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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,775 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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4,775 Comments

  1. Greg Whiley says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:34 pm

    Some people might not recognise the depth of your grief Nagi. I understand Dozer was a wonderful part of your life and the pain of his loss is real and profound.

    Reply
  2. Av says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:34 pm

    Thinking of you with your loss and pain. Dozer had a truly wonderful life and will be missed dearly.

    Reply
    • Lesley says

      February 9, 2026 at 5:43 pm

      RIP Dozer! You will be sadly missed by all. Nagi, big hugs to you at this very sad time. You & Dozer were a team who worked closely together. Lots of love 💔

      Reply
    • Lesley says

      February 9, 2026 at 5:43 pm

      RIP Dozer! You will be sadly missed by all. Nagi, big hugs to you at this very sad time. You & Dozer were a team who worked closely together. Lots of love 💔

      Reply
  3. Lorraine says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:34 pm

    Nagi, the tears were streaming down my face as I read your beautiful words. Dozer always made me happy when I read your recipes. I know the heartbreak too after losing a number of beloved dogs over the journey. May the cherished memories and happy times ease the pain for you.

    Reply
  4. Madge says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:33 pm

    Dear Nagi
    My heart goes out to you on your loss of beautiful Dozer. I’ve been following you from your early days (after discovering your delicious recipe for lemon blueberry cake) and have loved the way you have included Dozer in all your posts and emails. He has been such an important member of the ‘Recipetineats’ family.
    Thank you for your generosity in sharing so many great recipes. You have inspired me to keep trying new recipes (I’m now into my 80s). I have both your books and would name them as my favourites.
    I will miss seeing your regular updates on Dozer and send warm hugs of condolence to you.
    With love and best wishes
    Madge xx

    Reply
  5. Branka says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:33 pm

    😢😢😢😞. Words can never describe the pain after losing a much loved pet. Thinking of you Nagi.

    Reply
  6. Jane Maidment says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    Such a good boy. Heartbreaking for you Nagi. Sending love ❤️

    Reply
  7. Trish Armstrong says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    My Goldie girl is about the same age and I will have to part from her too soon. Nothing can soothe the heartbreak.
    RIP beloved Dozer. 💔

    Reply
  8. Sherri says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    What you have and are going through is heartbreaking. It was such a reminder of our beautiful girl Molly born 26 April 2013 and passed 2 Feb 2023. 8 days fighting and preying. Always loved never forgotten.
    No words will help. Just know you are in people’s hearts globally. You and Dozer brought joy to so many people xxx

    Reply
  9. Nicki Dawson says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    What a beautiful tribute to Dozer Nagi. It was clear that you had such a wonderful life together and he couldn’t have asked for a better Mum. It is always so hard saying goodbye to our fur babies, but so wonderful for you to have so many beautiful memories with Dozer and to have been able to give him comfort at the very end. Wiping tears as I write this. 🌈🦮❤️

    Reply
  10. Silvija Dalglish says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    Our love for fur babies exceeds all boundaries. It’s been also 1 year since we lost our beautiful Bonnie and there is not a day we miss her. We understand your loss and send you big hugs💕

    Reply
  11. Lauren Palmer says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    Nagi I am so sorry for the very sad passing of your beautiful boy Dozer. Thank you for sharing his amazing life with us xx

    Reply
  12. Mei2 says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    Dearest Nagi

    From one 💔 fur mom to another, sending you <<>>

    Reply
  13. Yvonne chesterman says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    So sorry for your loss , Dozer was a wonderful dog that I could see gave you all the love and joy in the world , he was your true companion, always there for you at your side 💔💔💔

    Reply
  14. Leanne Mcgrath says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    So sorry Nagi for your loss, I know when we lost our Harley the pain seamed like it would never end, treasure the memories and love you had RIP Dozer.❤️

    Reply
  15. Carmel Stewart says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    I am so, so sorry to hear this news. I am praying that Dozer has found his way to the Rainbow Bridge.

    Reply
  16. Marilyn Soich says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    I have tears running down my face reading your lovely tributes to your beautiful dog. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  17. Rosalyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:32 pm

    I’m so sorry Nagi, take time to heal and grieve, it will come in waves, but you will come through. Dozer will be by your side always xxxx

    Reply
  18. Kev Redman says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:31 pm

    Im so, so sorry about the loss of your beloved Dozer, Nagi.
    I really do know how it feels to lose a treasured pet who really is part of the family.
    💔💔

    Reply
    • Coral says

      February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

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

      Reply
  19. Elaine Craig says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:31 pm

    Dear Nagi, I feel so deeply for you, as I had to have my little shadow euthanased a few weeks ago, he was very sick. Even now I can’t forgive myself for ending his life, he was my bestest friend. I still find myself talking to him and, like you, can’t look at his photo without feeling the pain and the tears. It will get easier but just know that there are lots of people out here who really wish you a peace and healing heart.
    Thankyou Nagi for all your recipes and posts, we love you.
    Elaine

    Reply
  20. Ame says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:31 pm

    My heartbreaks for you. What a beautiful soul Dozer is. Never forgotten. Always is your heart. ❤️🐾❤️

    Reply
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