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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. Robin says

    February 12, 2026 at 1:05 am

    My heart breaks as I read this. I feel like I have truly come to know you and Dozer over the years. Dogs are such amazing gifts from God. They provide us so much during their lives that just seem too short. I am thankful for every day I had/have to be part of my dogs’ life. You provided your beloved Dozer with an incredible life filled with love and joy. Know we are all sending our sympathy and love to you during this time. God bless.

    Reply
  2. Jin says

    February 12, 2026 at 1:03 am

    I’m so sorry, it is so hard to lose a huge part of your life and heart. I hope you spend time to shed tears, to grieve and rest yourself. Take your time, you are exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally and in your spirit. There will be a time when you are able to smile at Dozer’s pictures and re-live the precious moment. I look forward to that for you, but now I will mourn with you. Rest.

    Reply
  3. diane Jobson says

    February 12, 2026 at 1:01 am

    My heart goes out to you. The loss of a loved pet is such a heartbreaking experience. He was a beautiful dog.

    Reply
  4. Rhonda Douglas says

    February 12, 2026 at 12:58 am

    Dozer may have left your side, but he will never leave your story. Sending love as you grieve your golden boy.

    Reply
  5. Emma says

    February 12, 2026 at 12:50 am

    Dear Nagi, I’ve been following you for years, but I have never posted a comment. Arriving here today and learning about Dozer, your beautiful boy, made me want to send you the warmest thoughts from Copenhagen,

    Reply
  6. Iris Karinkanta says

    February 12, 2026 at 12:27 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your letter to Dozer was beautiful. You will love and remember him forever. Now Dozer is running in green fields, chasing butterflies, birds or whatever😂
    He is happy, you are the one with broken heart 💔
    You will never forget him. He will always be in your heart and memories.

    Reply
  7. Sam says

    February 12, 2026 at 12:27 am

    Nagi, I am so, so sorry. It’s easy for all of us to see how much you loved Dozer. It truly was with your whole entire heart, and it is beautiful to see someone care so openly, publicly and proudly for another living being. You will see Dozer again one day, but for now just remember grief isn’t linear so be gentle with yourself. We are all thinking of you.

    Reply
  8. myshell says

    February 12, 2026 at 12:06 am

    With tears in my eyes, My heart hurts for you.

    Reply
    • Shirley Mitchell says

      February 12, 2026 at 12:56 am

      Rip Dozer. My heart ❤️ is so sad for you Nagi. You and Dozer had a amazing and such a love filled relationship. I pray for you both. Stay strong

      Reply
  9. Iris Karinkanta says

    February 11, 2026 at 11:41 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss and I know the pain you feel when Dozer is not anymore with you.
    You are the one with broken heart and missing him. You will always remember and love him. Dozer is now running in green fields, chasing butterflies, birds or whatever. He is happy and he will love and remember his mama forever. Big hugs and a loving kiss from my darling furry boy to you 👅👅❤️❤️

    Reply
  10. Felicity says

    February 11, 2026 at 11:14 pm

    Dozer was a part of you and will always be in your heart. He was lovingly loyal, faithful and shared all those special moments with you throughout your time together. His spirit will be with you always. Treasure the joy of having him in your life. Your memories of him will be everlasting. You gave him the best life possible and he adored you for it. You are in my thoughts, especially at this time. Big hugs! Take care.

    Reply
  11. Faye Langton says

    February 11, 2026 at 11:07 pm

    Nagi. I am so very sorry about Dozer. He was a wonderful boy and you and he had amazing times together. If he could talk he would say it was a great honour being a member of your family.

    Reply
    • Shirley Mitchell says

      February 12, 2026 at 12:56 am

      Rip Dozer. My heart ❤️ is so sad for you Nagi. You and Dozer had a amazing and such a love filled relationship. I pray for you both. Stay strong

      Reply
  12. Leia says

    February 11, 2026 at 11:02 pm

    I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer. He meant a lot to all of us. I haven’t had a good cry for awhile but I made up for that today.
    Love your website and recipes. Loved Dozer.
    Heal.

    Reply
  13. Kristen Tynkkynen says

    February 11, 2026 at 10:52 pm

    I’m so sorry Nagi, for your loss of beloved Dozer. Grief and anguish are devestating bedfellows; I know too well. I lost my husband, and beloved dogs as well along the way. All my well wishes to you, and JB and the entire team.

    Reply
  14. Rhonda Douglas says

    February 11, 2026 at 10:50 pm

    Dozer may have left your side, but he will never leave your story. Sending love as you grieve your golden boy.

    Reply
  15. Anna O'Connell says

    February 11, 2026 at 10:42 pm

    So very sorry Nagi, take care, and thank you Dozer for all the sweet memories.

    Reply
  16. Lyn P says

    February 11, 2026 at 10:35 pm

    😢💔💔😢

    Reply
  17. Tania Tse says

    February 11, 2026 at 10:13 pm

    Dear Nagi. Want to start by giving you a HUGE HUG!. This news is devastating, upsetting, and uncomprehendable. The loss of a 4-legged furbaby as special as Dozzer is unimaginable. He will be forever in our hearts across the globe. I will always see his cheeky face in your cookbooks, and reminisce in your video and reels. We are all feeling your sadness and loss, and with you all the way to give you any support and comfort you need. Love you loads, take your time to heal, and be strong! Dozzer will be in our hearts furrever!!!

    Reply
  18. Ray says

    February 11, 2026 at 9:45 pm

    Nagi , I’m really sorry to hear of Dozers passing. It was always interesting to see what Dozer was up to when I went to read your recipes. I’m Sure he will be missed by all your readers . But you gave him a fantastic life and you should be proud of yourself for that. All the very best to you.

    Reply
  19. Mary-Ann says

    February 11, 2026 at 9:43 pm

    I am going to miss the big boy ‘Dozer’.  He gave so much love to everyone and everyone loved him so dearly.  

    At this moment my thoughts are with you Nagi – cherish every special moment you shared – and more importantly remember that you made a difference in his life – you were his ‘special mummy’.

    Reply
  20. Tanya says

    February 11, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    I felt your pain as i read this i am so sorry.
    The love of a dog is such a gift.
    Sending hugs.

    Reply
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