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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,785 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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4,785 Comments

  1. Steve Boyce says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:39 pm

    Losing a furry family member cuts deep. I said goodbye to my Jess, a kelpie lab x, in 2005 aged 14.5. Would you believe I’m not fully over it so stick to fish. Hugs to you.

    Reply
  2. Marilynn Pantera says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:39 pm

    I’m beyond sad and broken hearted for you Nagi-I can’t stop crying-I loved Dozer’s updates in your blog. RIP Dozer 🙏

    Reply
  3. David Lewis says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:39 pm

    Stride for stride with your love and memories,
    He runs on a long shore,
    Scattering gulls to a summer sky.

    Reply
  4. Jennie Acosta says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:37 pm

    My deepest condolences on the loss of beautiful Dozer. He knew he was so deeply loved and he will continue to watch over you from his heavely home. God Bless and take care.

    Reply
  5. Tanvi says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:35 pm

    Nagi, I am crying as I read this. I hope Dozer in his next life will go on to bring so much more joy to someone else who needs it.

    Reply
  6. Jill says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:34 pm

    Dear Nagi, I am so saddened by the death of your beautiful boy. Know that my prayers are with you….. Jill

    Reply
  7. Sarah says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:33 pm

    Dear Nagi
    So very sorry for the loss of your lovly furry companion.., I can feel a bit of your pain as I lost my furry baby too.. it is devastating and seems unreal.. itvis the littlecthings Dozer did which will make you smile through your tears.. He deserved the best and got you as his mom. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. Take heart and find strength my friend.. crying with you ❤️

    Reply
  8. Dianne Charnley says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:32 pm

    She very sorry to hear about Dozer. The two of you in photos each month was beautiful to see, aside from him being such a beautiful did. His eyes just got me!
    What a heart warming farewell letter you wrote. So sobs will come and go for a long time yet. You need to take care of yourself now as you mourn the loss of your beloved Dozer. The community is thinking of you. 💕💕💕

    Reply
  9. Pamela Dadabbo says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:31 pm

    Dear Nagi, I feel your pain so deeply, that I have tears running down my face. Sweet, sweet Dozer knew how much you loved him and how much he loved you. God bless you both and take care of yourself sweet Nagi.

    Reply
  10. Alima says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:29 pm

    🫂💔🫂 I know ….

    Reply
  11. Elaine Beard says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:26 pm

    So sad for your loss of your beautiful boy Dozer.He has crossed the rainbow bridge,and will wait for you on the other side..Thank you Dozer for the joy you have brought to us all. Elaine

    Reply
  12. Kaz says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:25 pm

    RIP Dozer. I know the food in heaven will be nowhere good as the food your mum cooked for you. I know you have only left your earth bound shell and that your spirit will stay with your mum always, so you can continue to watch over her and protect her. I know you will be there to listen and try and comfort your mum through this really agonising time. Just like you I lost a very precious girl 24 yrs ago and there isn’t one day I still don’t think of her. I have had a few dogs since, but she was just sooooo special.
    All our love and fur hugs.
    Love Kaz, Abbey, Casey and Rosie

    Reply
  13. Maja says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:24 pm

    He knew nothing but love because of you. You gave him a beautiful life. Rest in peace, Dozer.

    Reply
  14. Alby Jo says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:24 pm

    Dear Nagi, my heart hurts for you. Having been through the loss of seven fur babies, I feel your pain. You will be in my prayers for quite awhile.
    You were the best fur-baby mom. I so enjoyed your posts not just for the recipes but for seeing Dozer and you together.
    The joy he brought to you and the@

    Reply
  15. Angela Cardinale says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:22 pm

    Nagi, I am so, so sorry for your loss. It is such a heartache to lose a fur baby, and we appreciate your sharing Dozer’s story with us.

    Reply
  16. Victoria says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:19 pm

    Dear Nagi, i am so sorry about your loss🥺we all loved dozer, and we will miss him very much💕I hope you have a nice day🫂Sending lots of love💖

    Reply
  17. Victoria says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:18 pm

    Dear Nagi, i am so sorry about your loss🥺we all loved dozer, and we will miss him very much💕I hope you have a nice day🫂

    Reply
  18. Izzy Han says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:15 pm

    Hi Nagi, this is late, but I’m so sorry for your loss.
    My family and I really love your content and recipes, especially the parts where Dozer appears. Look after yourself and just remember that me, and many other people who read your recipes will always be there for you.
    And if you do get a new fur baby, I’m sure it’ll be just as exciting.
    But for now, take some time for yourself, and I’ll still be here!
    Love Izzy

    Reply
  19. Carole says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:13 pm

    Dear Nagi, my thoughts have been with you since your last email, and my heart broke for you, Dozer will always hold a special place in our hearts. The love you have for Dozer and his for you, will be what gets you through this dark time. The pain will ease, but you will never forget your beloved Dozer. And we won’t either. Take care of you dear Lady.

    Reply
  20. Sharon Eaton says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:12 pm

    Oh Nagi, my heart is broken for you. I lost my baby too 6 weeks ago. Its so hard, the grief comes in waves, be gentle with yourself, know you gave Dozer the best life. Hes running free now with my Frankie. Love and hugs xxx

    Reply
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