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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. Mom says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    I’m sooo sorry for you and Dozer. My heart breaks for you both. He is your Angel watching over you now 🙏🙏❤️

    Reply
  2. Angela Ferro says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Hi Nagi
    I’m so truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Dozer- I am crying too as I read and write to you 🫂💙❤️🥲🌈
    He will be by your side forever and you will always treasure the magical memories you made with him.
    It will get easier eventually but for now just keep trying to stay strong – What a beautiful boy my heart is sad for you lots of love ❤️🫂🕯️
    RIP Dozer and fly high with the angels my love.
    Angela

    Reply
  3. Paula Holmes says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    What a beautiful life you had together. I am in tears🙏🥰

    Reply
  4. Heather Smith says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹Heartfelt sympathies..
    Your love and dedication to Dozer was extraordinary..
    Beautiful companion Nagi and friend to many.
    Out of pain and forever your star..💫⭐️🌟✨

    Reply
  5. Susan De Vira says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Deep condolences to you, sweet mum of Dozer. What an extraordinary connection you had. Rest to heal.

    Reply
  6. Michael Obrien says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    My heart goes out to you for your loss. You both had a strong bond for each other. The memories will always be in your heart forever. You will someday meet again and share the beautiful memories with each other. My prayers are with you. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

    Reply
  7. Mish says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Nagi, what a wonderful tribute to Dozer, I love dogs like you but you are a rare exceptional human being. You are a blessing, they threw away the mould so there was only one of you, a beautiful person.

    Reply
  8. Phil and Lucy dog says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Dear Nagi out hearts break for you..RIP dear Dozer we will miss your antics..Nagi the pain will subside and you will be left with all those wonderful memories of that beautiful boy take care out love Phil and Lucy Dog

    Reply
  9. Deborah says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi. But you have such beautiful memories to hold onto. In time the pain and sadness will pass. 💔❤️

    Reply
  10. Ulrika D says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Dear Nagi,

    We’ve followed you for many years now and have always felt a genuine connection to you and Dozer. As fellow golden retriever people, with our own beautiful boy Tommy, it’s impossible not to feel that bond. Goldens have a way of weaving themselves into your heart in a way nothing else quite does.

    You gave Dozer the very best life, one filled with love, adventure, purpose, and joy. And honestly, I can’t imagine a Golden who wouldn’t think a dog’s dream job is being a trusted taste tester in the kitchen. He was clearly so proud to be by your side, always part of everything, always belonging.

    Thank you for sharing him with the world and for letting so many of us feel like we knew him too. Our hearts are with you during this incredibly hard time. Dozer’s paw prints will be felt for a very long time not just in your home, but in the lives of everyone who loved him from afar.

    With so much love and sympathy,

    Reply
  11. Jenny says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Such a beautiful boy who loved you unconditionally Nagi, you will be sad 😢 but you will get stronger. Much love ❤️ to you at this sad time ❤️ R.I.P Dozer

    Reply
  12. Donna says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    I’m so very sorry for your loss of Dozer. There is no greater pain. Thank you for sharing him with us – all your laughs and stories.

    Reply
  13. Jane Elisabeth Callister says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your gorgeous boy.

    My dog is 16 this year and I can’t bear the thought of not having Spot around.

    Lucky you had love and he was loved. Memories are the best and I’m sure you have many.

    RIP Dozer and will miss him too.

    Reply
  14. linda lawson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    so sorry he will be forever in your heart and always with you

    Reply
  15. Annette says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Sending all my love and hugs after the passing of dear Dozer.
    You had a beautiful connection with him.
    Take care lovely lady. xxx

    Reply
  16. Rose Riddell says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    Oh Navi, I am so sorry about Dozer. What a wonderful dog. My thoughts are with you as you navigate his loss.

    Reply
  17. Veronique van der Werf says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    So sad.
    I understand your pain xx

    Reply
  18. Ian McLean says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    So sorry Nagi. We loved seeing how you incorporated Dozer so completely in your life. It’s so hard to lose your best friend and constant companion. Our thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  19. Prisiro says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    May he rest in peace ♥
    Nagi you gave him the best life and he will always be loved.

    Reply
  20. Ms regina townsend says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    i remember when you got dozer as a puppy ..i am feeling for you ..i have had my pets cross the raindow and have photos and will never forget them ,,,they take a special place in your heart forever…loved you journey…regina

    Reply
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