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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. Kelly says

    February 12, 2026 at 9:23 am

    I wasn’t going to leave a comment, but I’ve thought about you every day since you first laid down with Dozer to comfort him. You and he are fortunate that SASH was unbelievable and offered you the opportunity to be near him during his hospice stage. He will be part of your heart and soul forever, Nagi.

    Reply
  2. Katie says

    February 12, 2026 at 9:12 am

    Nagi, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Dozer was more than a dog, he was your constant companion, your joy and such a bright presence in so many lives. The love between you was unmistakable and that love will always remain. Thank you for sharing him with us. Thinking of you and sending so much love during this heart breaking time.

    Reply
  3. Helen Anderson says

    February 12, 2026 at 9:11 am

    Dear Nagi, this is heart breaking. 💔😞 I send my Love to you. ❤️

    Reply
  4. Patrick says

    February 12, 2026 at 9:01 am

    I feel for you in your time of grief, and hope that the love and affection of all your readers, will bring some consolation.
    Warmest regards
    Patrick

    Reply
  5. Patrick says

    February 12, 2026 at 9:00 am

    I feel for you in your time of grief, and hope that the love and affection of all your readers, will bring some consolation.

    Reply
  6. Alicia says

    February 12, 2026 at 8:24 am

    My heart goes out to you Nagi.
    It’s hard to find the right words to express how much Dozer was loved by so many of us.
    He will always be a part of you with his big pawprint left on your heart.
    Thank you so much for sharing him with us. I loved getting to read all about Dozer’s life with you. You were truly so lucky to have each other.
    He couldn’t have had a better Mum 💔

    Reply
  7. Elizabeth "EK" Kohler says

    February 12, 2026 at 8:22 am

    I am so very sorry, Nagi…I miss him already.

    …it’ll get a tad bit easier—eventually.

    Reply
  8. Cathie says

    February 12, 2026 at 8:15 am

    Dozer was a beautiful golden retriever who was lucky to have you as his mum. And you were equally lucky to have him. Cry but one day those tears will turn into happy tears of the beautiful memories you and Dozer shared.
    Goodbye beautiful boy RIP

    Reply
  9. Debra-Lynne Jensen says

    February 12, 2026 at 8:14 am

    💔 Huge Hug Nagi

    Reply
  10. Sharon says

    February 12, 2026 at 8:10 am

    I know your pain,I have lost many of my pets I wish I could ease your suffering ,but only time and a new furry best friend can help.

    Reply
  11. Terry Verney says

    February 12, 2026 at 8:07 am

    The reason most dogs have such short lives is that they have very little time to give their love, unlike us. They love unconditionally, whereas we just use it for our own use. Missing him already…

    Reply
    • Helen Anderson says

      February 12, 2026 at 9:03 am

      No Terry, that’s not true. Nagy Loved Dozer unconditionally. Soul mates. I Love my Dog unconditionally and my Cats. Love is everything.

      Reply
  12. LINDA ROBERTS says

    February 12, 2026 at 7:53 am

    We were so saddened to read that Dozer has passed. Its so painful to have a loved one pass. Our hearts are with you through your grief. Hope you can focus on all the amazing happy times you had together. I hope you find solace in knowing he is waiting for you on the other side and close by you every day.

    Reply
  13. Dale says

    February 12, 2026 at 7:49 am

    So so sorry for your loss and heart break
    Love your recipes

    Reply
  14. Karen says

    February 12, 2026 at 7:38 am

    My heart is breaking for you. I’m so very sorry your beloved Dozer has left your world. I’ve felt that pain many times, so I understand. Hugs to you my dear.
    Karen

    Reply
  15. Craig says

    February 12, 2026 at 7:19 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. You clearly had a remarkable bond, and gave Dozer an amazing life.

    Reply
  16. Jessica Doyle says

    February 12, 2026 at 7:13 am

    Sorry for your loss Nagi.

    Reply
  17. Ina says

    February 12, 2026 at 6:59 am

    So sorry to learn about Dozer ! You were lucky to have him 14 years – it is a record for large dogs. I have lost my Negra after 12 years of sharing our lives and know how hard it is . My sympathy !

    Reply
  18. Lily says

    February 12, 2026 at 6:43 am

    My heart is hurting for you on the loss of your beloved Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us. May the memories of Dozer bring you comfort at this most difficult time. Take care of yourself.

    Reply
  19. Kristine Lostracco says

    February 12, 2026 at 6:06 am

    Beautifully stated Nagi 💖🙏🌹
    So so many have been through this time in their lives with Fur Babies. God has gifted us the perfect ones. May prayers of healing, gratefulness, memories and Love fill your Heart at this difficult time in your life 💖💖🙏🙏🌹🌹

    Reply
  20. Alison Ford says

    February 12, 2026 at 5:44 am

    My heart is with you Nagi, I do surely understand how you are feeling but when I lost each of my 3 dogs, the pain of loss will never match the joy and love that these members of my family gave me. You know that better than I. God bless. xxxxxx

    Reply
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