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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. Laurie Teas says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    My heart breaks with you and know you have many hugs I wish I could give you. Losing a pet like Dozer is so very hard but you had a long eventful time together and he had his best life with you. 😪

    Reply
  2. wendy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. Sending so much love and prayers your way as you deal with this tragedy. I always skipped to the end of your posts first to see what Dozer was up to before I read the receipt and I’ll miss seeing his happy doggy face so much. xx

    Reply
  3. dan dodd says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    i know the pain,sadly.

    Reply
  4. Janis Judge says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    Oh Dear Precious Nagi. So sorry for your loss. Praying for you. It will take time & every time you see a Golden Retriever it will bring memories of your dear boy. Take comfort in that you were such a loving Mum to him. I can’t imagine any dog that would have had more love & care as your dear boy. He is running free in heaven

    Reply
  5. Fay Khoury says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was a little beauty. He brought joy into the lives of so many. I pray it brings you comfort to picture Dozer crossing the Rainbow Bridge, free from pain, running happy and whole again. His love stays with you always, in every memory and gentle moment you shared. x

    Reply
  6. Tory says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    Nagi I am so very sorry for your loss. He will always be with you. Beautiful boy ❤️

    Reply
  7. Lis says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    Oh Nagi, So sorry to read this news and my heart goes out to you. Dozer has left permanent paw prints on your soul (and in our hearts). He was and always will be your soul dog. Take time to heal and remember the love he gave and that you gave him. Dozer had the bestest life a pup could have. x

    Reply
  8. Jenny Traill says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    So sorry

    Reply
  9. Kevin says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    RIP Dozer ya good boi. Sorry for your lose, Nagi :(… my heart goes out to you.

    Reply
  10. Maggie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    So sorry for you, it does hurt so much. Think of just what a Superstar Dozer was/is – many a starlet would be happy to have haf the followeers Dozer had. Big healing hug

    Reply
  11. Robyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    I love the stories you posted about your beautiful boy. Rest in peace handsome Dozer.

    Reply
  12. Debi Bartoli says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. I started following you for both your recipes and Dozer. I’ve never met Dozer but he always had a piece of my heart. 🐾💜

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    Rest in peace Dozer. You brought joy to so many people, including me. I loved seeing your updates while browsing for recipes. Thank you Nagi for sharing your beautiful boy with us all. Sending love from Perth, Australia xx

    Reply
  14. Maria says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    My sincere condolences to you Nagi, your love for Dozer is beautiful and it’s heart-warming. Thank you for sharing how amazing he is with us!

    Reply
  15. Kim Ward says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    I’m so sorry 😥

    Reply
  16. Michele says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    So sorry for your HUGE loss Nagi, sending you so much love and strength during this difficult time. I have been a fond follower of both you and Dozer for quite a while now, and love you both as if you were family. May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace, with all the other doggie Angels

    Reply
  17. Eden-Renée Thompson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Dozer was an incredibly beautiful boy may he rest in peace. Sending you much love.

    Reply
  18. CV says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    I am so heartbroken for you, so sorry for your loss. I cry with you as I read the words you write to Dozer because I can feel the love, memories and life shared. Big hugs

    Reply
  19. Caz says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    Sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  20. Natalie Lloyd says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:10 pm

    Love and hugs Nagi. It is soooo very painful to lose a pet who was always so dearly loved. Their love in return is always unconditional. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
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