• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

  • My RecipeTin
  • My cookbooks!
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Iconic + cult classics
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish recipes
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot – One Pan
    • Stewy slow-cooked things
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Salads & veg
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice (all)
      • Fried rice recipes
      • Rice (plain)
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cheesecakes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
      • Ice cream
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • RecipeTin Japan 🇯🇵
        • Korean
        • Modern Asian
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • 🎄Christmas
      • Cocktails
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
    • Recipe collections
    • Cookbook recipes
  • My Food Bank
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • My Cookbooks
      • Tonight (NEW!)
      • Dinner
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,785 Comments
Share
  • Copy Link
  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
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

Previous Post
The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer
Next Post
🌈 Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry 🌈

Hi, I'm Nagi!

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!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




4,785 Comments

  1. Anette says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:52 am

    Hugs, just hugs

    Reply
  2. Sally says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:52 am

    I have followed you and Dozer for many years now and was always envious of the loving bond that you shared. Dozer enriched your life in ways that no human could. Treasure those memories as you laugh in remembrance of his antics and weep for the loss of your dear friend.

    Reply
  3. Joyce Macfarlane says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:51 am

    ❤️not sure what to say except that it must be very painful for you.

    Reply
  4. Sam says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:48 am

    So much love. How terrible this is to go through. Sending my condolences to you Nagi at this incredibly difficult time

    Reply
  5. Tina says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:48 am

    Terribly sorry for your loss. I’ve been there. Very difficult. The very best to you in this trying time.

    Reply
  6. Jilly says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:48 am

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. The older I get I realize that we are all just walking through this world, some walks are a lot longer than others. Your golden boy had the best and longest walk ever and it’s all thanks to you. ❤️

    Reply
  7. Vicky says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:46 am

    This is a heartbreaking and painful, yet absolutely beautiful post. So very very sorry for your loss…

    Reply
  8. Sondra L ST-GERMAIN says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:42 am

    There are no words, but sending healing vibes and strength. Thank you for the beautiful words to Dozer.

    Reply
  9. Jennifer Serrell says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:42 am

    Oh how Dozer will be missed! We love Dozer and will miss you with him! Sending you lots of love, hugs, and prayers for healing. We love you and love you sharing your sweet love, Dozer with all of us! It was such a treat for all of us to see all the fun you two were up to! He’s in heaven with all of our beloved fur babies getting all the incredible love he so deserves for living such a wonderful life!

    Reply
  10. Lindsay says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:41 am

    Bless you Nagi.

    Reply
  11. Douglas G Higgins says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:41 am

    Big hugs, Nagi. Deepest sympathy for you from afar.

    Reply
  12. Lisa Motley says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:40 am

    If love could have saved him…he would have lived forever.

    So sorry Nagi.

    Reply
  13. Christine Maria Plush says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:39 am

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was a wonderful dog and companion and I do hope that his memory can eventually bring you joy and peace. It is so hard to let them go.

    Reply
  14. Gail C. says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:38 am

    I’m so so sorry, Nagi! I’m crying too, and remembering again my own family losses. It never goes away but it does get a little easier with enough time. Thinking of you with love.

    Reply
  15. Lynn Johnsen says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:38 am

    Thank you for sharing Dozer.❤️🐾🐾

    Reply
  16. Robin says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:36 am

    I wish you peace as you navigate the new you without your loving, Dozer.

    I grieve with you at the loss of your fur-baby.

    Hugs, from Los Angeles…..

    Reply
  17. Josephine Gee says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:35 am

    My deepest condolences Nagi…my heart feels for you. 💔

    Reply
  18. Valerie says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:35 am

    Our pets are our family.
    I’m crying for both you and Dozer.
    He knew he was loved, as did you. No greater gift

    Reply
  19. CindyH says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:31 am

    Oh, Nagi! There are simply no words, only shared tears.

    Praying for comfort and strength for you and your family. Always know that you have been the best Mum to your sweet boy.

    Reply
  20. Olwyn says

    February 10, 2026 at 5:29 am

    Dearest Nagi,
    My heart is with you. Your posts & photos of Dozer have made me smile through some of my most difficult days. I truly believe that Dozer will always be with you.

    Reply
Newer Comments
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

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! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive 3 FREE ebooks!

Subscribe
Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • By Category
  • Collections
About
  • About Nagi
  • About Dozer
  • RecipeTin Meals
Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
Help
  • Contact
  • Image Use Policy
© RecipeTin Eats 2026
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits
Maintained by Human Made Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
All Rights Reserved

Subscribe to my newsletter

Sign up and receive 3 FREE EBOOKS!