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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. Ann Yee says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:39 pm

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. I lost my little boy Leroy after 15 years and I still cannot think of him without crying. You don’t get over it but you will get through it. It’s the unconditional love they give you that you miss. Rest in peace Dozer. Lots of love to you Nagi. X

    Reply
  2. Rebecca Baldenegro says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:38 pm

    Nagi, no
    I am so sorry you lost Dozer, the love of your life. I know how much your heart aches. There will be pain, but in time slowly the pain will lessen and in its place a warm sense of love will replace it. The warmth will turn into memories that will always be there. You just have to call him and all of his love for you will come back to you and you will be wrapped in his love. There is no other love that will replace his. There may be another dog that will come into your life and will offer you the same type of Dozer love. It will be a small, strange type of love, but when the time is right let Dozer lead you to your next love.
    Becky Baldenegro

    Reply
  3. Lisa Marie says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:38 pm

    Oh Nagi, I am so deeply sorry for your loss! Nobody can truly feel how difficult and heartbreaking, losing a beloved fur baby can be, unless they are a true devoted animal lover, such as yourself! Believe me, I know first hand, how painful this can be! I just lost my soul mate, fur baby Cat, of 17 years! Her name was Minkey !!! She was by my side through all my heartache and always had her paw on me, to check to make sure that I am ok ! I know exactly how hard the loss feels! I still Cry when I see her photos ! I am so sorry Nagi !!! Dozer’s soul is now free of pain, and in a better place in the light and love on the other side! I pray for you Nagi, for your heart to heal, and for your beloved Dozer ! I want you to know that I think you are a wonderful lady, with a pure and loving heart. You are a good person, and Dozer was truly loved and cherished by you!!! God Bless You Nagi, you and dozer are deeply loved forever!

    Reply
  4. Brett says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:38 pm

    For all the tears of sorrow that are shed on Mother Earth, there are tears of joy as Dozer is reunited with kindred spirits in Doggy Heaven 💓

    Reply
  5. Michele Worrad says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:38 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss❤️

    Reply
  6. Lois says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:38 pm

    Dozer, you have been part of our lives for the last few years and brought smiles to our faces. You will be sadly missed.
    Thank you Nagi for sharing your beautiful boy with us all.
    The biggest of hugs and much love to you.

    Reply
  7. Jill says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:38 pm

    My heart breaks for you. Dozer’s paw prints will forever be on your heart. Thinking of you and sending gentle hugs😘😘

    Reply
  8. June says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Dozer will always be with you Nagi,
    you will feel his presence every day his paw prints are forever all over your heart ❤️

    Reply
  9. Di says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Goodbye our Dozer. You were part of my life even though I never met you. I’ll miss the beautiful photos and stories.
    Nagi may you always feel his paw on your shoulder .
    Love to you and your amazing team x
    .
    .

    Reply
  10. Lisa & Dominick says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Our condolences to you Nagi… the loss of a pet can only be understood by those that have had one pass on them. They leave behind an unbearable grief and you feel like you could never love another pet again. It takes time, but you’ll love again one day. For now, you have all of the memories.

    Rest in eternal peace in Doggie Heaven precious Dozer. If you see our Oscar and Kobe playing in the meadows, go up and give ’em a lick for us.

    Reply
  11. Janelle says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    So so sorry to hear of Dozers walk over the rainbow bridge. They say dogs leave a lasting impression on your heart, and they make your heart grow bigger!! Rest now beautiful boy.

    Reply
  12. Paul Hogan says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Terribly sorry to read your beautiful words at the passing of Dozer.
    So so sad!
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  13. Patti says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    I lost my dog after 12 years in September. He was my world. I miss him so much. He will always be alive with his memories and his love. I still get emotional when I think of him. That must mean he was very special. Hang in there. It doesn’t get easier but know you are not alone.

    Reply
  14. Tracy says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Rest In Peace dear Dozer. You will be missed. We know you were loved and loved Nagi unconditionally.

    Reply
  15. Roger says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    My thoughts are with you because I have felt the same pain. It eases with time but the love you and Dozer shared will be with you for ever.
    Enjoy your next journey Dozer.

    Reply
  16. Cheryl says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss😢! Dozer was a special boy for sure, and brought so much joy to everyone. We are all going to miss him and we thank you for sharing your sweet boy with us. Our hearts go out to you💔

    Reply
  17. Farah Azar says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dearest Nagi ,
    There are thousands of doggie loving people around the world grieving with you, Dozer was such a gorgeous character, and you are an incredible doggie mummy . Sending you lots of hugs and love. You are not alone.
    Thank you for all the good you do for others xx

    Reply
  18. Robyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    RIP Dozer. What a wonderful life he had with you.

    Reply
  19. sharon perdriau says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    having lost a couple of best friends, i feel for you.
    shedding a tear as we speak.
    your love meant everything to him, so treasure that.

    Reply
  20. Sue says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us.
    Love and hugs to you Nagi ❤️
    Fly high Dozer 🐶

    Reply
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