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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. Cecile says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    Cherish the memories. xx

    Reply
  2. Diane Woods says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    Nagi, we share your sorrow. Your “thank you(s)” to Dozer were everything animal lovers carry in our hearts and souls. Dozer loved you completely and unconditionally. He chose the best mum to travel his journey with and loved every minute you shared. Pls take comfort in knowing you were blessed to have each other for so long. He will always be with you.

    Reply
  3. Erin says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:15 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your beautiful and joyful relationship with the world. There’s more love in the world because of it. Dozer will live on in our hearts.

    Reply
  4. Carol says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:14 am

    I know the pain you are feeling Nagi, I’ve been through it too……
    You will find the strength to carry on….for Dozer..
    Cas

    Reply
  5. Jay says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:14 am

    I am just so sorry to hear about Dozer. I feel for you having experienced this myself with my faithful and loving furry friend. God bless 💕❤️ x Jay

    Reply
  6. patlilygar says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:13 am

    my heart is with you ,no matter what words we use ,cannot comprehend what is in your heart and soul ,i have been with you and Dozer from the beginning ,my mercy was with me 15 years ,she also was in my arms as her soul left for a a place of happiness waiting for you someday for both of you to be united .do not cry Dozer will feel its his doing ,rejoice the wonderful long beautiful years together peace and love is on your side ,,my spirit will send you both a long breath of happiness and peace your friend forever patlily gar

    Reply
  7. B. FOWLER says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:13 am

    Dear Nagi,
    My heart is truly saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved dozer. 14 years of constant companionship creates a bond that is deep, beautiful, and irreplaceable. It is clear to anyone who followed your journey that Dozer was not just your faithful friend, but a bright light who brought warmth, joy, and comfort into your life and into the lives of your readers.
    Through your stories, photos, appearances, and shared moments, we felt the love and loyalty he gave so freely. He became part of the happiness you so generously shared with all of us. That kind of love never truly leaves. It’s simply settles gently into memory and stays in your heart forever.
    Please know that many readers are holding you in their thoughts and sending you comfort during this difficult time. Thank you for allowing us to know and love Dozer through you.
    With deepest sympathy and warmth,
    Bonnie.

    Reply
  8. Lucy says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:12 am

    Very sorry you lost Dozer, your love and friend. I cried for you too. I hope you get another one like him.

    Reply
  9. Fran Wright says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:12 am

    thank you Nagi for all the years of sharing Dozer with us we all had such lovely moments together and I with so so many people world wide not just Australia will miss him

    Reply
  10. Mary-Anne says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:11 am

    Dearest Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer with us. He really was a special being. So sorry for your devastating loss. xxxx

    Reply
  11. Julie says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:11 am

    Thank you for sharing Dozers life with us Nagi.you where blessed to have been there from the beginning of his life & holding him to say goodbye😔

    Reply
  12. Libby says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:09 am

    So sorry to hear such sad news about your wonderful Dozer who brought such joy to you and all your readers. Such a terrible loss for you and I send my deepest sympathy as you navigate the depths of loss and mourning.

    Reply
  13. Noeline Brannigan says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:09 am

    😢😭

    Reply
  14. Adam Lopez says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:09 am

    Tears are running down my face. Dozer is waiting for you at Heaven’s Gates!

    Reply
  15. Jo-Ann says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:09 am

    My thoughts are with you. I suggest that when you feel you can read the poem Rainbow Bridge as it helped me when I was in a similar position when our dogs died, it helped.

    Reply
  16. Kathy says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:08 am

    My heart is broken.

    Reply
  17. Helen Southwell says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:07 am

    Big hugs from all our family to yours and have a big rest now Dozer, you beautiful boy 🐾🌈

    Reply
  18. Jackie Occhipinti says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:06 am

    Dear sweet Nagi, thank you for sharing your life with Dozer, with us all. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss and take comfort in knowing that you both did the best you could. Take care of yourself as your beautiful memories of dozer with time, will be of comfort to you. Xox

    Reply
  19. Julie says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:04 am

    So sorry. My heart is breaking for you.

    Reply
  20. Kerry says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:03 am

    There is no greater friendship than one who holds both your love and your soul. We are all blessed to have known Dozer. Thanks to you. Bless you untold in the coming days and weeks ahead.

    Reply
    • Fay Atkinson says

      February 10, 2026 at 10:02 am

      Dear Nagi, I am so sad for you. Dozer will always be with you in your heart and memories and that will never change. Stay strong.

      Reply
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