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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. Melissa BAKER says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    I feel your pain Nagi – it is so difficult when they go on before us! Dozer knew how loved he was and you know how much he loved you. Be gentle with yourself going forward, give yourself time to grieve and heal. All our hearts are with you at this sorrowful time xxx

    Reply
  2. Ashley Ibarburu says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    As I sit here on this sunny Monday afternoon to see this farewell to your beautiful Dozer pop up, fills me with great sadness, sorry to hear this. I’ve loved your dozer posts along with your yummy recipes. Dogs especially are incredible animals, treasure the memories and may he rest in doggy heaven x

    Reply
  3. Maddi Lock says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    So many sweet memories to hold
    Unconditional love is taught to us by our puppies, it is a rare love.
    May we all try to emulate the love received by our dogs, the world would then find happiness.

    Reply
  4. Michelle Gardiner says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    💔😭

    Reply
  5. Michael Eiugene says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    Best wishes chef, my son lost the housecat and now won’t replace her Dozer would want you happy, double happiness and go to a pound and give someone a second chance

    Reply
  6. June says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    “When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them but with the love they left behind.”

    Crying rivers with you Nagi.
    Such a sad time

    Reply
  7. Donna Steele says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    Such beautiful words Nagi 💙
    Take comfort that he felt your love all the way to heaven…..
    Thankyou for sharing him with us, we are all heartbroken 💔

    Reply
  8. Heidi says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    Nagi- that is the most beautiful tribute to your gorgeous Dozer. Take care and thank you for sharing..

    Reply
  9. Jane says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Oh Nagi,

    As I sit here at my work desk with a million tears streaming down my face, I keep remembering meeting you and your beautiful boy and what a lasting impression you made on me. Absolute and unbridled love for each other for all to see. Thank you for sharing him with us. My deepest condolences to you on the loss of beautiful Dozer. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  10. Lizzy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    I’m in tears here reading this. Dozer was so loved and had the best life a dog possibly could! You have him everything! You are the best dog mama! Sending hugs. ❤️

    Reply
  11. kate says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Dearest Nagi, your words are beautiful just like Dozer. There is nothing like the pain of losing a dog but it is so worth it for the complete joy & love that they bring to our lives. I am hugging my Goldie just that little bit closer today. sending you all the love in the world xx

    Reply
  12. Donna Volpe says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Dozer was fortunate to have had your love and you were fortunate to have had his. Treasure the memories forever. Your heart will mend ♥️. For now I send you a warm embrace.

    Reply
  13. Joan merry says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Ohhh Nagi
    My heart bleeds for you. I know the heartbreak you are feeling. My border collie Lizzie and my German Shepherd CAS were my soul mates, and saying goodbye is so devastating. My only advice is to get yourself, when the time is right, for you is to get yourself a puppy to give most of the love you have, but always knowing how much you loved for your dearest Dozer.
    Lots of love – Joan Merry ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  14. Maddi Lock says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    So many sweet memories to hold
    Unconditional love is taught to us by our puppies, it is a rare love.
    May we all try to emulate the love received by our dogs, the world would then find happiness.

    Reply
  15. Rebecca says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Sending hugs and love. Dozer will be so missed. xoxo

    Reply
  16. Mary says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. He was such a love. I enjoyed seeing him as much as reading/seeing your recipes. I will say a prayer for him. Bless you, Nagi, and all of your memories of Dozer.

    Reply
  17. Tania says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Dozer you beautiful beautiful Boy, You go and run free with all your paw friends up in the sky, I’m sure you will visit your Mummy in her dreams, All my love to you Nagi xxx

    Reply
  18. Nicki says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Its just so bloody hard when they leave, hugs to you xxx

    Reply
  19. Madelon Lock says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    So many sweet memories to hold
    Unconditional love is taught to us by our puppies, it is a rare love.
    May we all try to emulate the love received by our dogs, the world would then find happiness.

    Reply
  20. Dorothy Viskovic says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Tis very hard losing a best friend ,so much Fun,Play Love and Comforting cuddles.
    So many good and lovely memories to hold in your ❤️.
    Forever Loved 🌹❤️🌹❤️

    Reply
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