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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. Megan says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:23 am

    Oh Nagi I am so terribly sorry to hear of Dozer passing. He was the luckiest boy to be so thoroughly loved and cherished.
    I was lucky enough to pat him on a visit to Canberra.

    Reply
  2. Janine Flay says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:22 am

    I’m so heartbroken for you and all that Dozer touched xxx

    Reply
  3. Karen Frost says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:22 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss, I am in tears writing this as I feel your pain having lost my best girl Kate nearly 12 months ago
    They are so very special and there’s nothing that comes close to having the love of a dog
    RIP Dozer 🐾💕🕊🍀

    Reply
  4. Janine says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:22 am

    I’m so heartbroken for you and all that Dozer touched xxx

    Reply
  5. Renata Arrivolo says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:22 am

    So sorry for your loss . Dozer was part of the family . I’ve had the same experience. I’ve realised all the time I thought I was looking after my dogs . They were looking after me
    Thank you Dozer for all you have given Nagi and us

    Reply
  6. Diane Pierce says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:21 am

    My deepest sympathy for the loss of your handsome Dozer. I see the special bond you guys had and know the pain you are feeling right now 💔 blessings and healing hugs for the days ahead. RIP Dozer 🙌🏼

    Reply
  7. Jaki says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:20 am

    What a beautiful tribute Ngai that you have written to your beloved Dozer. It is heart breaking to lose a special pet, your baby, your best and most loyal friend. I am crying for you ❤️

    Reply
  8. Annie says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:19 am

    Dear Nagi, I am so very sorry. Your dear baby boy couldn’t have found a more perfect Mommy in all the world. I send you blessings of comfort and love. Take it all moment by moment. You are the very best kind of people in this world.

    Reply
  9. Geoff Ferguson says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    The heart ache never seems to end when a furry family member has to leave. With a heart as big as yours obviously is, perhaps one day another four legged friend will find a place there.

    Reply
  10. Josie says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    So very sorry. I cry with you.

    Reply
  11. Jacqueline ASHWORTH says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    Crying reading your letter. Know your heartbreak. 💔

    Reply
  12. Resa says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. Tears and prayers for you and Dozer

    Reply
  13. Cecile says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    Cherish the memories. xx

    Reply
  14. Diane Woods says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    Nagi, we share your sorrow. Your “thank you(s)” to Dozer were everything animal lovers carry in our hearts and souls. Dozer loved you completely and unconditionally. He chose the best mum to travel his journey with and loved every minute you shared. Pls take comfort in knowing you were blessed to have each other for so long. He will always be with you.

    Reply
  15. Erin says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your beautiful and joyful relationship with the world. There’s more love in the world because of it. Dozer will live on in our hearts.

    Reply
  16. Carol says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:14 am

    I know the pain you are feeling Nagi, I’ve been through it too……
    You will find the strength to carry on….for Dozer..
    Cas

    Reply
  17. Jay says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:14 am

    I am just so sorry to hear about Dozer. I feel for you having experienced this myself with my faithful and loving furry friend. God bless 💕❤️ x Jay

    Reply
  18. patlilygar says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:13 am

    my heart is with you ,no matter what words we use ,cannot comprehend what is in your heart and soul ,i have been with you and Dozer from the beginning ,my mercy was with me 15 years ,she also was in my arms as her soul left for a a place of happiness waiting for you someday for both of you to be united .do not cry Dozer will feel its his doing ,rejoice the wonderful long beautiful years together peace and love is on your side ,,my spirit will send you both a long breath of happiness and peace your friend forever patlily gar

    Reply
  19. B. FOWLER says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:13 am

    Dear Nagi,
    My heart is truly saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved dozer. 14 years of constant companionship creates a bond that is deep, beautiful, and irreplaceable. It is clear to anyone who followed your journey that Dozer was not just your faithful friend, but a bright light who brought warmth, joy, and comfort into your life and into the lives of your readers.
    Through your stories, photos, appearances, and shared moments, we felt the love and loyalty he gave so freely. He became part of the happiness you so generously shared with all of us. That kind of love never truly leaves. It’s simply settles gently into memory and stays in your heart forever.
    Please know that many readers are holding you in their thoughts and sending you comfort during this difficult time. Thank you for allowing us to know and love Dozer through you.
    With deepest sympathy and warmth,
    Bonnie.

    Reply
  20. Lucy says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:12 am

    Very sorry you lost Dozer, your love and friend. I cried for you too. I hope you get another one like him.

    Reply
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