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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. Margaret says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:31 pm

    Hi Nagi, my sincere condolences on the loss of Dozer, may you remember all the good times.

    Reply
  2. Raquel Henson says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm

    A sad time for such a gorgeous golden boy xo may his memory be a blessing and may you find comfort in all the fond memories you have been blessed with xoxo

    Reply
  3. Karen McIntyre says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm

    💔💔 my heart goes out to you xx

    Reply
  4. Diane Juleff says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm

    Hi. Nagi, sorry for your loss my heart goes out to you and hope you heal in the coming weeks and months. I’ve cooked your Spinach and ricotta basta bake, and your taco soup and it’s really good and surprisingly easy. Thank you for all that you do and to make cooking for noobs easier! God bless you Nagi x

    Reply
  5. Suzanne says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm

    Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry. Vale Dozer you beautiful beautiful soul. Sending much love and hugs.

    Reply
  6. Sue says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm

    I am just so very sorry. These wonderful dogs steal our hearts.

    Reply
  7. Melodie says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:29 pm

    My heart goes out to you Nagi, I know how precious those memories will be for you in years to come. I still think of my three fur babies and the love and joy they gave me in their lifetime. Godbless Dizer, happy times in doggy heaven🐶🐶

    Reply
  8. JANE says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:29 pm

    SO SORRY ABOUT DOZER THE LOSE OF A PET IS HARD
    KEEP STRONG

    Reply
  9. Rachel Rudman says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:29 pm

    RIP beautiful Dozer

    Reply
  10. Karen Brymer says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:29 pm

    It is with the utmost sadness that I feel for you & your team that loved Dozer so much. It was not only cherished by you all but also to your extended family ( us viewers) . Your journey will continue as well as your memories of your beloved Dozer 💓💓💓

    Reply
  11. Lina Fetnandes says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:29 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. I am crying with you and asking God to heal your broken heart. May His peace and comfort wash over you and may you find happiness and comfort in a furry baby again in due time. Take time out to heal. Thank you so much for your big heart and for sharing all your lovely recipes with us. I am so glad I came across Recipe Tin Eats 11 years ago and I always tell people about your website when they comment on how good your recipes taste. I appreciate you so much and I wish Dozer had made it. Praying for you.

    Reply
  12. Mary Litch says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:29 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss Nagi, nothing can replace the love of these incredibly special creatures that we hold in our hearts. But time will heel, and eventually when you think of him you will smile instead of cry. Losing a fur baby is always such a tragic loss

    Reply
  13. LINDY says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:29 pm

    Nagi, Dozer will never be forgotten. He is our superstar – everytime we open your cook books or read a recipe from your website, Dozer will always be there. Look after yourself and hopefully you will find peace in the not too distant future.

    Reply
  14. Kathryn says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:28 pm

    My heart aches for you.
    So many of us have been in your place before and will again.
    For those of us that have given our hearts, knowing full well that one day it will be broken, ache with you and send our love to comfort you.

    Fly high sweet Dozer 🌈

    Reply
  15. Lucy Weis says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:28 pm

    I feel your pain you loved him so much, sending you comfort and support Nagi x

    Reply
  16. Marie Boyle says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:28 pm

    Dear Nagi I’m so sorry to hear if Dozer’s passing💔
    I’ve followed your website since 2015 and enjoyed all of Dozer’s stories and food tastings. It’s so unfair they don’t live as long as us. I have a 13 yr old Goldie called Ruby and I know her time will come sooner rather than later. Just know he was so blessed to have you as his mum and you were also blessed to have him as your baby boy always. Remember the happy memories and the great times you had. Sending furbaby hugs from Ruby & Bear my two Goldie’s🐾💔

    Reply
  17. Beth says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:28 pm

    My heart, like everyone else’s, breaks for you Nagi. My mum always told us that when our pets died, it meant that a child had recently gone to heaven, and to help them adjust, God says they can pick any pet they want. And so someone picked your Dozer. He is getting all the love and neck scratches he can handle. He will be running and swimming and eating well. And he will be waiting for you to join him one day. I hope that gives you some comfort at this sad time. How blessed you were to experience that kind of relationship. I hope the days ahead bring wonderful memories flooding back. My prayers are with you.

    Reply
  18. Sally Renwick says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:28 pm

    So sorry to hear Nagi. RIP Dozer xxx

    Reply
  19. Fiona says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:28 pm

    All he ever knew was your love! Sending you all the hugs xxx

    Reply
  20. Kris Denning says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:28 pm

    Dear Nagi please believe that you gave Dozer the best life he could ever have. He was only with you for a small part of your life but you were his whole life and love. I sit here crying for both of you and the memories of all the dogs I have loved and lost throughout my life. When you truly love no amount of time will lessen the hurt but you will come to a time where remembering gives you joy and hope.

    Reply
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