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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. Malelega Kirwan says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:53 pm

    My heart is breaking for you Nagi , but bear in mind Dozer is resting well now and he knew he was the luckiest fur baby because of all the love you shared with him. He’s crossing that rainbow bridge and keeping an eye on you. He’s now your guardian angel. Sorry for your loss and God bless you 🙏🏼♥️

    Reply
  2. Rina Mascarenhas says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:53 pm

    I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dog Dozer. We lost our beloved little dog Sally last November. She was my little girl, my life and my love. Her loss is too hard to bear and I grieve for her every day. Every place in my home brings back memories her and I get tearful. I understand your how you feel and the grief you are growing through. Hugs and all my love Nagi.
    Rina

    Reply
  3. Ronnie says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:43 pm

    Nagi i have no words sitting here crying my heart is breaking for you sending lots of hugs and love to you. you and gorgeous Dozer are a true love story he will always be a big part of your life xxxx

    Reply
  4. Maree Rose says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:37 pm

    My heart breaks for you, they leave a very big hole in your heart. xx

    Reply
  5. Fran Taylor says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:33 pm

    My heart is with you, Nagi.
    My love and condolences.
    Fran.

    Reply
  6. Leah Billeam says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:28 pm

    Nagi
    Dozer was the epitome of being (wo)man’s best friend – how lucky you were to have had him !

    Reply
  7. Chris says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:24 pm

    Ohhh Nagi i feel for you..Im so sorry for your lose.
    A special friend gone but certainly not forgotten

    RIP Dozer.

    Reply
  8. SusanL says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:17 pm

    Truly the hardest part. It’s been a little over a year for me…. Rest dear Dozer. Hugs

    Reply
  9. Aimee Tang says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:14 pm

    Dear Nagi, thank you for so generously sharing your bestest boy, Dozer, with us. What an incredible and adventurous innings, Dozer! Thank you for all that you were and will always be for your precious mum. Sending much love from Western Sydney xoxo

    Reply
  10. Anthony says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:14 pm

    Very sad to hear about dozer he looks like he was a very nice day and had a nice coat I’m so sorry

    Reply
  11. Leone Philp says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:13 pm

    I just saw the story of your beautiful dog Dozer. I have got tears in my eyes, my heart is with you right now.

    Give yourself time to grieve before thinking about getting another dog. Regards Leone

    Reply
  12. Chris Montgomery says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:12 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. I suppose in some way Dozer will live on through this site and the many people who met him. Very few animals have had the love and tasty meals that you bestowed on him. I truly hope at some point you adopt another dog (or cat), there are so many out there that need a good home and someone to care for them. All the best.
    Chris

    Reply
  13. Shiree Ferguson says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:10 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    Thank you for sharing your and Dozer’s unconditional love for each other with the world, even through his dreadfully distressing farewell. It will live on for always in the joy you both spread all around and the stories that are celebrated in his honour. Rest well Dozer💗

    Reply
  14. Sue says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:09 pm

    Dear Nagi, your bond of love with Dozer endures; may it and all your shared memories sustain you at this time of great loss. Sending loving thoughts.

    Reply
  15. John L Browne says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:07 pm

    Hi Nagi.
    All the best to you in this difficult time, mate.

    Reply
  16. Sandy says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:04 pm

    Nagi, my heart is breaking for you and your loss of Dozer. I’ve followed the two of you for years and can’t imagine a recipe without him. You were a wonderful Mum and the love showed in his eyes.

    Reply
  17. Tracy says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:00 pm

    Thank you Nagi for sharing the life of beautiful Dozer with us all.
    He bought so much joy to everyone in true goldie fashion.
    Our love and thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  18. Sharryl says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:57 pm

    Thinking of you, Nagi, at this sad time.

    Reply
  19. Helen says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:53 pm

    I am so sorry that your heart is broken. I know there’s no greater love than that which exists between a woman and her sweet and faithful dog. It almost makes one wish we didn’t love them so much. But then we’d miss out on all those years of slobbery, hairy and occasionally smelly, devotion! Dozer was so loved by you; may you feel comfort in remembering him and his unconditional love for you x

    Reply
  20. Fiona Carr says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:50 pm

    So sorry to hear that 😥. The pain of losing a beloved dog like dozer is immense, as is the gap left in your home & heart. All my sympathies & thoughts. Btw it will get easier in time. 14 years was a great innings though & he had a wonderful life with you. Take care

    Reply
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