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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. NawaalS says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:58 pm

    Dearest Nagi,
    Heartfelt condolences, may your heart find peace and ease in this very difficult and painful time. May Dozer’s soul rest in peace knowing that he could never have been loved and cared for more by anyone other than you.

    Sending so much love and hugs to you.

    Warmest regards,
    Nawaal xxx

    Reply
  2. Silvia says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:58 pm

    Hope the cherished memories helps you in some way through this difficult time, he’ll be missed by many 🩵

    Reply
  3. Alan Bland says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:58 pm

    Oh Nagi
    I know the pain you are going through… It’s horrible to lose your baby… One thing is for sure, he couldn’t have possibly had a better life filled with So much Love!
    Alxx

    Reply
  4. Cheryl Evans says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:57 pm

    You and Dozer gave each other 14 years of love and happiness.
    How lucky you both have been. 💜

    Reply
  5. Nancy Forrest says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:57 pm

    Nagi, as I read your message about your wonderful Dozer, I am crying too because we have just returned from the vet after saying goodbye to our beautiful 17 year old cat.
    Bella’s death is extra sad because my husband and I are both 80 and we know that we won’t be able to have any more pets,
    Let’s just remember the love we’ve given and received for all the years and be thankful.
    Nagi, like you I can’t stop crying. Take care. Nancy.

    Reply
  6. Denise says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:57 pm

    Dear Nagi
    I am feeling your pain. No matter how much time you had with beautiful Dozer it will always feel never enough! He was so loved. Sending big hugs xxxxxx

    Reply
  7. mrs maria porteous says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:57 pm

    Am so sorry for your sad loss of Dozer he was such amazing dog and everyone loved him 💙💙🇬🇧

    Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Nagi, know that you are not alone, so many of us stand by you shoulder to shoulder. Your grief is all consuming at this time. I have had a dog (s) by my side all my life, from a baby to an older lady, and each one takes a piece of me with them but they also leave a corner of their strength and overwhelming love with you when they go over the Rainbow 🌈 bridge. Hold onto that. Hugs and a big lean from our Golden, Sofie. She will be our last one. A rescue, that is everything to us, as beautiful, cheeky Dozer was to you. God bless.

    Reply
  9. Sue MacPherson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been there. You will find comfort in the little daily reminders of your lovely Dozer. A dog’s love and loyalty is a special thing to have. Take care of yourself.

    Reply
  10. Tania says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    💔 Heart wrenching time for you. Sending much love. Xxx

    Reply
  11. Ty Childress says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    So sorry Nagi. dozi loved you as only a dog is able to. You were lucky to find each other and share so much. All the best.
    Ty Childress

    Reply
  12. Valerie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    This made me really sad. Dozer always put a smile on my face from across the world. You were the best mom, Dozer was so lucky to have you. He crossed the rainbow bridge and is looking down at you with love. He will never be far away, always close in your heart. Please take care of yourself. Sending love from Seattle.

    Reply
  13. Vicki says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    ❤️ 😩

    Reply
  14. Naomi says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Dear Nagi

    My heart is breaking for you as I read this. I always loved everything you posted about Dozer and your adventures together. Sending you big hugs Nagi, and you and Dozer are in my thoughts and Prayers. You are a terrific Mum. Lots of Love to you.

    Reply
  15. Alion says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Dear Nagi, I feel your pain with a heavy heart and trust his memory will continue to light your way home. Love and light ✨🤍 RIP Dozer🕊️

    Reply
  16. Pam says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Nagi,
    I’ve been there so many times losing one of my pets that become our best friend. I feel your pain, I’m so sorry for your loss. You have beautiful memories of Dozer, such a fantastic dog! I’m glad you shared your memories and pics, thank you and thank you for all the great recipes. Hope the days aren’t too sad for you. Sorry again. Pam

    Reply
  17. Ginny says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs. I lost my girl Gracie not too long ago. Our 4 legged buddies are the best.

    Reply
  18. SUSAN (SUE) Heddle says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    So sorry Nagi. They give us so much and we give them so much and it is still heartbreaking when we have to say goodbye. Thoughts are with you xx

    Reply
  19. Says says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Such heartbreak when you lose a dog – took me over a year to be able to look at photos without crying when I lost my wee boy. Dozer sounded just incredible. Thinking of you.

    Reply
  20. Jeremy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Sending love

    Reply
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