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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,780 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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4,780 Comments

  1. Karen says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    It doesn’t matter if it’s animals or people, love is love and saying goodbye is really hard.
    Please know that none of your readers care about what you weigh, how you dress or what you look like, (and don’t believe you have any flaws), we’re all still behind you and want to thank you so much for sharing Dozer with us.

    Take as much time as you need, we’ll still be here. xx

    Reply
  2. Neil says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    My sincere condolences for the sad loss of Dozer.
    It’s never easy to lose a friend, but it helps to know you gave him the best life possible.
    My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. XXX

    Reply
  3. Patty Kerley says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    Rest in peace Dozer, a much loved dog ❤️

    Reply
  4. Karen H says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    Nagi, they are a gift in our lives, all too short sometimes. I have been there, the love stays and the pain and sorrow leaves.
    Love him forever

    Reply
  5. Lyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    I’m crying, again. I cried when I found out his morning. Thank you for bringing Dozer into our lives Nagi. He was clearly the goodest boi and you were blessed to have each other. RIP Dozer.

    Reply
  6. Kay says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    My heart is breaking for you both 💔 x

    Reply
  7. Samantha says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    I’m so very sorry for your loss, Nagi. May you find peace and comfort in all the memories you created together with Dozer xx

    Reply
  8. Judy Flanagan says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    Our Goldens are so special and the the hardest reality is that they don;t live long enough. We have said goodbye to 4 to date and they all are precious memories. Such a beautiful breed! We ;oved watching your journey with Dozer – something to treasure. Judy and David

    Reply
  9. Cleo says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    Oh Nagi , oh we are all sobbing with you. My heart breaks for you. No one ever seemed to love a boy as much as you loved Dozer. What a lucky boy he was and he wouldn’t have traded a second of your time together either. I really am so sorry. I’m in the supermarket car park crying too ❤️💔❤️💔❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  10. Diana Jones says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:59 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss
    My heart aches for you..
    Sending you all the love in the world ❤️

    Reply
  11. Kaye says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:59 pm

    Love and many hugs

    Reply
  12. Jeffrey Robert Potter says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:59 pm

    Bye bye Dozer thank you Nagi.for sparking my interest in cooking.

    Reply
  13. Sally Davenport says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:59 pm

    Dear Nagi, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss of your dear Dozer.
    You and he were such a loving
    team. He will always be with you.

    Reply
  14. Margie Murray says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:59 pm

    Dear Nagi
    I’m crying as I sit here, hearing what you suffered as Dozer was leaving this world.
    I do believe our love for our pet dogs is one of the purist types of love we ever feel.
    I wish you strength in the coming weeks, but I think no dog could have had a more enjoyable life than the one you gave Dozer, from your heart.

    Reply
  15. Beth says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:59 pm

    Oh Nagi, it’s so hard to lose the love of your life. The warmth of their love,
    So dependant of your loving care. No-one will take their place and you will feel his beautiful presence with you and smile and what a wonderful gift he was to you.
    Bless you Nagi and thank you for sharing your moments together with us.

    Reply
  16. Karen says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:58 pm

    Ohh no Nagi. I’m so sorry. Be kind to yourself. Cry when you want. Mourn beautiful Dozer for as long as you need. Heartbreaking.

    Reply
  17. Caroline says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:58 pm

    Dear Nagi and Dozer, my condolences its heartbreaking losing your paw child. Some people don’t understand, but the love from a dog is the most beautiful and important love there is. RIP love;y Dozer hugs for mom

    Reply
  18. Scerena says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:58 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Words will fail to comfort, so I won’t try… Dozer was a lucky to have been loved by you, and you by Dozer.
    Rest easy Dozer ❤️❤️

    Reply
  19. Zee says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:57 pm

    I am so sorry, Nagi. I’ve been around for the last 8 years or so, and I always smiled at the end of each email with “the life of Dozer.” Virtual hugs from Ukraine and I wish I lived closer so I could make you a cup of tea or something because no words suffice.

    Reply
  20. Gabrielle says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:57 pm

    What a legend. Right up there with Lassie. He was the Worlds best known dog. Knew his likes & dislikes. Loved the prawns , not so keen on the broccoli. Lots of lovely memories. Much love Nagi
    Gabrielle

    Reply
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