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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. May says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:02 am

    Heartbreaking news, but dont forget that Dozer will be keeping an eye on you from the stars. Definitely!!

    Dozer will be always in our hearts, in the menus and food that you have shared where the presence of Dozer will be shining. ALWAYS!

    Lots of love f0r Dozer and yourself Nagi

    Reply
  2. AKrubygal says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:02 am

    My dear Nagi..I have tears for you and your loss of our Dozer boy. Whenever I visited your site, I always hit the Dozer button to read his daily life for that day before reading about the recipe details. 💜🐾 I too loved your boy. Please take the time to cry and heal. Dozer is and always will be a part of you and the recipetineats family. My heart and love goes out to you.

    Reply
  3. Angela Laine Barrow says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:01 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. I know your pain intimately having recently losing my own two amazing girls. I hope you can find comfort in your memories. Big hugs to you, Nagi.
    Angela Barrow

    Reply
  4. Karen Burns says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:01 am

    My heart is heavy for you. He will be greatl.y missed. He always brought a smile to me. My favorite canine chef. Feeling your pain from Canada. Be safe take care.

    Reply
  5. Suan says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:01 am

    Your pain is our pain! May you find the strength to smile again before too long. So terribly sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  6. Axel says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:01 am

    Our heartfelt condolences, Nagi. You are in our thoughts. He was blessed to have you, your love and your food. May Dozer rest in peace, eternally.

    Reply
  7. Cindy Vanderzalm says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:00 am

    I just want to say that I know your pain. We too led our precious Bernese mountain dog of 10 ½ years to rest the same day as your sweet Dozer. My heart breaks alongside of yours. Praying for comfort during this difficult time.

    Reply
  8. Joanna Monteiro says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:00 am

    Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry for such a loss. It’s so heartbreaking to lose such an important part of your family! Sending love and light during such a difficult time. ❣️

    Reply
  9. toni says

    February 10, 2026 at 4:00 am

    nagi,
    i m so sorry for your loss, my heart is breaking and broken. crying like a baby, thinking of dozer and all the precious fur babies i had to say goodbye to. i was not fortunate to meet dozer, but thru you; i feel like he was part of my family. holding you both in my heart forever.
    toni

    Reply
  10. Sharon Fogliato says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:57 am

    Please try to find comfort in knowing he loved you so much and you gave him love in return. You had a wonderful life together and you’ll remember these beautiful times and this will give you peace.

    Reply
  11. Furlong Lani says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:56 am

    May I please have an address for Nagi. I want to send a card to her!
    Thanks

    Reply
  12. DAVID & ELAINE says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:55 am

    WE LOST OUR DAISY, 12YEARS 1MONTH and 9 DAYS. OUR HALF BEAGEL, HALF BASSET HOUND. BAGEL IN POLITE COMPANY. SHE WAS FUNNY AND POLITE, SLOPPY, AND WRINKLED HER FORHEAD. SHE WAS A GIFT. SHE SLEPT AT MY SIDE HER ENTIRE LIFE. I MISS HER SO MUCH.

    Reply
  13. Tilly says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:55 am

    Nagi, so sorry for your loss. He seemed such a lovely companion to have and love.

    Reply
  14. Camille says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:53 am

    Oh Nagi, I am so sorry about your sweet Dozer! Thanks you so much for sharing his adventures with us! Reading your posts about him always made me smile. Sending love and prayers for you, to help heal your heart.

    Reply
  15. wendy silveira says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:50 am

    What a beautiful tribute to such a very special golden boy. Blessings and love for all you dig for your beloved boy, Dozer. You will see him again one day. Golden love from Wendy, Angus and Conor in California.

    Reply
  16. Mena says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:50 am

    Nagi tears are streaming down my face, (many miles away in Canada), for a beautiful dog and kind hearted lady I’ve never met. I will miss seeing that sweet face each time I read your posts. Dozer is in all our hearts and will not be forgotten. You did everything you could to show him all your love!

    Reply
  17. Laura K says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:50 am

    So sorry for your heartbreaking loss, Nagi. Dozer was so immensely loved, especially by you of course but also by all of us readers across the world. Thank you for sharing him with us ❤️

    Reply
  18. Mary says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:50 am

    Thank you so very much for sharing your Dozer with all of us these many wonderful years. A part of him belonged to all of us because of that generosity and he is loved worldwide by so many lucky enough to be a part of your lives together. My heart is breaking with this news but I am so grateful you were able to be right next to him to the end of his earthly journey comforting each other and sharing precious moments of deep love. You have given us all wonderful memories to hold him close forever and when the time is right those memories will begin to fill the hole in your heart. God’s word says He is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. I hope this brings you the same comfort it did me. I am holding you close.

    Reply
  19. Ruth says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:48 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss Nagi ! Like everyone else here. I could actually feel your heartache. I just want to give you a big hug. There are no words, and no one thats going to make you feel better right now. It’s like losing a child. Just take care of yourself and give yourself some time out to grieve and heal. Sending love 💕

    Reply
  20. Valerie says

    February 10, 2026 at 3:48 am

    Dear Nagi, this is the first time I cried my eyes out over a dog I never met in person. But like all of your readers, I feel like I knew him. Your loving bond to him was palpable and deeply touching. Love and thx to you & Dozer both for sharing it with us.

    Reply
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