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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. William Kennison says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:52 am

    I’m so sorry for you Nagi I know how much it hurts. But, Dozer really lived the best life a dog could have. With a mom that has given him more than he needed. He’s finally no longer struggling and at peace. I feel for both of you, it’s heartbreaking.
    I know I’m going to miss your updates of the big lug.

    Reply
  2. Irasema says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:52 am

    My Love & Hug to you Nagi. Dozer will always be by your side and heart. May the Lord Bless you with Peace during this time of grief.

    Reply
  3. Liz Griffin says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:50 am

    So very sorry for your loss. Lots of hugs going your way.

    Reply
  4. Carryl says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:50 am

    Dear Nagi I have tears streaming down when I read about Dozer you beautiful boy. He is in heaven and will always be looking down at you in love and be by your side. RIP Dozer from Canada

    Reply
  5. marc felker says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:50 am

    One of the first things I would do when I read your blog was to see what Dozer was up to. Having being blessed by the love of a dog I know that their is no words to describe your pain. What he meant to you, you meant to him. Keep him alive in your heart and I am sure at some point your paths will cross again for love is eternal and you will carry on together. You and he are in my prayers

    Reply
  6. Madge says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:50 am

    Sorry to hear about Dozer. I looked forward to your emails and news about things he was doing. It’s hard to lose a close member of the family. My condolences.

    Reply
  7. theresa Theresa Anspaugh says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:50 am

    Hugs to you Nagi. I just lost my soulmate Tasha 1 week ago today that she passed over to the Rainbow Bridge. She was my 15 year old cat that was my soulmate, so I know how you feel. You gave Dozer a wonderful life. He gave you beautiful memories.

    Reply
  8. Toby says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:50 am

    Those of us across the world who have followed you and Dozer from the beginning join you in your loss and grief. We will remember him and know he will always be at your side and in your heart. As he is in ours.

    Reply
  9. Joan Sargent says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:48 am

    So sad to read about your final goodbye. You did your best for him, as did SASH

    Reply
  10. Chrissie says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:47 am

    Dearest Nagi. Like so many others I feel your pain and have oh so many times. Our fur babies love us unconditionally and as their love is unbreakable our pain is unbearable when they cross the rainbow bridge. Dozer had a wonderful life with you but sadly his time had come to leave. The pain will never stop. I still cry over all my losses at the anniversary of their crossing but those that leave us are always in our hearts as everyone will tell you. The memories will always make you sad but you will be so happy you have them. My heart, as does many others, go out to you. Sleep peacefully Dozer until you wake on the other side.

    Reply
  11. Carey Avender says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:44 am

    Oh Dear Nagi,
    I’ve been where you are and I can’t express how deeply I feel for your loss. It really is unbearable…but the only thing that would solve this would be to never have had Dozer at all, which of course is never an option. It does eventually get liveable but you never ever forget how much love you shared. Your’s and Doze’s love was so obvious it made everyone feel it loved. i wish there was something we could all do for you. What’s really wonderful is how much time you spent with him. Me too, with my Bud, so you know you got as many precious moments together as possible.
    You have a champion angel watching over you. I hope you can smile again soon.
    Thinking of you and Dozer.

    Reply
  12. Julie Ann Avila says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:44 am

    Thank you for giving Dozer such a wonderful, loving home. I wish you love and peace as you remember him.

    Reply
  13. Judy Ferina says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:41 am

    My heart goes out to you on the loss of your precious Dozer,

    Reply
  14. Debi Martinez says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:41 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know he was so very special to you! I hope you find comfort in knowing you gave him the best life and one day soon your memories will make you smile.

    Reply
  15. Lori says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:40 am

    My heart hurts for you. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts. Healing thoughts and lots of virtual hugs from me to you Nagi🙏💕

    Reply
  16. Shirley Johnstone says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:40 am

    Tears are falling around the world for your loss. It is such a terrible thing to lose your best buddy. Hang on to the memories and he will be watching over you until you meet again.

    Reply
  17. Linda says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:40 am

    It’s is do hard to lose our Furbabies. My heart breaks for you. Dozer was a great companion to you as you were to him. Remember the LOVE and FUN TIMES. They will be with you forever. RIP dear DOZER. 🐾❤️🐾

    Reply
  18. Oksana Risner says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:39 am

    Dearest Nagi:

    I’m so sad to learn about Dozer’s passing. Sweet angel! Our pets are our family. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.

    Reply
  19. Tommie Rosprim says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:38 am

    I will miss your stories Dozer. Wow what a life you have had! One lucky dog miss you.

    Reply
  20. Brandolene Selvog says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:37 am

    Rest in peace beautiful Dozer
    Mum gave you a wonderful life.
    Also you gave her the same.
    You are swimming on the waves!
    I will miss you so much and I love you and Mum.

    Reply
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