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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. oli says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:49 am

    Niga, dozer ment the world to you but he also ment the world to us I would love when I saw him I’m your pics I can’t imagine your pain losing him ❤️

    Reply
  2. Pip says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:49 am

    So very sad to hear your news. His spirit will always be with you and you gave him an amazing life. Rest playfully Dozer. ❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  3. Victoria says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:47 am

    Bless you and Dozer.
    I hope in the years ahead you will be comforted by your wonderful memories, even though they bring you such pain now. Again, God Bless.

    Reply
  4. Angela says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:45 am

    Crying my eyes out right now. I know all too well how heartbreaking this is. You gave Dozer the most wonderful life & he will live on in your heart, your memories & your even your cookbooks. RIP Dozer 🌈🐾❤️

    Reply
  5. Caroline Trevor says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:44 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of your boy, Dozer. He will be greatly missed. Take time to grieve that hole in your heart; it really does take time.

    Reply
  6. Meg says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:43 am

    So very sorry for your loss, Nagi. He was a very special and loveable boy.

    Reply
  7. Geoff says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:42 am

    Infinite condolences on your loss. I’m sure Dozer knew and will be over the moon to see you again when you are together again.

    Reply
  8. Maggie says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:42 am

    Only true doggie lovers can appreciate your loss. Vale Dozer ❤️

    Reply
  9. Michelle N says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:41 am

    Your post breaks my heart because I know how it feels to lose a pet, a family member , a little life force in your heart. Dozer will be with you forever and he will visit you! Much prayers to you.

    Reply
  10. Shirley Castillo says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:41 am

    My heart aches for you on your loss of Dozer. Loved how he was there assisting you always. Many blessings to you and your family

    Reply
  11. Carol says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:39 am

    I have tears streaming down my contorted crying face. I know the pain all too well, and today marks the second anniversary of my soul pet leaving me. It still pains me after two years. Sending much comfort your way in hopes it helps just a bit.

    Reply
  12. Marcia says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:39 am

    Our fur babies are our whole world. The unconditional love is unlike any other relationship we have, and when they leave us too soon, it is brutal. thank you for sharing your beautiful Dozer with us. He lived the happiest life with you. Take care, the tears will stop one day but we never forget how much it hurt to say goodbye. Sending you lots of love.

    Reply
  13. Janet says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:39 am

    Oh dearest Nagi, God Bless you & your sweet boy Dozer. I am sending you much love along with my tears as I read about Dozer’s last day with you; with us all. Thank You over the years in share ‘Life of Dozer’ <3 He was such a special boy to everyone. God Bless all at SASH for 'all' you could give to Dozer & Nagi, as well as all of us as we kept up our days with our fur babies. Nagi; accept my love & prayers that also come from my Sweet Pea & Callie as I share this with my girls. "Dozer, you fly over that Rainbow Bridge & shine over your mum, on a last note Nagi, when you see a butterfly, know it is Dozer coming to let you know he'll always know where to find you and he will come by for a visit now & again between his beach parties he will have up in heaven's way now too <3

    Reply
  14. Betsy A. Rose says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:38 am

    So very sorry for your loss. Know how much your love for Dozer was a gift to him . You both were blessed to have each other. I believe that you will see him again in heaven. you might even get a sign from him here before that, Look for it. I pray that your pain eases with each day. I’m sure that he has not left you. Take care.

    Reply
  15. Liana says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:38 am

    I just had tears in my eyes as I read this post. I’m so sorry for your loss. Anyyone, who has ever lost a beloved fur-baby understands the loss you are experiencing right now. No words can fix it.
    Just know we all grieve with you and you are not alone.

    Reply
  16. Leonie says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:38 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss, I’ve been through this 4 times & it never gets easier, the pain never goes away, you just learn to live with it. Take care 💞

    Reply
  17. Jennifer Howland says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:37 am

    Oh Nagi, I am SO very sorry 🙁 You gave sweet Dozer a wonderful life <3 HUGE (((((HUGS))))) to you!!!! <3

    Reply
  18. Kelly Luedtke says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:37 am

    Nagi, your letter of love to Dozer was the most beautiful affirmation I have ever read.
    Dozer will forever be with you because his paw 🐾 print is on your heart. What a blessing for the both of you to share that kind of love with each other.

    Reply
  19. AJ says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:36 am

    So very sorry to hear about Dozer’s passing. Take comfort in knowing that you both loved each other and were together through it all. Sending love and prayers ❤️

    Reply
  20. Jacqui says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:32 am

    I’m so sorry, Nagi. He was a beautiful boy.

    Reply
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