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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. Alima says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:29 pm

    🫂💔🫂 I know ….

    Reply
  2. Elaine Beard says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:26 pm

    So sad for your loss of your beautiful boy Dozer.He has crossed the rainbow bridge,and will wait for you on the other side..Thank you Dozer for the joy you have brought to us all. Elaine

    Reply
  3. Kaz says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:25 pm

    RIP Dozer. I know the food in heaven will be nowhere good as the food your mum cooked for you. I know you have only left your earth bound shell and that your spirit will stay with your mum always, so you can continue to watch over her and protect her. I know you will be there to listen and try and comfort your mum through this really agonising time. Just like you I lost a very precious girl 24 yrs ago and there isn’t one day I still don’t think of her. I have had a few dogs since, but she was just sooooo special.
    All our love and fur hugs.
    Love Kaz, Abbey, Casey and Rosie

    Reply
  4. Maja says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:24 pm

    He knew nothing but love because of you. You gave him a beautiful life. Rest in peace, Dozer.

    Reply
  5. Alby Jo says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:24 pm

    Dear Nagi, my heart hurts for you. Having been through the loss of seven fur babies, I feel your pain. You will be in my prayers for quite awhile.
    You were the best fur-baby mom. I so enjoyed your posts not just for the recipes but for seeing Dozer and you together.
    The joy he brought to you and the@

    Reply
  6. Angela Cardinale says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:22 pm

    Nagi, I am so, so sorry for your loss. It is such a heartache to lose a fur baby, and we appreciate your sharing Dozer’s story with us.

    Reply
  7. Victoria says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:19 pm

    Dear Nagi, i am so sorry about your loss🥺we all loved dozer, and we will miss him very much💕I hope you have a nice day🫂Sending lots of love💖

    Reply
  8. Victoria says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:18 pm

    Dear Nagi, i am so sorry about your loss🥺we all loved dozer, and we will miss him very much💕I hope you have a nice day🫂

    Reply
  9. Izzy Han says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:15 pm

    Hi Nagi, this is late, but I’m so sorry for your loss.
    My family and I really love your content and recipes, especially the parts where Dozer appears. Look after yourself and just remember that me, and many other people who read your recipes will always be there for you.
    And if you do get a new fur baby, I’m sure it’ll be just as exciting.
    But for now, take some time for yourself, and I’ll still be here!
    Love Izzy

    Reply
  10. Carole says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:13 pm

    Dear Nagi, my thoughts have been with you since your last email, and my heart broke for you, Dozer will always hold a special place in our hearts. The love you have for Dozer and his for you, will be what gets you through this dark time. The pain will ease, but you will never forget your beloved Dozer. And we won’t either. Take care of you dear Lady.

    Reply
  11. Sharon Eaton says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:12 pm

    Oh Nagi, my heart is broken for you. I lost my baby too 6 weeks ago. Its so hard, the grief comes in waves, be gentle with yourself, know you gave Dozer the best life. Hes running free now with my Frankie. Love and hugs xxx

    Reply
  12. Helen says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:08 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. You shared so many great stories of Dozer that I felt like I knew him. I’m sending you strength at this difficult time.

    Reply
  13. Josie Keegan says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:07 pm

    I FEEL LIKE CRYING TOO! lOTS OF LOVE!

    Reply
  14. Robert M Law says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:06 pm

    Dozer shared my birth date 26th April, such a lovely companion, I feel your loss.So Sad.

    Reply
  15. Judy says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:06 pm

    My heart is so sad for you Nagi
    how wonderful that you had Dozer in your life and he had you in his

    Reply
  16. jane baker says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    Hi Nagi I have been through it a few times its very painful but he will always know he was loved and wanted until the end look after yourself and it will be hard to believe now but one day when you are ready you can share all your love with another ‘fur baby’ Jane

    Reply
  17. Arturo Delmoni says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    Dear Nagi – I will write a longer letter soon – but for now I want to say that my heart breaks for you on the loss of your beloved Dozer. May God grant you peace and courage during this unbearably sad time in your life.
    💚🩵

    Reply
  18. Sandy says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    I cry with you

    Reply
  19. Carolyn says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:55 pm

    Dozers memory will live in us all, through your wonderful recipes. Every time I cook one of them, I will think of him and how his love for you contributed to your food.
    Thank you Dozer.

    Reply
  20. Mandy says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:54 pm

    Dearest Nagi
    May your beloved Dozer rest after his long journey to the 🌈 rainbow Bridge.
    Sending tons of healing vibes and huge hugs.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Kia kaha. Stand strong.

    Reply
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