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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,790 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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4,790 Comments

  1. Sue says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:15 pm

    RIP Dozer……Nothing can compare to the love you feel for your dog. my thoughts are with you at this very sad time, in time you will smile instead of cry when you see Dozers picture. Im sure he is looking down on you as you continue to cook and create your marvellous and delicious dishes xxx

    Reply
  2. Claire Labelle says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:12 pm

    I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Those of us who have lost for babies know what you’re going through..
    Rest in peace, beautiful Dozer!!!

    Reply
  3. Laura says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:11 pm

    Rest in peace, sweet Dozer.

    Reply
  4. Brenda says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:10 pm

    Most of us know the pain and anguish of losing your best friend. I cried for you because I too laid in the hospital with my best friend of 15 years and held her until she took her last breath. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Dozer with all of us and please don’t stop. It will help you heal.

    Reply
  5. Karen says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:10 pm

    Nagi so terribly sorry to hear about Dozer. He bought such joy into all our lives – such a beautiful big caring boy! Thank you so much for sharing him with us all.
    Rest and recover. Your heart will eventually heal and Dozer would want you to be happy again.

    Reply
  6. Kelly P. says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:08 pm

    Nagi
    I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer was awesome. He will be missed.

    Reply
  7. Lisa says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:08 pm

    Sorry for your loss, sending hugs.

    Reply
  8. Kelly P. says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:06 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Dozer was awesome. He will be missed.

    Reply
  9. Kathy H says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:06 pm

    I am so sorry. I cried reading about Dozer. I know the heartache you’re going through. 😞🙏

    Reply
  10. Aleida Collins says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:05 pm

    Always sad to loosethat special friend. Be forever in your ❤️

    Reply
  11. Rosalba FORSTER says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:03 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories you made together bring you comfort at this time,

    Reply
  12. Jan Heaton says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:01 pm

    There are no words that will help you with Dozers passing. We know the pain of losing a pet, let alone a Golden, that special, eccentric ratbag in a stunning golden fur coat, who never seems to grow up, but at times can be so intuitive to your moods its scary. Allow the grief to come, we need to feel it, to try and heal. Eventually, the pain will dull, and you’ll be able to remember with fewer tears. It’s been 10yrs since our boy, Ben left at 14, and we still smile through our tears😭😭😭.

    Reply
  13. Rosa says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:01 pm

    Sending you big hugs..I am so sorry 😢😢😢😢

    Reply
  14. Kathy Abel says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm

    My heart breaks with yours, Nagi. We feel like we know you and Dozer, because you have shared your life with us, and we thank you for it. Dozer had the best life with you, loved right until the very end. What a lucky dog, and what a lucky human. 💔

    Reply
  15. Bari Horisberger says

    February 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    I have loved all your postings about Dozer. I think i fell in love wth those first. Then i started making all your recipes and loved those too. So i have been a fan for awhile. My heart breaks for you. Dozer was your whole family. When My Meggie died I had another dog but i can tell you the best thing i did was get a puppy quickly. It helped me to go on and want to live again.
    I also bought a bracelet that i never take off with a tiny heart so her heart is always close to mine. I hope these ideas help
    you. Dogs make life worth living, they just don’t live long enough. Take care
    Bari

    Reply
  16. Sue says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:59 pm

    Love & prayers your way!💕💕💕
    You were a Blessing to Dozer,
    as He to You! Thanks for sharing all the fun post. We have another dog Angel🥰

    Reply
  17. Catherine says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:58 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. My sweet 13 year old golden retriever passed away 2 weeks ago. Their time with us is never enough

    Reply
  18. Sue says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:58 pm

    Love & prayers your way!💕💕💕
    You were a Blessing to Dozer,
    as He to You! Thanks for sharing all the fun post. We have another dog Angel🥰

    Reply
  19. Dorothy Firth says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:57 pm

    I see you and Dozer everyday in your recipe book, he will always be remembered fondly.

    Reply
  20. Joyce W says

    February 10, 2026 at 12:57 pm

    I am the mom of 2 mini dachshunds and your recipes and Dozer are what initially had my following you. It is with profound sorry that I write to say how sorry I am for your loss.

    Reply
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