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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. Roopali says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:49 am

    Nothing prepares for the loss of a loved one.. you gave him a wonderful life and so did he 💕

    Reply
  2. Naomi says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:44 am

    Honestly there are no words to help your broken heart right now but know we all feel your pain, Dozer lived his best life filled with so much love, great eats and brought us many smiles! Thank you for sharing him with us❣️

    Reply
  3. Fiona Morris says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:44 am

    Your “Thank You Dozer” letter was so lovely. It is so so sad and these first few weeks are the hardest of all. When you look around and your bestest mate isn’t there. It’s so painful. Dozer will want his Mum to keep remembering all the happy times.
    We will all miss Dozer so much. He was a very very special boy.
    Big hugs to you Nagi.

    Reply
  4. Mary Campbell says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:41 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss Nagi – it is so hard to lose a fur baby.
    What a wonderful tribute you have made to Dozer.
    Over the years you have been generous enough to share your darling boy with those of us who have followed you and benefitted from your skill in magicking such wonderful recipes.
    Hopefully these memories will comfort you in your sorrow. Please take good care of yourself…

    Reply
  5. Helen Clements says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:40 am

    Surrounding you Nagi , family , friends in loving thoughts and many hugs
    RIP Dozer – thank you for everything you did over the past nearly 14 years xxxxx

    Reply
  6. Carol Partington says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:40 am

    I have tears streaming down my face after reading ‘In memory of Dozer’ but how wonderful that you have so many beautiful memories that will give you strength.
    God bless you Dozer and God bless you Nagi.

    Reply
  7. Maureen Lonnie says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:40 am

    Dear Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessed life both Dozer and yourself shared. You were family and he will always live in your heart. So faithful and devoted. Unconditional love.

    Reply
  8. Lucy says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:39 am

    Sending you all the love Nagi 💕 This brought tears to my eyes and will miss seeing beautiful Dozer in your posts. Thank you for sharing his life with us too ❤❤

    Reply
  9. Zimian Huang says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:37 am

    What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute 💔
    I lost my dog 26yrs ago, still not completely over it. But the great memories are still there. My sincere condolences

    Reply
  10. Rachel Ford says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:36 am

    Dear Nagi, Your beautiful Dozer has brought so much joy to you and all your readers. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him through your posts. 🥰 A dog’s love is so genuine and I think humans can learn a lot from our faithful furry friends. Give yourself plenty of time to grieve your huge loss. Thank you for your delicious and simple recipes that bring me fulfilment as a cook! You’re amazing! 🤩

    Reply
  11. FS says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:36 am

    Awww Nagi, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful and loving Dozer 😭 May God Bless you with His strength, courage, comfort and care during this difficult time. Sending prayers and love! 🙏❤️🦮

    Reply
  12. Victoria A Groom says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:34 am

    Nagi and Dozer. I’ve never met you but my heart knows you and feels everything you have written Nagi, from your heart. God bless you both and Thank You ❤️❤️

    Reply
  13. Fiona Mcpetrie says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:33 am

    Our fur babies teach us to be better people with their understanding, constancy and unconditional love. Saying goodbye and looking into their eyes one last time is one of the hardest things to do. The love you knew never leaves and will warm you always. You were both blessed to have met and to have shared a life together. Two beautiful souls.💕🤗

    Reply
  14. Andrew Parkin says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:33 am

    so sorry for your loss Nagi.
    I’m going to miss Dozer.

    Reply
  15. Gillian Bailey says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:32 am

    I believe that Dozer has crossed the rainbow bridge. He will surely watch over you until the day he will be waiting to greet you on the other side. The heartbreak of losing your best friend who just happens to have 4 legs is so hard but as time goes by the pain will ease and the happy memories will stay with you. You will never forget but one day you will be able to smile and laugh as you remember him instead of the tears.
    Sending you hugs at this difficult time.

    Reply
  16. Cherie says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:30 am

    My heart is with you Nagi, this is a terrible loss, one I know myself, take care of yourself in this time.

    Reply
  17. Peggy says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:30 am

    You shared all your joy with Dozer. Now we share your sorrow. With thoughts for you.

    Reply
  18. Suzanne McPaul says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:30 am

    Wow Nagi, you are beautiful, Dozer is beautiful, and you have given us all such a beautiful journey with memories of your precious times with Dozer. Rest in peace Dozer, you have touched our souls! We love you both! ❤️❤️

    Reply
  19. Corina says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:29 am

    Dear nagi…
    So sad to hear of dozers passing.
    He will be sadly missed.
    My condolences to you.
    Wat a beautiful letter you wrote to him.
    He was one one very loved dog.
    Time will help you heal.

    Reply
  20. Natalie says

    February 10, 2026 at 11:28 am

    Nagi
    My sincere condolences on the passing of Dozer.
    Much love as you grieve.
    Dozer the best!
    Natalie

    Reply
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