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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. Ashley D Lewis says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:57 am

    Sobbing with you right now. We all love you Dozer and you will be truly missed. So sorry for your loss Nagi! We are all here for you!

    Reply
  2. Inge Pinkney says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:57 am

    Nagi, no words can ease what you are feeling right now. The connection between you and Dozer were undeniable full of love and affection. Dozer couldn’t have asked for a better Mom. The wonderful part about that, these memories will be always with you. My prayers and love are with you as well as for Dozer. May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  3. Cherie says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:54 am

    I want to thank you for sharing Dozer with me, I also thank Dozer for being such a beautiful and loving friend to you and all of your readers

    Reply
  4. Pat Harman says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:53 am

    Oh Nagi, I wept as I read this. We all miss him and grieve at this beautiful boy’s passing. He was love and exuberance personified and we were all blessed by his presence in our lives. Thank you for sharing him with the world.

    Reply
  5. Diane Sutor says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:24 am

    Oh Nagi, my heart goes out to you sweetheart! I know completely how you feel right now. No words can express the sorrow you are feeling now. I cried for two weeks straight after my dog passed. I had her for almost 15 years. Although it doesn’t seem possible now, but our loving God protects our hearts and with time replaces our tears with smiling memories of our beloved pets, our unconditional loving companion. Blessings to you Nagi in your time of sorrow.

    Reply
  6. faith says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:23 am

    My heart breaks for you. Having dogs in our lives means the necessary pain of loss which I have been through myself. Thank you for sharing your journey with Dozer, what a gift to us. His memory will live on in your heart and ours. Rest in eternal peace beautiful boy.

    Reply
  7. Maria says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:18 am

    I enjoyed following Dozer’s adventures over the years. He was such a beautiful boy.
    So sorry for your loss Nagi.
    Sending love & hugs.

    Reply
  8. Gill says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:14 am

    I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer was a faithful best friend and his going has left a hole in your heart. Wish I lived closer so I could give you a huge hug. But hugs from Canada anyway!
    Gill

    Reply
  9. Jenny says

    February 11, 2026 at 3:06 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I feel like I know Dozer, I’ve been using your website for recipes for a long time and the Dozer stories and pictures always made it so special! I feel sad for a dog I never met but somehow still loved.

    Reply
  10. sandra says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:50 am

    My deepest sympathy to you. Its very tough.

    Reply
  11. Gail McFarlane says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:48 am

    Dear, dear Nagi,
    My heart goes out to you.

    Reply
  12. Ashley Pallis says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:44 am

    Sending you love and hugs ,, absolutely heartbreaking…I have great Danes for the last 30 years,…………..my best friends. my shadow,always there , no words , but remember the fantastic memories xx run
    free Dozer xx

    Reply
  13. Suzy Harpas says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:43 am

    That was such a heartwarming goodbye to Dozer l was crying reading it. Sorry he died and had to part ways . Our furry friends don’t live long enough. They give us unconditional love ❤️
    He was such a big part of your success really … your assistant but your adored assistant and companion.
    RIP Dozer … we all loved him!
    Take care
    Suzy Aussie living in Cyprus!

    Reply
  14. dina says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:35 am

    Thank you for sharing your last moments with Dozer. His suffering is over and he and you will always be in each other’s hearts. Love, Dina

    Reply
  15. ZOYLA BAUTISTA says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:34 am

    So sorry for your loss…

    Rest easy Dozer.

    Reply
  16. Hettie says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:29 am

    Sorry you’re hurting, Nagi. I hope it helps to know that Dozer had to be one of the happiest dogs that ever lived, because of the friendship you both shared. His spirit will be with you always, and yours with his. xo

    Reply
  17. christine perry says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:25 am

    i feel your pain.

    Reply
  18. Suzanne Carey-Thomas says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:21 am

    I’m so very very sorry. Thinking of you and your beautiful boy. 💔💔💔

    Reply
  19. Terry says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:21 am

    Nooooo! Oh no. Oh, nagi. I’m so, so sorry. Oh that babe, Dozer!, such a sweetheart. Really sincere condolences. Damn. :^(

    Reply
    • Krys says

      February 11, 2026 at 2:35 am

      Sorry for your loss Nagi. Sending, prayers, love, and virtual hugs your way.

      Reply
  20. Suzanne M. Parker says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:20 am

    Dear Nagi,
    I’m so sorry about your beloved Dozer having to cross the rainbow bridge. We faced it with our beautiful Quincy girl several years ago and thought we’d NEVER get past the heartbreak, but we finally got to the point of mainly remembering all the continual joy she brought us. And then finally we felt not guilty about welcoming another Golden into our lives. We’ve given her a wonderful home and life. Maybe this is just wishful thinking, but we feel Quincy is looking down and smiling over our continuing lives with a Golden by our sides.

    Just grieve and cry as much and as long as you need to and then go back to reliving your wonderful lives together. You’ll get to that point and your big beautiful boy will live on in your loving memories. Take care, Nagi❣️

    Reply
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