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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. Chris Chopyak says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:21 am

    thank you for sharing Dozer with people all over the world – sense of humor, likes, dislikes and for so openly sharing your love for what I see as a fierce and most lovely companion – hugs and big big love

    Reply
  2. Christine Helby says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:21 am

    Its so hard to type amidst the tears Nagi, but thank you for sharing Dozer with us. He was truly a beautiful companion, and I feel so deeply for your loss. Know that you and Dozer are in the hearts of all of us. My heart breaks for you.

    Reply
  3. Amanda Morrisson says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:21 am

    I am so deeply sorry to hear about your beautiful boy. We have enjoyed the journey with you. Rest peacefully. Will miss you x

    Reply
  4. Vivienne says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:20 am

    Dear Nagi,

    My deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. He is such a good boy. We will miss him too.

    Reply
  5. Calvina Planas says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:18 am

    Rest in peace, Dozer. My condolences to you Ms. Nagi. I am at a loss for words. Sending you hugs.

    Reply
  6. MaryJo High says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:18 am

    I’m in tears. My most heartfelt condolences to you. Sending you much love and and big hug…
    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. I always loved seeing his part in every post and recipe. What a very special being <3

    Reply
  7. Maia says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:17 am

    Nagi, I am so very sorry for your loss of Dozer. As a dog (and cat) lover myself, who has lived with and lost so many animals over the years, Losing my first greyhound, I was shocked that the world was still spinning and seemingly normal after so much love had left this world. I offer you much prayer, love and sympathy. Maia Bourque from Texas

    Reply
  8. Sue says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:17 am

    Dear Nagi
    I am so sorry to read of the loss of your darling Dozer
    Golden retrievers are very very special
    And it is clear from your posts and photos how devoted you were to him
    It is 10.5 years since we lost our Harvey so I do empathise about how you are feeling. I still think of him even though we have another Goldie now – Fred
    Fred is so different from Harvey but still as lovable
    Thinking of you as you grieve 🐾

    Ps
    Love your recipes – I have 2 of your books

    Reply
  9. Donna D McDaniel says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:17 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Dozer was a wonderful part of everyday life. I am sorry he is so missed. 🙁 God bless you and I hope you can heal. He is missed and has been a blessing.

    Reply
    • Linda Dolan says

      February 10, 2026 at 5:32 am

      Sorry for your loss. I know you are going through a hard time, but smile, close your eyes and know you will see him in heaven. I will pray for your pain.

      Reply
  10. Dianna says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:17 am

    Nagi, my heart weeps with you. These sweet animals steal our hearts and bring is so much joy. Prayers for your comfort and healing. ❤️🙏❤️

    Reply
  11. Sharon says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:16 am

    Oh Nagi, When I saw the title of your blog today, my heart hurt so badly. I can’t find the words to console you, because there aren’t any. Please know I will keep Dozer in my heart, and you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your amazing fur baby with us. Truely a wonderful gift to all your followers. Much Love & Light, Sharon

    Reply
  12. Carole Kwiat says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:12 am

    Nagi, I am so very sorry. There are no words to help. Just know that we are here thinking of you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us and thank you for sharing your grief. We will miss him too. What a wonderful love you two shared.

    Reply
  13. Tammi Coulter says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:12 am

    It’s heartbreaking news that you lost your beloved, beautiful boy Dozer!
    May God wrap His loving arms around you during this difficult time. Thank You for sharing your darling Dozer…he will be missed 💙

    Reply
  14. Phil says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:11 am

    So sad to hear especially on my Birthday he will be remembered and sadly missed he was a great part of the team. All the best to you Nagi.

    Reply
  15. Patricia says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:09 am

    My heart goes out to you, Nagi.

    Reply
  16. Christine says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:08 am

    I am so so sorry to hear about Dozer I am lost for words ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
    • Arnold Salazar says

      February 10, 2026 at 5:30 am

      I am so sorry to read about the loss of Dozer. He not only meant so much to you but brought huge smiles to all your followers. We join you in cherishing and remembering his time with all of us!

      Reply
  17. Gail Fitkall says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:07 am

    Thank you for loving Dozer so much,I know how much pain you are daily trying not to just ask why? A animals love is so deep and forever there every moment of every day,they just love us and know when we are so sad they just sense how we are coping and know how to make us heal.

    Reply
  18. Karen in NH, USA says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:05 am

    Nagi, this is one of the saddest things I have ever read online. I have had pets since 1991 and know the love that you and Dozer share – and the heartbreak of having to say goodbye. My thoughts are with you. Love your site, love your comments about Dozer – I will miss them.

    Reply
  19. Sue M says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:03 am

    Dear Nagi
    Due to your posts I feel like I know Dozer and so share some of your sadness at his going over the rainbow bridge. I believe he will wait there for you and one day you will be reunited. Much love

    Reply
  20. Wendy says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:01 am

    I’m so sorry for the loss of Dozer. I know he wasn’t “just a dog” to you—he was your baby, your shadow, your comfort, and such a beautiful part of your everyday life. The way you loved him was fierce, wholehearted, and unconditional, and he felt every bit of that love in the happiest, fullest life you gave him.
    Dozer was truly special. He left paw prints on your heart that will never fade, and the bond you shared was something rare and extraordinary. Losing him leaves an ache because he meant so much—but I hope, as time passes, the memories that hurt now will soften into warmth, love, and gratitude for all the moments you had together. Please know I’m holding you in my thoughts.
    Dozer will always be yours, always loved, always remembered. 💛🐾

    Reply
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