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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. Karan Walker says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:46 am

    So sorry for your loss it never feels right for our best friend to leave. You had an amazing life together we all miss him. Take care of yourself and do what you need to do to help recover.

    Reply
  2. Danielle Lloyd says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:41 am

    My heart breaks for you ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  3. VickyP says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:39 am

    Dearest Nagi, I know how broken your heart is. I hope and pray that you are well soon. And I THANK YOU….for sharing Dozer with the world. Hugs xoxo

    Reply
  4. Becca says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:33 am

    Deeply sorry for your loss and final goodbye. You blessed Dozer with the greatest gift of a life filled with pure love. You are an amazing mum, what a beautiful life Dozer lived, you were beside him every step of the way. Take care of yourself during this heartbreaking time and know you are never alone.

    Reply
  5. Kym O’Shea says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:29 am

    My deepest condolences Nagi. With tears in my eyes reading this.
    Thankyou for sharing Dozer with us over the years. You have wonderful memories of him, and in time you can look back on your photos that made you so happy. RIP Dozer. 💙

    Reply
  6. Chandra Hall says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:26 am

    I can’t stop crying as I wrote this. I am so so sorry. Dozer was such a sweet boy. I know it’s of little solace, but he had such a wonderful and full life with you. He was so loved by everyone and he knew how much you loved him. I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers. Dozer will be so missed. Hugs to you.

    Reply
  7. Celine says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:26 am

    I am so sorry Nagi. This pain is awful and my heart breaks for you. Know that he loved you and brought so much joy all across the word. Sending you lots of hugs.

    Reply
  8. Connie Volkman says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:25 am

    I am so sorry and understand as I have lost two beloved pets in the past year. Your letter – tribute was what many of us feel when we lose our babies. I personally feel that hear hears you and knows that you loved him and will someday see him again. It will take awhile but eventually you will smile instead of cry when you think or talk about Dozer. Much love to you.

    Reply
  9. Stephanie Bech says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:23 am

    I am so incredibly sorry for your loss of Dozer Nagi. As I write this wth tears rollings down my face, I feel your heartbreak asI too have a golden named Max who is 11 years old who I love more than anything. Big Big hugs your way. Rest in peace Dozer!!

    Reply
  10. Pina Finazzo says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:21 am

    I am crying, sweet Dozer!! I’m so sorry Nagi, you will see him again!

    Reply
  11. Sandy says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:21 am

    Awwww, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing, Nagi. He will definitely be missed by many people worldwide. I’m in Ontario, Canada. Sending condolences and thanks. xoxo

    Reply
  12. Karen says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:14 am

    Thinking of you, sorry for your loss Nagi. Sorry to hear about Dozer, it’s very hard losing your best friend, he was a highlight in all the stories. He will be sadly missed.Rest in peace Dozer xx

    Reply
  13. Hayley says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:12 am

    ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  14. Sarah Ryan says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:59 am

    My deepest condolences Nagi. My heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us over the years. Rest in Peace Dozer xxx

    Reply
  15. Marie says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:53 am

    So sorry for your loss Nagi! I cried when I first read the news on the age and now reading this. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. Your stories of his antics and goofiness holds a special place in our hearts. Sending you big hugs. Dozer will forever live through your recipes and books xx

    Reply
  16. Hazel says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:53 am

    So so sorry for the loss of your beloved fur baby Dozer, God Bless and warm hugs from over the pond xxx

    Reply
  17. Jeannine Bauer says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:52 am

    Just keep thinking about the wonderful times you had together …. you can go there again in your heart, and for as often as you like or need.

    Reply
  18. Marion Giles says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:29 am

    My heart aches for you Nagi 💔
    We’ve all been along for the ride watching you with your beautiful Dozer. Thank you so much for sharing your life and journey with your very much loved fur baby.
    Sleep in peace Dozer ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  19. Chris Warrick says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:27 am

    Condolences nagi,
    My whole family loved & will miss Dozer ♥️

    Reply
  20. Marietta says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:05 am

    I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer was indeed special. Hugs to you.

    Reply
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