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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. Suzie says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:22 am

    Hi Nagi. I am so devastated to hear of Dozer’s passing.
    Our pets are never just pets, they are family and every bit a part of us. It is like losing a part of ourselves.
    My heart is with you at this very sad time, but remember He will always be with in heart & memory. So wish I could hug you right now xxxx
    Suzie

    Reply
  2. Paul Sacco says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:21 am

    So sorry to be reading this about your familly member Dozer

    Reply
  3. Steve says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:19 am

    So sorry to hear of this. You were a beautiful team and I always checked out the life of Dozer at the bottom of all your recipes. This has choked me up! RIP Dozer!

    Reply
    • Chrissy Friend says

      February 11, 2026 at 1:30 am

      You had such an extraordinary bond with such a beautiful dog. Dozer was one in a million and will never be forgotten, he was so special and no one can take away the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nagi

      Reply
  4. Wendy says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:08 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Dozer the best life. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Take care

    Reply
  5. Tamsin says

    February 11, 2026 at 12:04 am

    💜

    Reply
  6. Claudia says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:50 pm

    Dear Nagi, I am so very sorry for your loss (and our loss) of Dozer. Take comfort in the fact that Dozer knew he was loved and wanted and had a extraordinary life with you. I wish I could ease your sorrow. It’s ruff saying goodbye. I firmly believe if there is a Heaven, all dogs (and cats) go there. Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way.

    Reply
  7. Gigi says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:46 pm

    Whay a beautiful tribute post to Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us. We loved him and we will miss him too.

    Reply
  8. Maggie says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:37 pm

    I too have no words … I am crying … Dozer was amazing …I am sooo thinking of you at this v v hard time. We love our pets so much … it is hard to let them go , …. Xx

    Reply
  9. LIBBY says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:37 pm

    Nagi I am so sorry for your loss, reading this post brings this back to me after losing my 15 year old kelpie “Shep” last year. I am sitting here with tears pouring, understanding your grief and feeling your pain. It is such a pure love that we share with our babies. It does help when you remember how wonderful your life has been because they were part of it. Dozer was a beautiful gentle soul and I am so sorry and heartbroken for you. xxx

    Reply
  10. Leigh Monk says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:34 pm

    Dogs have only one fault.
    They don’t live long enough.

    Reply
  11. Emma says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:33 pm

    Absolutely devastated for you, Nagi. Dozer was such a beautiful soul. I have sat here crying my eyes out reading your post. There’s something about the love you have for your dog that sits in a category all of its own. Particularly when they’re suffering and they don’t understand why. You are an absolute angel for staying by his side the whole time – it’s the most anyone could ever do for their doggy. You gave him the best life he ever could have had and he is so lucky to have had you xx

    Reply
  12. Em Rasit says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:31 pm

    Nagi my heart goes out to you. Sending you all my love & strength to get you through these hard days.

    Reply
  13. Katherine Pattison says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:26 pm

    Nagi, thank you for sharing your amazing Dozer’s life together, I have tears in my eyes. I have followed you both. Dozer rest peacefully. Thinking of you Nagi. Xx

    Reply
  14. Nada Ah-Iau says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:20 pm

    Dear beautiful Nagi,
    Im so sorry about loosing Dozer ,stay positive and God Bless you.

    Reply
  15. Patty says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:19 pm

    I am so sorry you have lost your lovely Dozer – he was a gentle presence and wonderful companion to you. May he fly with the angels.

    Reply
  16. Lucia says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:03 pm

    So sorry to hear about Dozer, it broke my heart. I enjoyed at the end of the recipes seeing or reading about his shenanigans. You loved him so much!! This Christmas my dog also was very ill, we thought we would lose him. We slept a week on a mattress in the kitchen with him. My heart melted seeing you like this. The love for an animal runs deep. Sending you strength and love.

    Reply
  17. Angela Bolt says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:02 pm

    So very sad. I feel your pain and loss and no words at this time will help. Let yourself feel the pain and loss with each day as long as it takes until your sun shines again. He will always walk with you. Xx

    Reply
  18. Heather NELSON says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:01 pm

    Oh so so sad for you! ❤️ 💙

    Reply
  19. Juanita DelleBaite says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:59 pm

    I wish every animal could be loved and cherished as much as you loved Dozer. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful life, and he certainly touched all of us as we witnessed the bond you and Dozer had.

    Reply
  20. Randi Brooks says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:53 pm

    So so sad. Knew. It was coming but there is nothing like the love our animal friends give. I hope you are ok

    Reply
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