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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. Fe Shearouse says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:53 am

    Nagi, sincere condolences on Dozer’s passing and thank you for sharing Dozer with us and for the most wonderful tribute for Dozer! As painful as it feels whenever we suffer a loss, know that time does help ease the pain and that Dozer lived such a good and happy life with you! He wouldn’t want you to be sad for too long, Take care!

    Reply
  2. Carolyn Preston says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:53 am

    💔💔💔💔

    Reply
  3. Christine Alexander says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:52 am

    So very sorry about your great loss Nagi. I was just yesterday enjoying seeing all your photos with Dozer in my Dinner book when looking for your fried rice recipe which was delicious. Kia kaha- stay strong.

    Reply
  4. Steve Watt says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:52 am

    Everybody loves Dozer! R.I.P beautiful boy! Condolences for your loss, Nagi.

    Reply
  5. Mindy Jumonville says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:52 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your baby boy. Sending prayers and all the hugs in the world❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  6. Isabel says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:52 am

    I am so sorry for such a loss that you have had. Losing a pet is heartbreaking .

    Reply
  7. Joy Ilinsky says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:51 am

    my heart is aching for you Nagi we have 7 lovely doggies up in doggie heaven, what a good and long life for a large doggie. much love

    Reply
  8. Fran says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:51 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer, such a sweet name. Yes, you were lucky and loved by Dozer. But do not forget that he was deeply loved by you and it showed. You were a great “mom”. ❤️

    Reply
  9. oli says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:49 am

    Niga, dozer ment the world to you but he also ment the world to us I would love when I saw him I’m your pics I can’t imagine your pain losing him ❤️

    Reply
  10. Pip says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:49 am

    So very sad to hear your news. His spirit will always be with you and you gave him an amazing life. Rest playfully Dozer. ❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  11. Victoria says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:47 am

    Bless you and Dozer.
    I hope in the years ahead you will be comforted by your wonderful memories, even though they bring you such pain now. Again, God Bless.

    Reply
  12. Angela says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:45 am

    Crying my eyes out right now. I know all too well how heartbreaking this is. You gave Dozer the most wonderful life & he will live on in your heart, your memories & your even your cookbooks. RIP Dozer 🌈🐾❤️

    Reply
  13. Caroline Trevor says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:44 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of your boy, Dozer. He will be greatly missed. Take time to grieve that hole in your heart; it really does take time.

    Reply
  14. Meg says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:43 am

    So very sorry for your loss, Nagi. He was a very special and loveable boy.

    Reply
  15. Geoff says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:42 am

    Infinite condolences on your loss. I’m sure Dozer knew and will be over the moon to see you again when you are together again.

    Reply
  16. Maggie says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:42 am

    Only true doggie lovers can appreciate your loss. Vale Dozer ❤️

    Reply
  17. Michelle N says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:41 am

    Your post breaks my heart because I know how it feels to lose a pet, a family member , a little life force in your heart. Dozer will be with you forever and he will visit you! Much prayers to you.

    Reply
  18. Shirley Castillo says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:41 am

    My heart aches for you on your loss of Dozer. Loved how he was there assisting you always. Many blessings to you and your family

    Reply
  19. Carol says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:39 am

    I have tears streaming down my contorted crying face. I know the pain all too well, and today marks the second anniversary of my soul pet leaving me. It still pains me after two years. Sending much comfort your way in hopes it helps just a bit.

    Reply
  20. Marcia says

    February 10, 2026 at 10:39 am

    Our fur babies are our whole world. The unconditional love is unlike any other relationship we have, and when they leave us too soon, it is brutal. thank you for sharing your beautiful Dozer with us. He lived the happiest life with you. Take care, the tears will stop one day but we never forget how much it hurt to say goodbye. Sending you lots of love.

    Reply
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