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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. Jane says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:55 pm

    I am so sorry. It just isn’t right. They should be with us much longer than they are. My “kids” are in heaven waiting for me. I look forward to meeting with them at the rainbow bridge. My heart is with you both. Prayers.🙏🏼

    Reply
  2. Mimmieme says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:54 pm

    So sorry for your loss, beautiful memories that you can treasure for ever

    Reply
  3. Cassie says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:54 pm

    My heart and my thoughts are with you and beautiful Dozer. What a heavy loss. Thank you for sharing him with us all. ♥️♥️

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:54 pm

    Nagi, Dozer did more for us than you could know. Heartbroken 💔

    Reply
  5. Jenny says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:54 pm

    I share your grief, and know what its like to lose your best mate, Nagi. Unconditional love from our doggies is so special, and the emptiness when they leave is heart wrenching. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us, your partnership has been a beautiful thing. Tears for you both.

    Reply
  6. Lisa says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:54 pm

    If you hadn’t of loved him as you did you would never know the passion,joy,affection that having such an important one in our lives can bring. May your tears & heartbreak bring laughter & fond memories in due course.
    God bless Dozer – rest in peace dear sweet boy 🥰

    Reply
  7. Danielle Baker says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    RIP Dozer boy

    Reply
  8. Wendy says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    I feel your pain. My Miniature Schnauzer took a part of my heart with him when he closed his eyes in year 2000 and my last words to him were “thank you”. I will never, never forget how much enjoyment he contributed to my life. Nagi, it will take time but you will eventually be able to accept his time was probably ready in doggy years and you will enjoy all the beautiful memories he’s left you with.

    Reply
  9. sara graham says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    I am so sorry Nagi. RIP Dozer xxx

    Reply
  10. Cindy Sullivan says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    I am at a loss for words as tears stream down my face. Your beautiful Dozer was your family and I understand how hard it to loss him. I lost Miss Kitty 2 years ago and I still get a bit teary when I think about her. I keep her in her little felt bag under my pillow ans say Goodnight to her always. It is comforting to know that they are still so close and you can talk to them anytime and hold them them close to your heart. I am thinking of you at this time and am so glad that you have so many wonderful memories and photos to to keep you going xxx

    Reply
  11. Carol says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    Nagi, I’m so sorry that he’s crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My cat, Belle, crossed almost 2 years ago and I still say goodnight to her. Dozer will always be in your heart. Hugs.

    Reply
  12. Karabo says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    In 2020 I made a decision to learn how to cook….good food…came across you and Dover when searching for a pasta salad….ohh hle 💔💔…

    Reply
  13. Ali Farrell says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Dearest Nagi, I can hardly see what I am writing due to the tears. I am so desperately sorry to hear your news, the sad passing of Dozer. I lost my beautiful girl Poppy, 13th November 24 and I miss her so much, I still think of her everyday day. Dozer was so loved and you gave him the best life. Thank you for sharing gorgeous Dozer with us, I will miss him too. Sending much love and hugs to you xx

    Reply
  14. Jan Murray says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    I’m broken hearted for you Nagi, such a beautiful boy and devoted companion.

    Reply
  15. Michelle Plummer says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    I am so so sorry to hear this sad news Nagi.. my heart goes out to you lovely.. xx

    Reply
  16. Heather says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    I am SO sorry Nagi, your story brings tears to my eyes and memories of our grief at the passing of beloved pets. My sincere condolences.

    Reply
  17. ivor williams says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Such sad news to hear about Dozer. Loss of a great friend is always very hard. Stay strong Nagi.

    Reply
  18. Lucy says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Nagi there are no words except he was SO LOVED BY YOU and all that follow you. Feeling your 😢 grief so raw.
    Sending lots of love to you your family and your family at RTE.Xxx

    Reply
  19. T says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    🥹😢

    Reply
  20. Heather says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Sending my love and sincere condolences on the loss of Dozzer.

    Reply
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