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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. Irene Knight says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:18 am

    Sorry that you lost your wondeful boy Nagi. RIP Dozer

    Reply
  2. Sherry says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:09 am

    Much love to you during this difficult time xxx

    Reply
  3. Pauline says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:04 am

    Dear Nagi

    My heart breaks for you. I was so very sorry and sad to read “In Memory of Dozer”. What a wonderful friendship the two of you shared and so many happy memories too.

    You have been an amazing mum to Dozer and have given him a very special, full and happy life.

    His many fans around the world will be devastated to hear the news and we can only let you know how much we are thinking of you and hope the deep heartache will soon begin to lessen for you.

    I can empathise having had two beautiful German Shepherds over the years and the final parting is just so painful.

    Hopefully time will help you remember the happy, fun times you and Dozer shared and not dwell on this final chapter of his incredible life.

    You are in my thoughts and I’m sending so much love and big hugs to you from England. xoxoxox

    Reply
  4. Malia says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:58 am

    I don’t know if one can completely heal from losing an awesome dog; the memories simply stay with you because you understand how special your dog was. Sending good juju your way.

    Reply
  5. Robyn Spiegelman says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:54 am

    Dear Nagi,

    I’ve been a fan of your website and philanthropy for many years, and quietly observing and enjoying your close relationship with Dozer for just as long. As a dog lover/animal advocate, I relate to your heartbreak and the devastation and out of body sensations you must be feeling. I wish you the time to heal, and am sending you light and love during this time. Be kind to yourself and may Dozer’s memory be blessing.

    Reply
  6. Robyn Spiegelman says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:53 am

    Dear Nagi,
    I’ve been a fan of your website and philanthropy for many years, and quietly observing and enjoying your close relationship with Dozer for just as long. As a dog lover/animal advocate, I relate to your heartbreak and the devastation and out of body sensations you must be feeling. I wish you the time to heal, and am sending you light and love during this time. Be kind to yourself and may Dozer’s memory be blessing.

    Reply
  7. Lisa Briedis says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:50 am

    I’m so sorry Nagi. I love your life and love story with Dozer. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Sending you peace and love…

    Reply
  8. Rita Rodenbaugh says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:46 am

    We just went through this with my German Shepherd girl xxxooo

    Reply
  9. Marilyn Brehse says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:24 am

    My heart goes out to you. I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye for now.

    Reply
  10. Lai says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:23 am

    So sad and very sorry for your huge loss, Nagi. Dozer will forever remain in your heart and the hearts of all of us you have shared him with. Take care, Nagi.

    Reply
  11. Rachael Ramsey says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:19 am

    Sending hugs, thoughts of peace and comfort. They take a bit piece of our hearts with them. ❤️

    Reply
  12. Bonnie Sharp Stoeppelman says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:17 am

    Dozer, through your wonderful words and descriptions, was part of our lives and truthfully, when I read this, I too had tears streaming. His memory will be with us through you and it feels like he was also “our pet dog.” Please have peace knowing how much you connected with him and the readership…

    Reply
  13. Iris says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:05 am

    The inevitable – we understand! Tried everything to save our darling girl – but to no avail. It is the worst loss ever! I know how heartbroken you must be – Love and prayers to you and all your memories of your very best friend!!

    Reply
  14. Nina says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:57 am

    Thinking of you… I look forward to when you can look at photos again. But It will take time… 😘🥲🤗

    Reply
  15. Claudine Leblanc says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:56 am

    I am so sorry for your loss
    All of us who have been on this journey understand completely.

    Take time to heal❤️

    Reply
  16. Angela Yarbrough says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:55 am

    The loss is heavy and I’m sorry you have to walk this path. I hope the wonderful memories of that unconditional love sustain you even as you ache and cry.

    Reply
  17. Gillian says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:49 am

    My heart goes out to you, Nagi…Much Love!

    Reply
  18. Adrian says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:48 am

    He wanted home to be a place of happy memories. It’s been 6yrs since my wife and I said goodbye to our Beagle Bourbon. She was 19. The pain becomes less but the hole in our hearts remains. That’s because we like you loved unconditionally. He will visit you in your dreams and your memories. Mourn him, then in time celebrate him, then forever remember him. He loved you and above all else knew he was loved by you. I am crying as I write this. A grown man of 52yrs crying for my Bourbon and for your pain. That is the price we pay for love. Dozer was and is always alive in you and my Bourbon has a new play mate.

    Reply
    • Isabella says

      February 12, 2026 at 4:29 pm

      That’s beautiful

      Reply
  19. sandra says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:42 am

    Nagi, it is so sad to read about Dozer’s passing. Reading about him and watching how he cared for you (and you for him) was really amazing. May he rest in peace and may you find rest and comfort too.🕊

    Reply
  20. Niall Murphy says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:29 am

    ♥️♥️

    Reply
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