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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,776 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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4,776 Comments

  1. Martha B says

    February 13, 2026 at 5:46 am

    We will all miss Dozer. I will be crying with you. I always go to your website and first thing is hit the Dozer button. He always brought a smile to my face. He was loved and will be missed.

    Reply
  2. Rinshin says

    February 13, 2026 at 5:42 am

    My tears are streaming down as I read this tribute. Not only for Dozer and you, but for all the tears I shed in my 46 years of being 22 kitty and doggie Mom. I remember each and all of them so well and miss them so much.

    I know with each new furry love that came into my life, I knew in less than 20 years at most, I had to say goodbyes. But I would mot have it any other way.

    Reply
  3. Karen M Scigliano says

    February 13, 2026 at 5:36 am

    I am fairly new to your blog, but I feel I am sharing in your loss of your beloved Dozer. We lost our Beau exactly a year ago this month, Feb. 22, 2025. In reading your tribute to Dozer, I felt as if your words could have fallen from my own-still-broken heart. Our Beau was also a big beautiful long haired boy who made it to 14 yrs. But we sure gave our boys a wonderful life, didn’t we?❤️‍🩹 Take good care dear🫂

    Reply
  4. Jean says

    February 13, 2026 at 5:33 am

    So very sorry for your loss. You and Dozer are family to me as you have shared both of your stories throughout the years. I have always seen your mutual love for each other. While he has crossed the rainbow bridge, I believe you will see each other again at your favorite beach.

    Reply
  5. Rukia Senga says

    February 13, 2026 at 5:05 am

    I just came here to offer my condolences. So sorry for your loss

    Reply
  6. Pradhnya says

    February 13, 2026 at 4:43 am

    My heart feels for you on your beautiful Dozer. Dozer was a lovely spark in your heart. There for a limited time as most pets who become part of your life family but always remember Dozer enriched your sole and will always be with you. Lovely memories stay with you forever! Kind wishes from London UKXXX

    Reply
  7. Lee Martin says

    February 13, 2026 at 4:29 am

    The pain of losing your boy never fully goes away, but the love he gave you is worth every tear.
    RIP to the legend “Dozer”
    Thinking of you x

    Reply
  8. Lindy says

    February 13, 2026 at 4:21 am

    My heart understands the void & sorrow you are feeling.. (from my own loss), ive never felt grief like it .. always remember he hasnt left you, he is sleeping until youre reunited… with love& hugs Lindy (UK). Xx

    Reply
  9. Charlie says

    February 13, 2026 at 3:59 am

    Nagi: I’m so sorry for your loss of Dozer. I knew he was one of your best friends.

    I will be praying for you that God comforts your heart while you grieve.

    Reply
  10. SANDIE LYNCH says

    February 13, 2026 at 3:53 am

    I feel for you as I lost my middle daughter in a fire the day after Thanksgiving. the trauma is undealable. Im so ill I could actually die. Yes, we will go onlike this timeline is unknownl God bless and keep you safe.

    Reply
  11. Sue Keartland says

    February 13, 2026 at 3:36 am

    It is so hard to lose a furry friend, they give such unconditional love and ask so little in return. My old man will shortly be 15, a good age for a big dog. I am trying to prepare myself for his passing, but I know that isn’t possible.
    Be strong, this too will pass and you’ll celebrate the time you had together and all the memories you made.

    Reply
  12. Yoli says

    February 13, 2026 at 3:31 am

    So sorry for your heartache. I just joined your community and can tell how much Dozer means to you and the joy he brings in your life and across to others with your post. Thank you for sharing Dozer and your love for him.

    Reply
  13. Gail says

    February 13, 2026 at 3:18 am

    My thoughts are with you sweet lady. It hurts so much to lose them and they are only here for a short time.

    Reply
  14. Joaquin Moreno says

    February 13, 2026 at 2:27 am

    That was such a beautiful story that really hits home as I lost my Cavalier Spaniel Tomo just over 3 months ago. Thank you soi much for sharing and I also signed up for your newsletter.

    Reply
  15. Maureen Jones says

    February 13, 2026 at 1:24 am

    Your love will go with him, Nagi. I’m so very sad Dozer had to go. Our beloved dogs never stay with us long enough. Hugs to you lovely lady. 🩷

    Reply
  16. Maryon wright says

    February 13, 2026 at 1:07 am

    There are no words that can match what we will feel. Loving Dozer always

    Reply
  17. Roberta S says

    February 13, 2026 at 1:06 am

    Nagi, Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us. Dozer is the most wonderful and precious blessing that life has to offer. His love will always remain. Your love for him has enriched us all. ❤️

    Reply
  18. Maureen Gardner says

    February 13, 2026 at 12:57 am

    big hugs to you in this sad, sad time.
    Beautiful photos of the loveliest dog and the sweetest owner. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us, Nagi

    Reply
  19. Nathalie Dugas says

    February 13, 2026 at 12:53 am

    I’M so sorry for your loss. RIP Dozer

    Reply
  20. Wendy O'Farrell says

    February 13, 2026 at 12:50 am

    Nagi so sorry despite your love & care Dozer lost his battle to stay with you…it must be heartbreaking. I always looked forward to your posts for news of Dozer, he certainly was the added interest, which I will certainly miss .
    Deepest sympathy to you & thanks for sharing Doxer with us …& let’s hope time will help lessen your loss.

    Reply
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