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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. Carol Ann says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:23 am

    Nagi,
    I am so truly sorry for your loss as tears come into my eyes. I have been where you are and it will get easier I couldn’t look at my little Ollie’s pictures for over a year, it was too heartbreaking. It will get easier over time.
    There is a website called, Critters.com. I created a memorial page for my dog Ollie and I write to him often. I feel it helped me grieve being able to write to him.
    I pray for you to have peace and comfort at this time and for Dozer who is healthy, happy and waiting for you in heaven. Amen 🙏✝️

    Reply
  2. Jeane Bell says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:23 am

    I was very sad to hear your news. Your letter to Dozer made me cry. These beautiful creatures leave us too soon. Your photos with him are gorgeous. Such obvious love between you!

    Reply
  3. Michelle Simmons says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:22 am

    I am heartbroken for your loss. What a lucky boy to have been loved so fully. Rest now sweet boy 3>

    Reply
  4. Teresa says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:22 am

    I m so sorry you lost Dozer. Thank you fir sharing with us so many pictures of Dozer. We loved him also and will miss him.
    Sending you lots of hugs from Canada.

    Reply
  5. Rich says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:21 am

    Nagi, that is a beautiful way to say ‘I love you’. So sorry for your loss…I’m going back and reread some of the posts you made for him…they were and are still such a kick to read. You two made a perfect pair. Stay safe, be well. God Bless

    Reply
  6. Kimberly Haney says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:21 am

    Condolences to you and rest in peace to your dearest Dozer. I feel like he became apart of our family too. He was so lucky to be loved by you. Hugs.

    Reply
  7. lkdh says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:21 am

    Oh, Nagi…we are so sorry for the loss of Dozer. I cried reading your heartfelt tribute. Such a good boy, loving heart, best friend & companion! He deserved all the love and attention you gave him. Thank you for sharing both him–and your love for him–with us. We will miss him too. Feel all of our hugs sharing your loss, so your pain is somewhat lightened, knowing you are not alone here. Steady on!

    Reply
  8. Sandra Bamford says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:20 am

    All of us who follow you fell in love with Dozer. I had tears running down my cheeks as I read your post. Dozer brought joy to people throughout the world. My heart goes out to you.

    Reply
  9. Annette Tierney says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:20 am

    So sorry to hear about Dozer.
    He loved you and you will always have his memory and love in your heart.

    Reply
  10. cherie says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:20 am

    no one could have loved him better – i’m so sorry for your loss

    Reply
  11. ELAINE S HURST says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:19 am

    So very sorry for your loss. Just remember how lucky he was to have you You were definitely a team together
    Elaine

    Reply
  12. Annette Tierney says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:19 am

    So sorry go hear about Dozer.
    He loved you and you will always have his memory and love in your heart.

    Reply
  13. JM says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:18 am

    I cry for your loss in part bc I still feel the pain of losing my own who I also loved and miss fiercely. Be comforted that you will see him again. I pray for your healing.

    Reply
  14. Cindy says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:17 am

    I’m so sorry 💔 You are not grieving alone. We love you Dozer. Safe journey over the bridge sweet pup 💙🌈💙

    Reply
  15. Theresa Engstrom says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:17 am

    Countless hearts are breaking today. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. He was a bright spot in our lives. I wish there were words to ease your pain and bring you peace. But they don’t exist. Just know you are not alone.

    Reply
  16. Darlene Napper says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:17 am

    Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. We are our fur babies world and they are ours. You shared Dozer with the world and we loved being able to be apart of that with you. Treasure all those wonderful memories and thank you for sharing your beloved Dozer with us! Huggs xoxoxo

    Reply
  17. Jan Swanberg says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:16 am

    So sorry to hear that Dozer has crossed the rainbow bridge. It’s so hard to lose a family member. My heart goes out to you. Please remember that you two had a magical life together! Be thankful for all of the memories, wags, drool, cuddles and good times. You were the best dog mommy possible. I know that Dozer will forever be in all of our hearts. xoxo from the mum of another 14 year old golden (Sydney) in Idaho, USA.

    Reply
  18. Anita Perkins says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:15 am

    💔🐶❤️

    Reply
  19. Karen says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:15 am

    So sorry for your loss! I have enjoyed your Dozer posts for years. At 73 I have lived through this many times. Look at his photos and let them bring you comfort.

    Reply
  20. Claudia says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:15 am

    Oh I am so so sorry for your loss. You were a true couple bonded in love. And we did indeed live vicariously with you both. Time heals a bit but it takes a long long time. I remind myself that we agree to a different kind of contract when we bond with someone we know we are bound to lose way before we’re ready.

    Reply
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