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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. Fiona says

    February 10, 2026 at 6:01 am

    Sorry for our loss my thoughts are with you

    Reply
  2. Liana G Rinzler says

    February 10, 2026 at 6:01 am

    My heart is broken for you. The loss of a beloved long time pet is sososo painful. I know your memories and support system will carry you through this very tough time. I am sending my warmest personal wishes/karma/prayers.

    Reply
  3. Beth says

    February 10, 2026 at 6:00 am

    What a beautiful love story in the purest form. How blessed both you and Dozer were to have each other.

    Reply
  4. Cathy Perez says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:59 am

    Nagi, so sorry for your precious loss of Dozer! We really loved him very much in our house. Much love to you and may sweet Dozer rest in peace! Fly high beautiful Dozer!

    Reply
  5. Silke says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:59 am

    Oh Nagi, I am so so sorry.

    Reply
  6. Mei-Sheng Shanks says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:55 am

    I am from Victoria B.C, Navi, and have been following you and your wonderful recipes for many years, however I mostly followed everything about Dozer you posted. I felt I knew him so well, with all his tantrums, love for you and all his joys. I, too am still so very sad 😢 that I will not see his beautiful face again, but will always know how deeply loved ♥️he was around the world. Rest in peace Dozer over the rainbow 🌈 edge.🐾🐾

    Reply
  7. Gita says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:55 am

    Dearest Nagi, my best thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  8. Patricia Robertson says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:55 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could give you a great big hug.Dozer could not have been loved any deeper. You gave him a wonderful life. God bless the two of you.

    Reply
  9. Melinda says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:54 am

    All the gentle hugs and all the love there is for you, dearest Nagi.

    Reply
  10. Rosa says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:54 am

    My sincere condolences for your loss. Dozer will live forever in your heart. Sending you love and hugs Nagi. 🙏

    Reply
  11. Julie Browne says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:53 am

    We all loved Dozer! He brought that something extra. We all grieve with you and will miss him. I can’t believe how sad I feel…

    Reply
  12. Lisa H. says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:52 am

    No words.. 💔😢😭

    Reply
  13. Anette says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:52 am

    Hugs, just hugs

    Reply
  14. Sally says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:52 am

    I have followed you and Dozer for many years now and was always envious of the loving bond that you shared. Dozer enriched your life in ways that no human could. Treasure those memories as you laugh in remembrance of his antics and weep for the loss of your dear friend.

    Reply
  15. Joyce Macfarlane says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:51 am

    ❤️not sure what to say except that it must be very painful for you.

    Reply
  16. Sam says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:48 am

    So much love. How terrible this is to go through. Sending my condolences to you Nagi at this incredibly difficult time

    Reply
  17. Tina says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:48 am

    Terribly sorry for your loss. I’ve been there. Very difficult. The very best to you in this trying time.

    Reply
  18. Jilly says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:48 am

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. The older I get I realize that we are all just walking through this world, some walks are a lot longer than others. Your golden boy had the best and longest walk ever and it’s all thanks to you. ❤️

    Reply
  19. Vicky says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:46 am

    This is a heartbreaking and painful, yet absolutely beautiful post. So very very sorry for your loss…

    Reply
  20. Sondra L ST-GERMAIN says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:42 am

    There are no words, but sending healing vibes and strength. Thank you for the beautiful words to Dozer.

    Reply
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