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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,778 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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4,778 Comments

  1. Amanda Fox says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dozer was the best how lucky you were to have each other Nagi.😘

    Reply
  2. Belinda says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Beautiful words for a beautiful soul. My heart and prayers are with you Nagi, take care of yourself. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you have shared. Xx

    Reply
  3. Anne says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Dozer the best life he could have ever experienced. One day you will smile again and remember him with love.

    Reply
  4. Mici says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    I believe our beloved pets are angels sent from heaven to be beloved companions through the ups and downs of life. I know I will see all of them again someday. Dozer was such a part of.my life ever since I found your blog in 2016. Hugs to you across the miles.

    Reply
  5. LEONIE says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dear Nagi, there are no words to convey my heartfelt sympathy on losing Dozer. He will be so missed but will be remembered with love. 🙏❤️🙏

    Reply
  6. Dana says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Nagi, our sincere condolences. Dana

    Reply
  7. Lynette & Richard says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    So sorry for your loss – big hugs. Such beautiful words. Run free Dozer 🌈🐾💙

    Reply
  8. Dale says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Fly free over the Rainbow Bridge gorgeous Dozer. Reading your post with tears in memory of his beautiful soul (and the beautiful souls I’ve been blessed with and lost also) Many hugs to you Nagi. One day there will be smiles at their beautiful funny memories and not their heart wrenching loss. Thank you Dozer❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  9. Kristina says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    So so sorry to hear that Dozer has gone to animal heaven. Losing a pet who is one of your family is one of the hardest things but you should take comfort in the fact that you were the best mum a doggie could have and gave him as much love as he gave you in return. He had the best life and even though he is no longer physically here, will stay in your heart forever. Xxx

    Reply
  10. DAVID HOUGHTON says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    I understand your pain, Nagi. Losing your loving companion is always devastating and only time will heal although you will never forget him.

    Reply
  11. Norma Naugler says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    I am a follower of your page and loved your dog ” dozer “. I have lost many pets and everytime I say no more dogs. How am I doing? I have 3 dogs now, get another dog, one that really needs a new home. RIP Dozer.

    Reply
  12. Meredith READ says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Losing a special pet is heartbreaking. Our best experiences at such a time involve quickly transferring the love to a new baby pet. It helps so much that grieving can be turned into a joyful beautiful rewarding distraction while never forgetting your previous love.. worth considering xxx

    Reply
  13. olufunmilayo Moiett says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Dozer was a part of your life and our lives, he will be greatly missed. May he rest in perfect peace.

    Reply
  14. Coral says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Dear Nagi. My heart goes out to you. Keep those memories close. Love and hugs xxx

    Reply
  15. MARGOT MARSHALL says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    My heart goes out to you Nagi. I have been where you are now, you must try to keep in mind your best memories. He will be looking down at your love and times together believe me.

    Reply
  16. Michelle says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Dear Nagi, My heart breaks for you. I have tears streaming down my face writing this. I wish I could take away your pain. Dozer meant the world to you and you meant the world to him and hundreds of thousands of people across Australia and the world witnessed that love and received happiness from that gift you gave to each other. He will live on with all the wonderful photos, videos, cookbooks and of course in your heart forever. Please take care and take as much time as you need in your grief. Lots of hugs.

    Reply
  17. Eve says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Hugs, Nagi – Hugs, Hugs and more Hugs. What more can I say?

    Reply
  18. Renata says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    So much love for you Dozer and for your mummy Nagi. The love you share will always be there, just in a different form. One day you will reunite again with lots of kisses & endless cuddles. RIP Dozer xx

    Reply
  19. Julia says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:34 pm

    Dearest Nagi, What a wonderful life you gave to gorgeous Dozer. Hopefully all the love and support of everyone here will help you to begin the healing process when you are ready. Such a hard loss but so much love being sent through the universe to you in this difficult time. Rest in peace now beautiful boy 💜

    Reply
  20. Dara Shearer says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:34 pm

    You were never masters, but friends.
    I was your friend.
    I loved you well, and was loved.
    Deep love endures
    To the end and far past the end.
    If this is my end, I am not lonely.
    I am not afraid. I am still yours.
    (Robinson Jeffers: The House-Dog’s Grave)
    RIP Dozer. Deepest sympathy Nagi xxx

    Reply
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