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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. Christine Taylor says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:40 pm

    so sorry for your loss. It is truly a heart breaking time. thinking of you

    Reply
  2. Danielle Graph says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:40 pm

    We’ve got you, we feel you, we’re all sending you love and support. Good boy Dozer x x x

    Reply
  3. Teresa Margaret Rose Stephenson says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:40 pm

    I have tears in my eyes

    we love you Dozer. RIP. big hugs Nagi. So sad.

    Reply
  4. Zena Phillips says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:40 pm

    So sorry Nagi sending you big hugs. RIP Dozer xxx

    Reply
  5. Sofia says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:40 pm

    Oh Nagi, I’m sobbing as I read your letter to dear Dozer. A companion, a friend, a child. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending you healing hugs.

    Reply
  6. Becca Smith says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:39 pm

    What a lucky boy having such a beautiful life. Take care Nagi, treasure the happy times xx

    Reply
  7. B says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:39 pm

    Sending you loads of Love Nagi!! And thanks for making Dozer a part of our lives too.

    Reply
  8. Patricia says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:39 pm

    All the hugs in the world won’t make it hurt any less, but I am sending them to you anyway.

    Reply
  9. Val says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:38 pm

    Dear Nagi. My heart breaks for you and your beautiful boy. You are such an amazing dog mum. Take heart in the fact that Dozer lived his best life and you have him that amazing life. You both loved each other unconditionally. Rest assured, your beautiful Dozer will have the biggest wings. Much love to you, Nagi🙏💕

    Reply
  10. Von says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:38 pm

    Oh Nagi, we have delighted in your posts about Dozer for many years now! So sorry to hear that our best friend has passed on ! Thankyou for your presence in my life and hopefully there will be something to bring joy to your again ! RIP Dozer! Von

    Reply
  11. Sam says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:38 pm

    Sending hugs from north west England uk. I have loved every photo of dozer, especially after losing my Labrador. A special love that will always be there even when they pass. I still look at his toys and remember us playing, and sometimes think he’s still here. Painful and joyous together. Love to you in this hardest moment.

    Reply
  12. Lesley Brown says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:38 pm

    Beautiful a dogs love is beautiful and unforgettable ❤️

    Reply
  13. Jennifer Pearen says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:37 pm

    Oh Nagi, my heart goes out to you! Losing such a special part of your life is so painful, and no pain killers will fix that pain. It’s the most horrible of feelings that nothing can erase – except time. But the loss and pain is never fully erased when one loves a special pal. But gradually memories replace the loss up to a point. We who feel this way about our pets and best friend have been blessed to know such love and devotion. It’s a horrible horrible time! My deepest condolences to you. RIP Dozer. You’ll never be forgotten. 💝🐾💝🐾.

    Reply
  14. Liz Simpson says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:37 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Those words seem inadequate for the loss of such an amazing dog and life companion. We all loved him and mourn him with you. Thank you so much for sharing him with us; he brought us so much joy and will never be forgotten.

    Reply
  15. Lesley wilcox says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:36 pm

    So sorry Nagi – thinking of you and all your support family Dozer had the hearts of so many come back soon ❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  16. Jennifer says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:35 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. I understand your pain, having gone through it three times myself. Just remember that as much joy and love Dozer gave you, he received from you and lived a wonderful life with you. Thinking of you and Dozer 💐❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  17. Georgie says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:35 pm

    The whole nation mourns with you Nagi. We all loved him and our hearts break for you. His spirit will shine with you forever.🙏💗

    Reply
  18. Kathy says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:35 pm

    I was so sad to see this I just loved to see what he was up to. He was one of the lucky ones to have you to love him. God bless.

    Reply
  19. Diane McClure says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:35 pm

    Having lost beloved furry babies I can understand your pain. I’m so sorry for your loss. In time you will be able to smile looking at his pictures and remembering the good times. Thank you for sharing your boy with us. Rest in peace sweet one.

    Reply
  20. Anabel V says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:35 pm

    Crying with you. Virtual hugs coming your way all the way from Gozo, Malta xxx

    Reply
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