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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. Lee Rees says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:57 pm

    My heart aches and the tears are flowing reading your letter to Dozer, it took me right back to when I had to say goodbye to my Golden Retriever ‘Honey’. No one but those who have lost a loyal companion could ever understand the grief and sorrow that their passing brings.
    Be strong Nagi, you’re in our thoughts and prayers and I believe that we’ll see our babies again on the other side.
    Much love to you…. Lee 😭❤️🙏

    Reply
  2. Rae says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:57 pm

    I am so truly sorry 😔
    Tears are streaming down my face reading this. I truely loved ‘Life of Dozer’ and always looked forward to reading his adventures. He was your boy and you gave him the best life.

    Reply
  3. Eva says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:57 pm

    Nagi
    I’m so sorry for you lost, I know how much you loved Dozer and how painful it must be to see him go but just remember he will always be with you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us he will truly

    Reply
  4. Gayle A Jackson says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:57 pm

    Again my heart hurts so much for you as I, and many others feel your pain. Take care, Nagi. You gave Dozer a life of pure love. 💕

    Reply
  5. Denise Miceli says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    My heart goes out to you at this very difficult and sad time. It is never easy saying goodbye. But it is not really goodbye, it is until we meet again. Dozer will be waiting for you with his tail wagging.
    Sending you hugs. 🤗❤️🙏

    Reply
  6. Wayne says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi, I can not begin to imagine what you are going through. Just know that you had a wonderful 14 years with a fantastic, loving and caring dog. You both gave each other unconditional love. May Dozer rest peacefully, knowing that he is loved all around the world.

    Reply
  7. Tracey H. says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    Dearest Nagi, my heart goes out to you. The love you shared can never be loss. Dozer will always be your special furry four paws angel that will continue to walk alongside you in spirit, until you can both be together in the non physical world again. Take time for you, and look after yourself whilst you grieve this very special soul that you shared your life with. Hugs and love xx

    Reply
  8. Maria says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    Thank you Nagi for sharing your beautiful Dozer with us. He was very precious and very much loved 🥰. It’s never easy saying goodbye 😭 but know that you did everything you could for Dozer and he had an amazing life. Take care of
    yourself and treasure all the special memories you made together. R.I.P. Dozer ❤️

    Reply
  9. Sandee says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    Hearts are breaking around the world in solidarity with you Nagi. May our love, wishes and virtual hugs give you strength, the strength of a Dozer to get through these toughest times.
    How lucky you are to have such a love ❤️

    Reply
  10. Brooke says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my beautiful pup (7 yrs old) to cancer 2 weeks ago. Hang in there. They leave a massive void when they leave us. Please stay strong and be kind and gentle with yourself.

    Reply
  11. Bre says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to you. How lucky Dozer was to have you as his mum! He loved you as fiercely as you loved him. He will forever be with you in some way. Thank you for sharing him with us all. Take the time to grieve and heal. Sending much love x

    Reply
  12. Tracey says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:56 pm

    Dearest Nagi, my heart goes out to you. The love you shared can never be loss. Dozer will always be your special furry four paws angel that will continue to walk alongside you in spirit, until you can both be together in the non physical world again. Take time for you, and look after yourself whilst you grieve this very special soul that you shared your life with. Hugs and love xx

    Reply
  13. Janette Miller says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:55 pm

    Expected, but very sad nonetheless.
    Grief is hard. X

    Reply
  14. Mike HILLIARD says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:55 pm

    We lost our guy just before the new year. Understand the pain and the empty feeling.

    Reply
  15. Trish says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:54 pm

    Nagi so sorry you had to say goodbye to your beautiful loving Dozer. You were so lucky to have each other. I am going to miss him after all these wonderful years at your side
    Love and Hugs Nagixx

    Reply
  16. Sam St.C says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:54 pm

    Nagi I am so so sorry for your loss and heartbreak. May Dozer be running around on rainbow bridge – pain free and like a puppy again. What a beautiful time you have had together for nearly 14 years! So many memories. It is devastating when life ends – but you will always feel his love. My heart goes out to you in your time of grief – I know personally how much it hurts. I followed Dozer as much as your recipe’s, and thankyou for sharing his final chapter. Please take care of yourself. The tears will eventually go away but there will always be a hole in your heart for beloved Dozer – and you absolutely need to take time to grieve. I’m sure he knew how lucky he was to have a beautiful mum like you. Sending love and strength as my tears pour out messaging you. xoxo

    Reply
  17. Lenore Bailey says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:54 pm

    Hi Nagi, we feel your Pain but at the same time your Love, i Imagine Dozer is in Doggy Heaven Playing with my Dogs that i have lost over the Years. They are there waiting for us.
    Lots of Hugs and Kisses to you. XXOO

    Reply
  18. Mell says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:54 pm

    Nagi, there are no words I can write that haven’t already been said, but I want you to know we are thinking of you and we are going to miss Dozer. He was such a happy boi! Hugs to you

    Reply
  19. Angela B says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:54 pm

    A beautiful, poignant tribute to the Goodest Boy ever. I am sure Dozer will be with you in spirit for as long as you need him.

    Big Love from the Hunter Valley, from myself and my cousin Raylee, who admire and hold you and Dozer in the greatest respect.

    Reply
  20. Michaela says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:54 pm

    One day you will discover a tumble-weed of fur under the bed, long after he is gone and you will smile again. Until then, mend your breaking heart by sharing lots of stories celebrating the goofball that he was for 14 long years. So lucky he picked you to be his mum. Thank you for giving him such an amazing life!

    Reply
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