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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. Yumi says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    ナギさん、心からお悔やみ申し上げます。Thank you so much for letting us get to know Dozer. He was the luckiest doggie to be your boy.

    Reply
  2. Margaret says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    So sorry for your loss. We are never really prepared for them to leave us and they never seem to be with us long enough. We lost our dear boy just after Christmas and I still cry every time I think of him💔💔🐾

    Reply
  3. June Maconaghie says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Breaks my heart to read this sending love and hugs to you at this very sad time xx

    Reply
  4. Lesley says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    So sorry Nagi. I know these things happen but I wish I could have stopped this, so that you didn’t have to suffer like this. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us.

    Reply
  5. Denise U says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    I am so sorry. Sitting here at work in the middle of the night, crying. RIP, Dozer. You were the bestest of best friends.

    Reply
  6. Sharon Cain says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hi Nagi. Sending my warmest regards and thoughts for you at this very sad time. I had a feline buddy in the name of Rama for 17 1/2 years and yesterday was the fourth anniversary of him passing. I know how it feels to lose an animal who is more like a member of the family. Take care. Sharon

    Reply
  7. Meredith says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    We all love Dozer and he was so so so amazing and wonderful
    Rest in peace Dozer

    Reply
  8. Margaret Vincent says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. He was a beautiful companion and I know he will never be forgotten by you and all your followers. Much love xx

    Reply
  9. John Shiner says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    So sorry to hear your sad news about Dozer. My sincere condolences, God bless.
    John

    Reply
  10. Wendy Dyhr says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    My heart goes out to you. The deeper the sorrow, the longer you will take to heal. His presence will stay with you forever.

    Reply
  11. Andie says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    What a life he had with you! He was so loved. 🦮

    Reply
    • Sam says

      February 9, 2026 at 6:58 pm

      Heartbroken for you Nagi. Dozer will be forever with you in your soul and what a fantastic life you had together. Please take care.

      Reply
  12. Sandra Fallon says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    So sorry for your loss. It’s heartbreaking to say goodbye to our furry friends. His memory will be cherished x

    Reply
  13. Jac says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    So sorry Nagi. Our little children disguised in doggie clothing are never with us long enough. You’ll think you will never get a dog as good as this friend you have just said goodbye to nor will you be able to love another four legged fur buddy. But you will. Dozer will always be with you. You gave him a life of 14yrs of love.

    Reply
  14. Tina says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Thinking of you ❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  15. Jack Busch says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    As someone who has had to say good bye to a number of wonderful, special dogs (I am 79) i feel your pain but know you will, in time, reach a space where the wonderful memories will outweigh the current pain and sense of loss you now feel.

    Thank you for sharing Dozer’s wonderful life with us.

    Reply
  16. Karen says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    I feel your pain Nagi, and have not stopped crying for Dozer. Their love for us, unconditional, you pain will ease and looking at photos will come and the smiles will return when you do. There are still foods I can’t eat 3 years after losing my GSD as they were our breakfast together. D0zer had a great life and now to the biggest beach ever!

    Reply
  17. Clive & caryl says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    We’ve been there so fully understand how you are feeling, our love and thoughts.
    From Norfolk England

    Reply
  18. Effie MacKenzie says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    The dogs we have loved and lost leave their pawprints on our hearts. A lifetime of memories. Sending you love 💙

    Reply
  19. Janette says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    I am grieving with you Nagi. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  20. Angel T says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Nagi,
    I’m crying with you! I’m praying for your comfort and peace. I’ve had to put two doggies to sleep and the pain is overwhelming!
    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. He will be missed!
    Angel.

    Reply
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