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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. Vy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi! Rest in peace Dozer, may you have endless beaches to run on and bowl always be full of treats ❤️

    Reply
  2. Kaylee says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    Oh, Nagi. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  3. Madeline says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    We’re all so thankful you shared Dozer with us. Sending you a huge hug during this very sad time. “Grief is the price we pay for love” – Dozer was so loved! ♥️

    Reply
  4. Yvonne Wilkinson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    💔

    Reply
  5. Wendy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    You love them for their unconditional love, their unquestioning companionship and their devotion.
    RIP. Dozer.

    Reply
  6. Torild Øvretveit says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    Hi Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss of Dozer. I have been following the two of you for years. Thank you so much for all the lovely posts you’ve done. Kind regards from Torild from 🇳🇴 Norway, currently in Australia 🥰❤️

    Reply
  7. Cathy Simpson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    So so sorry, think of the good times you had together, it’s tough 💔

    Reply
  8. Ann says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    Such a beautiful post, Nagi – Dozer lives on in all our hearts 💔

    Reply
  9. Sarah says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi! 🙁

    Reply
  10. Brigitte says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    My heart goes out to you. Sending so much love from France.

    Reply
  11. Nic says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer will be missed by all of Australia. We all know how much you loved and cared for that sweet boy and it was clear that he loved you just as much xo

    Reply
  12. Anne Lindner says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    Love you Nagi!!

    Reply
  13. Selena says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    Dearest Nagi,
    I’m so very sorry at the loss of your beautiful boy, Dozer. Nothing prepares us for the love they bring when they come and the heartbreak we suffer when they leave. Our easiest hello and our hardest goodbye. He had the best life and the best Mum in you. Nothing we say can stop the pain but know you are loved and so is your boy. Rest well good and faithful friend. Your watch is over. We’ve got Mum for now. RIP Dozer.

    Reply
    • Felicity says

      February 9, 2026 at 4:15 pm

      Run free, Dozer. Huge hugs to you, Nagi. I lost my beautiful boy as well last year and know only too well the pain of your soul dog passing on.

      Reply
    • Carol C says

      February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

      Oh Selena, how beautifully said. What comfort this will bring Nagi when the time is right for her to read. It’s just so bloody sad.😭

      Reply
  14. Kristie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    Good night god bless Dozer x
    I’ve loved watching you over the years x go chase in the sky x

    Reply
  15. Jaz says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:09 pm

    If love could’ve saved him he would’ve stayed with you forever Nagi ❤️

    Reply
    • claudia says

      February 9, 2026 at 4:12 pm

      I’m so sorry Nagi xx

      Reply
  16. Craig Doecke says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:08 pm

    Oh Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss – tears are streaming down my face as I am reading your post. Dozer was so lucky to have you as his human. He’ll always be with you and will be waiting to reunite with you one day. All my love, Craig x RIP Dozer 🙁

    Reply
  17. Cassandra Hughes says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:08 pm

    Oh, dear Nagi… what a sad and awful loss for you.
    Praying for you in this hard time. 💕

    Reply
  18. Jodi Ramsay says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:08 pm

    Sorry for the loss of your beautiful Dozer. May he have safe travels to the Rainbow Bridge – until you meet again

    Reply
  19. Sophie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:08 pm

    RIP Dozer 💞

    Reply
  20. Tina Y says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:08 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Nagi. :'( Praying for comfort and peace for you during this time.

    Thank you, Dozer for the joy.

    Reply
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