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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. TRACEY JOANNE KELLEHER says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    So sorry you have to go through this Nagi it truly is the hardest part of owning a dog I wish they lived as long as us! What a dear boy he was.

    Reply
  2. Sharon W says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Just so sad for you Nagi. Our pets are simply precious. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us.
    Rest easy, beautiful big boy x

    Reply
  3. Jodie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    So, so sorry. He fought hard. You fought hard. Take care of yourself and take as much time as you need to grieve your best friend and constant companion.

    Thanks for sharing Dozer with us. He’ll be missed, but he’ll live on in our hearts.

    Reply
  4. Cheryl says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Heartfelt condolences Nagi

    Reply
  5. Lori A. says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Nagi, from the bottom of my heart I am so very sorry. I know this pain. It’s indescribably horrible. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us and letting us be a part of your family. Thinking of you…hugs.

    Reply
  6. Marianne Gamblin says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    My heart aches for you Nagi. So sorry for your loss. He was lucky to have you and you were lucky to have him. Such a beautiful partnership for so long. Sending love xx

    Reply
  7. Rhonda says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    We absolutely send you love, strength, and peace. ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙🩷💜
    Younwont gave an empty space in your heart as he has filled it up forever and always. Always with you now. Always

    Reply
    • Andrew Last says

      February 9, 2026 at 4:50 pm

      So sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer brought so much joy to you and to everyone who follows recipetineats, he will be missed by us all. Remember that you have a huge community who love and support you.

      Reply
  8. Mark Pyle says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    I’m so sorrow for your loss. Dozed was so special for you. What a great companion.

    Reply
  9. Michelle K says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Thank you Nagi for sharing Dozer with us all. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Love conquers all

    Reply
  10. Sue Thomas says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Fly high Dozer. Think I loved you as much as Navi did. Sending hugs Nagi. Dozer was a beautiful soul.

    Reply
  11. Tiff S says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Oh darling , we all loved him too ….last year I lost my 8 year old blue girl to lymphoma ❤️🧡 sending you all the love in the world

    Reply
  12. Douglas Mcsparron says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    So, so sorry for your loss, the heartbreak is so overwhelming. I know how it feels, looking around and finding no one there. I lost my Ruby on the same day as Dozer last week, maybe they can find each other and play together until we can one day join them..their love of us and our love of them will never fade.
    Sending you all my love.

    Reply
  13. Jacqui says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    I am sitting here reading you memories & words to Dozer and I have the biggest lump in my throat. I just wish I could give you a hug. Unfortunately, my neighbour is going thru the same right now with her beautiful man. He normally barks at birds but not so often these days so I am very happy when I hear him just do a token one woof. When I was hanging out the washing he would throw his ball over the fence and it was game on but the sad day is coming . No more jumping, no more running and very little walking. Take care my thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  14. Barbara Coxon says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    Oh my goodness
    I’m reading your post through my own tears..just streaming down my cheeks.
    If ever a dog was loved by anyone, it was Dozer by you. Take care. Time will help you heal a little bit, but the memories will go on forever

    Reply
  15. Robbie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    This was such a beautiful and touching tribute to Dozer. When your terrible grief begins to lift a bit, Nagy, you will realize that Dozer is still with you, in your heart, and that he will never leave you. The memories you cherish will bring you comfort, in time, and the thought of him will bring your smile back. Take as long as you need and don’t worry about anything other than taking care of your broken heart right now. It will get better in time, I promise. 💜

    Reply
  16. Vivien Lee Jensen says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you for sharing Dozer’s last days with us. He was such a constant in your posts. We share your grief.

    Reply
  17. Liz says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    He knows how much you loved him.
    The heartbreak will heal, and you will remember all the beautiful times you had together. And he will be waiting for you at the rainbow Bridge. Big hugs. X

    Reply
  18. Tips says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    I truly share your pain. I teared up reading about it. It’s heartbreaking losing a furry child. Holding you in my thoughts and sending you so much love and courage right now

    Reply
  19. Cheryl says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    I know this pain well. You will love Dozer till you take your last breath as he loved you as he took his. I truly believe we will see our pets again. They fill to big a place in our heart and lives not too.

    Hang in there Nagi. Dozer took a piece of your heart with him, but, your heart will grow a bit bigger and someday you will love a future fur baby again.

    Tears are sliding as I write this. You may feel all alone, but, you aren’t.

    Reply
  20. Heff Heffernan says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:35 pm

    No words Nagi girl.
    Just tears for you and your beloved Dozer.
    Such love.

    Reply
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