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Home Dozer

The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
5,103 Comments
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Published3 Feb '26 Updated3 Mar '26
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I’ve cried a thousand tears and there’s a million more to come.

Almost a fortnight ago, Dozer was hospitalised at SASH with a double lung infection (pneumonia). If he was a spritely young chap, it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. But he’s 13.9 years old, with other medical conditions, and with that comes the reality that is the circle of life.

The initial prognosis was dire, and he went downhill worryingly fast. But my boy is a fighter. Against all odds, he improved, his lungs showed some healing and his vitals were strong. He worked hard on physical rehab and was even discharged on the weekend ………

The happiness of discharge day was sadly fleeting….we were back at ICU mere hours later. With -some of the wonderful ICU nurses of SASH (left to right: Heather, Jo Jo, Taylor, Raf and Dr Adelina).

…….only to be back in ICU a mere 2 hours later with complications. Discharged again….then back in ICU again 10 hours later.

We’re in the final chapter of Life of Dozer and we all know how the story will end. But before we get to the final page, it is my greatest hope that Dozer can come home in good enough condition to have some time to do the things he loves the most – spending time with his favourite people, scavenging around the table, playing with friends at the beach.

And being by my side, 24/7. All the neck rubs in the world. All the hugs, all the kisses, all the pats.

So for the next little while, I will be taking time away from work. JB and my brother Goh are taking charge of both RTE and RTM (our food bank). JB is going to start sharing new recipes and bring some much needed cheer to this website. Hopefully one a week, if he can manage it with the extra business operations responsibilities he’s taken on. He’s been dropping off recipe samples to me at ICU, which I appreciate greatly, even if eating French delicacies next to beeping machines feels slightly surreal.

I can’t promise to share Dozer updates on all his recipes – to be frank, it depends how Dozer is going – but you’ll see some interesting insights into how JB and I work together on recipes remotely. 🙂

Thank you for all the years of love you’ve shown Dozer, for sharing your own fur baby stories, and for making him feel so deeply adored far beyond our little world. I hope to be able to share some more light hearted Life of Dozer tales for the next little while.

Love – Nagi x

Update: I am brokenhearted to share that he didn’t make it. See the Dozer Tribute post here.


Life of Dozer

In honour of the joy Dozer has brought to this website over the years, I can’t finish this post without bringing some cheer to the Life of Dozer section. 🙂 Here he is eating an ice pop – literally just plain ice. It’s his absolute favourite treat these days! Funny how much the bar drops when you’re in hospital, gourmet expectations reduced to frozen tap water and he’s living his best life. ❤️

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In memory of Dozer

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I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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5,103 Comments

  1. DONNA QUINN says

    February 6, 2026 at 11:55 pm

    Dozer has been such a joy seeing him enjoy your food. I only just bought your books last week and loved the photo of dozer licking one of the photos of food on your wall. I wish him a speedy recovery.

    Reply
  2. DONNA QUINN says

    February 6, 2026 at 11:53 pm

    Dozer has been such a joy seeing him enjoy your food. I only just bought your books last week and loved the photo of dozer licking one of the photos of food on your well. I wish him a speedy recovery.

    Reply
  3. Alby Furlong says

    February 6, 2026 at 11:34 pm

    Nagi I am praying for you and for precious Dozer.

    Reply
  4. Rainie says

    February 6, 2026 at 11:18 pm

    “Dog is such a small word for something that takes up so much room in your heart”.

    Blessings

    Reply
  5. Mona Taleb says

    February 6, 2026 at 11:11 pm

    Dear Dozer,

    I hope you know how loved you are. I hope you get better, and stronger, so you can go home with your mom. I’m sure she has many more delicious recipes and treats for you to try!

    Every dog loving fan of yours and your mom’s is rooting for you!!!

    Lots of love from
    Mona & my puppy love Toby

    Reply
  6. Janine says

    February 6, 2026 at 11:00 pm

    Sending hugs to you both thank you for sharing Dozer’s life with us

    Reply
  7. Jen says

    February 6, 2026 at 10:26 pm

    All the best for your special last days together. I hope there are still many more.

    Reply
  8. Yuriko says

    February 6, 2026 at 10:17 pm

    Dear Nagi san
    I am doglover and I have had three dogs.
    When I lost them I was so much pain more than I lost my mother.
    They helped my life in Australia if I didn’t have them I wouldn’t make my life in Australia.

    Reply
  9. Frank says

    February 6, 2026 at 10:01 pm

    Hugs

    Reply
  10. CHRISTENE ALTAMURA says

    February 6, 2026 at 9:45 pm

    Feeling deeply for you both – and your loved ones. Such an awful but precious time, heartfelt love and thoughts especially to you and handsome cheeky Dozer

    Reply
  11. Leesa says

    February 6, 2026 at 9:37 pm

    Although their lives are too short, the love of a dog is so precious and unconditional. Thinking of both you and Dozer at this difficult time. Hugs.

    Reply
  12. Carol says

    February 6, 2026 at 9:29 pm

    In my thought and prayers for you both

    Reply
  13. Theresa Fox says

    February 6, 2026 at 9:20 pm

    Oh, Nagi, I am thinking about you and Dozer and sending you both much love.

    And I’m sure they know how.much we love them. xxx

    Reply
  14. Monika Obermeier says

    February 6, 2026 at 8:41 pm

    Dear Nagi, fingers crossed that you’ll get some more precious time with Dozer. Love and hugs Monika

    Reply
  15. Shan says

    February 6, 2026 at 8:29 pm

    I appreciate your stories and your recipes so much.

    I do not comment much on your site, but I always felt a culinary kinship to you and your approach to life and I always loved that Dozer has been included as a beloved companion.

    Sending lots of love to you and to Dozer.

    Reply
  16. Alice White says

    February 6, 2026 at 7:50 pm

    Hi Nagi,
    Your beautiful dozer has been such a part of your story from day 1. It is so heartbreaking to see he is unwell. Dozer has had the best life with you and I can see the love he has for you. I’m so sorry and send love and strength at this hard time. Alice and Georgia x

    Reply
  17. Heather J Luck says

    February 6, 2026 at 7:45 pm

    My heart goes out to both you and Dozer, tough times ahead. I’m facing similar with my fur baby as she enters the last stages of her life …

    Reply
  18. Lynne says

    February 6, 2026 at 7:45 pm

    I am glad that you are taking this time with your gorgeous boy. The worst part about owning a dog is losing them. My heart breaks for you as being a dog lover have lost many over my lifetime. With tears running down my cheeks I send you love and strength to get through what is ahead.
    ❤️🙏🏻❤️

    Reply
  19. Alana Morrell says

    February 6, 2026 at 7:38 pm

    Sending all my love to you all, thank you Dozer for sharing your life with us all and spreading the smiles 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

    Reply
  20. Christel Waters says

    February 6, 2026 at 7:29 pm

    Dear Nagi & Dozer, My heart breaks for you both as we can all see the special bond you have with each other. You are the best Mom fror your boy and he is trying his best to please you despite his struggle, he knows how much you love him. A big hug to both of you.

    Reply
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