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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. Eloise Kelly says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:47 am

    I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. He was a beautiful dog. Magy he rest in peace

    Reply
  2. Helen says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:46 am

    Thank you and Dozer for sharing your beautiful love story. I am crying and inspired. May time heal your heartbreak.

    Reply
  3. Jo says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:46 am

    Your post brought tears to my eyes and a pain in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. You and Dozer are an everyday reminder of the wiles and laughter our furry family brings to us. I have your cookbook sitting in my cookbook holder open to the page of you giving Dozer kale. I have a 13 1/2 yo Yellow Lab and that is exactly how she would react and it makes me smile. Now I will see that picture with sadness that Dozer is no longer with you. But I do know he was loved and brought you great happiness and comfort.

    Reply
  4. DEBI MORGAN says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:46 am

    I hope you know that your beautiful words are not only for Dozer, they for all of us who have lost a beloved pet. By loving him, you have also given us a precious gift. Thank you for sharing his life, and even his final days with us. You are a remarkable person, Nagi, and loved by so many. May Dozer’s memory bring you joy once the hurt fades from view. What you did for him will never be forgotten. ❤️

    Reply
  5. Ron Jennings says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:45 am

    So sorry for the loss of your best friend.

    Reply
  6. Roslyn Walker says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:45 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Dozer. You had such an amazing bond with him, and I loved witnessing it. I understand the grief you are feeling…your supporters will miss him too. Many hugs and kisses to you..XXOO

    Reply
  7. Laura says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:45 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is heartbreaking because they are our family. I loved seeing Dozer in your posts; he seemed like the sweetest dog. Praying for comfort for you, and I know your sweet boy is resting peacefully.

    Reply
  8. Barb says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    The world is crying with you! All dogs go to heaven, so Dozer is there still watching over you. Thank you for sharing Dozer’s wonderful life with your devoted readers.

    Reply
  9. Jacquie Voss says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    So sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing but after he crossed that Rainbow Bridge he could run free, no pain, no health issues and he will be waiting to run with you again!

    Reply
  10. Sandra says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    🫂🫂🤍

    Reply
  11. anne mcnamara says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    My heart goes out to you

    Reply
  12. Margaret Molloy says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:43 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss as dog lover I know what it’s like. Take care of yourself x

    Reply
  13. Gail Guild says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:42 am

    It’ll be so sad to see your postings without Dozer. He was a big, sweet presence. Thank you for sharing him with us.

    Reply
  14. Michelle Shaffer says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:41 am

    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us all these years. Animal lovers everywhere share your grief

    Reply
  15. Dawn Koca says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:38 am

    I’m heartbroken reading this. Being a dog mom to two beautiful golden boys I know I too will have to face this one day and I know I will never be ready. You and Dozer were so lucky to have each other. I saw the love he had for you in his eyes. You gave him the best life you could and he knew that. He is smiling down on you now hoping your heart will heal ❤️

    Reply
  16. Marilyn McMillan says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:38 am

    What a wonderful tribute to a beloved soulmate.

    Reply
  17. Juanita says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:38 am

    Oh Nagi while I don’t know you personally, I feel your heart breaking. I said goodbye to my girl 10 years ago next month and while it still hurts, I know you will one day be able to talk about Dozer with a smile and less tears. You gave him an incredible life in return for unconditional love you will always remember. Let yourself grieve, Dozer sounded like an amazing companion. Take care. 💔

    Reply
  18. Sarah says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:38 am

    You couldn’t have loved him better. Sending love and healing.

    Reply
  19. S&T says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:38 am

    Nagi – please know that your beautiful boy touched our hearts half-way across the globe. His pictures were the first click on every email and we’ll miss his eager and fighting spirit. It’s 10 years since losing our own and the love never fades. But the pain does. Please take care and thank you for sharing so openly. It was incredibly generous of you.

    Reply
  20. Marcie says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:37 am

    He knew you loved him to the core, as he did you. A beautiful relationship for life’s best memories!

    Reply
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