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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. Rachel Amin says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:16 pm

    Nagi, may Dozer’s memories be a blessing to you.

    Reply
  2. Shannon Britza says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:16 pm

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

    Reply
  3. Carla says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:15 pm

    Nagi, your words for Dozer brought me to tears. My dog is the most important piece of my life & the connection you had with Dozer was super special
    Thank you so much for sharing xx

    Reply
  4. Lynn Johnson says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:15 pm

    Sending lots of hugs. It will get easier but takes time. My thoughts are with you 🤗 xx
    Lynn (Newcastle upon Tyne, , England

    Reply
  5. Chelsea says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:14 pm

    I’m so very sorry Nagi. It’s so unfair that we can’t save our beloved fur family no matter how hard we love them. If Dozer could talk, I know he’d be saying thank-you to you also. Sending so many hugs x

    Reply
  6. Pat says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:14 pm

    Dear Nagi, so sorry for your loss. Paying comfort and strength to you. May your heart be steadfast in knowing that you were the best mum to Dozer. He is in a beautiful place, happy and young again – where sickness and age is not present. May the beautiful fun memories of Dozer bring you comfort. Sending you lots of love

    Reply
  7. Marile Fouche says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:14 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi, you two were an amazing inspiration! RIP dearest Dozer🌈 ❤️sending so much love.

    Reply
  8. Janet says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:13 pm

    I have never loved a dog so much that wasn’t mine. But Dozer belonged to everyone and everyone loved him. He will never be forgotten. Thank you Nag for bringing him into our lives and will forever live on in our hearts.

    Reply
  9. Meredith Taylor says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:13 pm

    Dozer was, and will always be, your heart dog, that’s for certain. I lost my golden heart dog in 2023. We are so blessed to have them in our lives even though they are never here with us for long enough. Run free golden boy x

    Reply
  10. Ed says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:13 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Deeply saddened and our thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  11. Val says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:12 pm

    Dear Nagi, be assured you gave your beautiful Dozer the best life he could have. Your memories of him will warm your heart forever. Much love Val ❤️

    Reply
  12. Fi says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:12 pm

    Huge huge hugs Nagi. I know what it is to lose a precious pooch. He was family and he was right by your side as you evolved from a number cruncher to a fully fledged foodie/chef/writer/feeder of the needy. You’ll never forget him – he helped forge who you are today. He’s free from pain now having had the best long doggy life with you 💕🩵

    Reply
  13. Karen D says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:11 pm

    Dozer knew how much you loved him & he will be sad, that you are sad.

    When the time is right he will send you a sign to let you know he is nearby.

    Reply
  14. Lena says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:11 pm

    The biggest blessing in life are to experience the unconditional love of a pet – how blessed you are Nagi to have such a love and the amazing memories of Dozer, may they stay with you for your lifetime. 💖🐾🙏

    Reply
  15. Peter says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:11 pm

    I have loved watching Dozer’s life. RIP

    Reply
  16. Lyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:11 pm

    Sending hugs and Lots of Love Nagi. You helped me learn to love cooking again. I hope you can rest and take care of yourself. Dozer brought so much joy to so many people xxx

    Reply
  17. KWP says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:11 pm

    So sorry for your loss 💔.

    Reply
  18. Debra Tramell says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:11 pm

    Oh Nagi, everyone in my home is just so sad and so very sorry to know you’re going through such a difficult time. Dozer was loved by so many but most importantly, by you. We hope you immerse yourself in the beautiful memories you and Dozer created together. I have 2 doggos of my own and recognise whilst they are the greatest joy in my life, they will also be the greatest sorrow. You are blessed Nagi and take time grieving your boy. Sending love

    Reply
  19. Barbara says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:10 pm

    So sad for you Nagi the loss of your beautiful Dozer is heartbreaking to hear. Take care 🤗❤️🐾🐾

    Reply
  20. Jen says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:10 pm

    You may not have been able to bring him home for a few days but you were with him til the end. He had a very special human in his life and was so loved. The hole they leave behind is heartbreaking. Hang in there 💔💔💔

    Reply
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