always.

    Reply
  7. Helen Scrivener says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:21 pm

    He was a beautiful boy, Nagi. One day you will meet again.

    Reply
  8. Kirsten Sharp says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:21 pm

    Nagi, so sorry for your loss, it’s heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us. May he RIP. Sending much love to you, what a beautiful boy he was and so lucky to have had you as his mom. He had an amazing life with you ❤🌼

    Reply
  9. Theresa Fox says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:20 pm

    I am so sorry, Nagi. He adored you and you adored him.

    You will always have your wonderful memories of your Dozer.

    Sending much love.

    Reply
  10. Colleen says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:19 pm

    Tears are rolling down my face as I read your message. I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of dear Dozer. Take comfort in the beautiful love you shared and the wonderful life you gave him. That kind of bond never fades — it stays with you, quietly and faithfully, just as he did. 🐾

    Reply
  11. Debi says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:19 pm

    What a lucky boy to have had such a lovely mum and life with you, feel for you I lost my best friend last year. Sending you love.

    Reply
  12. Bernadette says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:18 pm

    So sorry for your loss of such an amazing figure in your life. I hope that you find comfort in your beautiful memories.

    Reply
  13. Geraldine says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:18 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Reading your story brought tears to my eyes. Losing your beloved family member, Dozer, is one of the most heartbreaking things. My heart goes out to you, and I wish you nothing but strength in the weeks and months ahead. sending love and hugs

    Reply
  14. Kaveeta says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:18 pm

    Dearest Nagi. My heartfelt condolences for losing ypur dearest, beloved Nagi. He has crossed the Rainbow bridge a d is watching over u, until u both meet again. Luv n hugs 💖

    Reply
  15. Shannon Britza says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:18 pm

    Deepest condolences on your inmense loss, Nagi. RIP beautiful Dozer. He was adored by so many people and we’ll miss him too.

    Reply
  16. Helen says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:17 pm

    I’m so sorry for the passing of your beloved Dozer Nagi 😢
    I knew this feeling with our beloved Mikayla and your pain right now, but you have such beautiful memories and unforgettable moments together that you will cherish forever ❤️

    Reply
  17. Julie Leggett says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:17 pm

    Dear Nagi, I have no words that will heal your pain and grief, Dozer will live on in your heart and memories that you will never forget. With my deepest sympathies for your loss
    Julie xxx

    Reply
  18. Jan Dudley says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:17 pm

    Oh Nagi my heart breaks for you having had a similar thing happen to me.Remember Dozer with love and smiles and know he is looking down on you with much love as he crosses over the rainbow bridge.Until you meet again😭RIP dear Dozer.Love and hugs Nagi xxxx

    Reply
  19. Leanne Davidson says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:17 pm

    Nagi, my heart breaks for you.I loved following you and Dozer on your day to day adventures, recipes,fun and travels . So sad for you and I know Dozer will be resting and enjoying heaven and waiting for his Mum one day. Know that you were the best Mum to him ever…..much love and hugs to you Nagi……you are awesome🥰 and so was your boy🩵💙❤️

    Reply
  20. Candy says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:16 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer has been half your story. Amazing food but also amazing pictures of your adventures. The total adoration between the pair of you has always shone through. But what amazing adventures you have had and in such a beautiful country. A whole section of your life given over to happiness. So I am both really happy and sad for you all at once. He was a massive personality, so that will take a long time to get over. I hope you can remember the happy times over the sad. Thinking of you, and every time we look at your books we will think of him! ❤️ x

    Reply
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