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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. Joyce says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:19 am

    I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing all of your journey together with us. Rest in peace, Dozer. Be strong Dozer’s Mum.❤️

    Reply
  2. Dawn Allen says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:18 am

    I am so sorry Nagi, just remember you are not alone in your tears, we are all crying for you and your beautiful boy.

    Reply
  3. Angie Eloise says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:18 am

    So sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer will remain in our hearts forever. Hold on to the memories which gave you joy. Sincerest condolences. Thinking of you in this difficult time. 🐾 😔🥰

    Reply
  4. Staci says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:18 am

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Take the time you need. I lost my golden boy a year and a half ago. I am heartbroken and in tears for you.

    Grief is love with nowhere to go. Please take it easy on yourself and allow yourself the grace you deserve. You were an amazing mom to Dozer.

    Reply
  5. Sharyn Patten says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:17 am

    Nagi I am so saddened by the loss of Dozer, your heart maybe broken at the moment but be rest assured he will be with you in spirit & telling you that he loved you so much & is ok. Hugs 😘

    Reply
  6. Betty says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:17 am

    Rest in peace Dozer. You will be missed by us all. Nagi’s broken heart will heal with time and all will be well when you see her again.

    Reply
  7. Pamela Z says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:17 am

    When your email came in yesterday my heart sank. I know you know that he knows you loved him more than anything. I hope you find peace soon. Love never dies. Bless you.

    Reply
  8. Jeannie says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:17 am

    Thank you, Nagi for sharing your heart with us. My heart goes out to you. I could see the love you two had for each other in the many pictures and videos you shared with us, the public. It’s hard to be strong when you’re heart is breaking, but try to endure and be strong anyway. We are all pulling for you. And more importantly, God is with you!!

    Reply
  9. Nancy says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:15 am

    I am so deeply sorry for your l0ss…I believe with all my heart that when we die…our dogs willl be there to greet us.

    Reply
  10. Bronwyn Kingdon says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:15 am

    Big hugs for you and your beautiful boy, darling Dozer, who was loved by so many, but by you most of all. Such a special bond will always be with you, and gradually his memory will cause more smile than tears. Vale to an awesomely good boy, the best boy.

    Reply
  11. SALLY says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:13 am

    My heart is breaking for you Nagi at the loss of your constant loyal companion. Our dogs love us unconditionally & without judgement!! They greet us with such joy and optimism. I hope you find some solace in the wonderful memories you have of him as you work through your grief and loss. 🩷🩷

    Reply
  12. Bev MacNeil says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:13 am

    Hi
    I lost my boy Jan 2/26. I am empty but know it was for the best as he was so sick. My house is quiet. Too quiet but I know it was for the best. He was in pain.
    Knowing it was for the best doesn’t make it easier but more understandable.
    My thoughts are with you

    Reply
  13. Mary Coleman says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:13 am

    Heartbreaking reading this.i have a 3yrs golden and not stop cuddling him.im so sorry nagi loved watching .your beautiful boy.RIP Dozer Xxxx

    Reply
  14. Melissa says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:12 am

    Oh Nagi, beautiful Dozer, he was such a good boy and put a smile on the face of anyone he encountered. My son and I loved seeing you both on Play School, a memory to treasure. Sending love and strength to you, our pets hold a special place in our hearts xxx

    Reply
  15. Dee says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:12 am

    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all these years. He has brought joy with every recipe. He will always be with you in your heart.

    Reply
  16. Julie Funnell says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:11 am

    Dear Nagi, I as truly so sorry for your loss. Dozer made every one on your web happy, what a wonderful boy. Losing a member of your family is heartbreaking. I lost my beautiful Rudi (Norwegian forest cat) just a year ago, and I am still heartbroken, but in time I can smile at his memory without tears. I send you all my love, Dozer adored you as much as you loved him xxxxxx

    Reply
  17. Lesle Bannan says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:11 am

    So so sorry for your loss of beautiful Dozer.

    Reply
  18. Maggie says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:10 am

    So sorry to hear this, I mourned my little one much as you have been. They are precious and she taught me so much about being loved. They are angels in a fur coat.

    Reply
  19. Zornitsa Boncheva says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:10 am

    I am so sorry,I feel your pain.I lost a dog,I know how hard it is. I believe God created dogs,to show us what true love is.

    Reply
  20. Marble says

    February 10, 2026 at 7:10 am

    Sobbin gas I read this with my own fur baby asleep on me. There are no words to make it any better – but hopefully the outpouring of love for you both lets you smile a little.

    Reply
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