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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. Glenys Summers says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    I’m so sorry that you’ve lost Dozer Nagi – hopefully soon you’ll be able to let go of the loss and feel privileged to have spent so many good years with your loved and loving companion. Hugs from me xx

    Reply
  2. Lou Bernard says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Thoughts and prayers are with you. Dozer will always be close, as he left big footprints on your heart.
    Australia sends you healing love xxx

    Reply
  3. Paula says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    My heart goes out to you Nagi 😢🥰

    Reply
  4. Jacqui says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    You got me at ‘My dearest dozer’

    We don’t deserve dogs. They love us unconditionaly. xxxx

    Reply
  5. Brenda Lindquist says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Nagi, I’m so so sorry for your loss but please remember you have not lost Dozer he will be with you forever & always. My girls are keeping an eye on him so fear not he’s with friends xx Bren

    Reply
  6. marianna says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Dear Nagi, may the beautiful memories of Dozer be with you always. He will never be too far away from you. Hugs and comforting thoughts to you in this sad time. xxx

    Reply
  7. Libby Greenland says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    Thinking of you during this sad time. I loved hearing about his antics. What a difficult loss.

    Reply
  8. Susan says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    My thoughts are with u at this sad time & what a wonderful 14yrs u both had together ❤️

    Reply
  9. Dermot Keating says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    I can only imagine the heartbreak you are feeling Nagi at the loss of Dozer, try to take strength from knowing how much love and wonderful times you willingly gave each other throughout his lifetime and the beautiful memories you will always have of that special time you shared. RIP Dozer x

    Reply
  10. Ben Christensen says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    Hi Nagi. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  11. Kathy says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    Wishing you all the love in the world.

    Reply
  12. Joy says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    Deepest sympathy . You wetlre a great mum, letting him go when the time came and more important being with him at that time. May your memories and the love you shared bring you comfort.

    Reply
  13. Tiffany Larsen says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your heart and the life of Dozer with us.

    Reply
  14. KeashaC says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:49 pm

    A beautiful tribute to Dozer in the link below Dearest Nagi and all dogs who have gone before us xxxxxx
    (red and howling)

    https://redandhowling.com/2017/08/22/you-will-always-be-my-best-friend-2/

    Reply
  15. Pup Neely says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:49 pm

    So very sad for you. Dozer absolutely knew how much you adored him and he obviously adored you right back. We love our fur babies and they are never with us for long enough!❤️❤️

    Reply
  16. MARY-ANN DE LOOR says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:49 pm

    Heartfelt condolences, Nagi, on the passing of your ever present furry friend, Dozer.
    My heart aches for you. Many hugs & blessings that this very painful time passes as quickly as possible, so that the tears fade, and are replaced with the many happy memories you have of your beloved Dozer.

    Reply
  17. Lorraine says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:49 pm

    Nagi my heart and thoughts are with you. So sad for your loss. We had to have our St. Bernard Flip put to sleep last August. I miss him every day and still feel his unconditional love every day. I know he”s walking beside me just as Dozer is walking with you. Stay strong.

    Reply
  18. Niki says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:49 pm

    They leave such a big hole when they go. Sending much love ❤️

    Reply
  19. Cynde Schiewe says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:49 pm

    There are no words. I’m so sorry for your pain. He was well-loved and lived the life that every dog deserves to live. I pray that you find just a little bit of comfort in this.

    Reply
  20. CC says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:49 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. I’ve been through this too many times, but will always have a fur baby in my life. You will be able to look at photos and smile, but it will take a while. Let yourself grieve, and then rescue another furry friend. You will find that they will actually be rescuing you. ♥️

    Reply
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