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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. Susan says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:51 am

    I am so very sorry.

    Reply
  2. Cheryl C says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:50 am

    My dear Nagi, you and Dozer are a household name around here. When I tell my friends about your website I always add “the lady with a beautiful dog named Dozer.”

    Besides speaking of your wonderful recipes I spoke about your constant companion Dozer and how attentive you were to each other and how much he was a part of everything you did.

    I enjoyed all of your stories about him and laughed with you. What a beautiful dog he was! Handsome and intelligent dog! Always looking sharp and strutting his stuff beside you. The joy he brought you transferred to your readers. He always put a smile on my face because I’d find myself saying “look at Dozer” and chuckle at your comments. He was a part of you and you of him!

    He’s gone only in the physical on to another dimension, but his energy will continue to be around you to comfort you with the tons of beautiful memories you’ve shared.

    He doesn’t want you to be sad. He wants you to continue the journey you’ve started so that he can still be a part of it.

    So wipe your tears my dearest, put on that beautiful smile of yours, because Dozer will always be in your heart and ours as we all fondly remember him and the joy he brought us through you, forever!

    Thank you for sharing him with us!

    Reply
  3. Leslie Oie says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:50 am

    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. We loved him from afar. He touched us and confirmed what I always knew, not all angels have wings! It’s clear that you gave him an incredible life and he enriched yours. He will never be forgotten, nor will you. Sending you love and praying for your healing. Watch for his paw prints in the sand. I’m sure he’ll always be with you.

    Reply
  4. Debora J Law says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:50 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that pain all too well. Dozer had an amazing mom and an amazing life. The pain eases over time. 💔 I truly believe what helped me was speaking with an animal communicator. Praying for your heart to heal.

    Reply
  5. Janice Buckman says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:49 am

    I’m so sorry. My heart is broken for you 😭💔

    Reply
  6. Tamara says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:49 am

    Dozer made the world brighter. Thank you for sharing him ❤️ with us. He is deeply missed.

    Reply
  7. Sherry says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:48 am

    It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. He’s in a better place now. You have all your memories of him that will see you thru. I’ve enjoyed my time with you two. I loved him too. Thanx for those memories.❤️

    Reply
  8. Randi (Gigi) Barrett says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:47 am

    Crying over your loss of Dozer. Love your recipes

    Reply
  9. Eloise Kelly says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:47 am

    I am so sorry to hear about Dozer. He was a beautiful dog. Magy he rest in peace

    Reply
  10. Helen says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:46 am

    Thank you and Dozer for sharing your beautiful love story. I am crying and inspired. May time heal your heartbreak.

    Reply
  11. Jo says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:46 am

    Your post brought tears to my eyes and a pain in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. You and Dozer are an everyday reminder of the wiles and laughter our furry family brings to us. I have your cookbook sitting in my cookbook holder open to the page of you giving Dozer kale. I have a 13 1/2 yo Yellow Lab and that is exactly how she would react and it makes me smile. Now I will see that picture with sadness that Dozer is no longer with you. But I do know he was loved and brought you great happiness and comfort.

    Reply
  12. DEBI MORGAN says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:46 am

    I hope you know that your beautiful words are not only for Dozer, they for all of us who have lost a beloved pet. By loving him, you have also given us a precious gift. Thank you for sharing his life, and even his final days with us. You are a remarkable person, Nagi, and loved by so many. May Dozer’s memory bring you joy once the hurt fades from view. What you did for him will never be forgotten. ❤️

    Reply
  13. Ron Jennings says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:45 am

    So sorry for the loss of your best friend.

    Reply
  14. Roslyn Walker says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:45 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Dozer. You had such an amazing bond with him, and I loved witnessing it. I understand the grief you are feeling…your supporters will miss him too. Many hugs and kisses to you..XXOO

    Reply
  15. Laura says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:45 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is heartbreaking because they are our family. I loved seeing Dozer in your posts; he seemed like the sweetest dog. Praying for comfort for you, and I know your sweet boy is resting peacefully.

    Reply
  16. Barb says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    The world is crying with you! All dogs go to heaven, so Dozer is there still watching over you. Thank you for sharing Dozer’s wonderful life with your devoted readers.

    Reply
  17. Jacquie Voss says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    So sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing but after he crossed that Rainbow Bridge he could run free, no pain, no health issues and he will be waiting to run with you again!

    Reply
  18. Sandra says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    🫂🫂🤍

    Reply
  19. anne mcnamara says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:44 am

    My heart goes out to you

    Reply
  20. Margaret Molloy says

    February 10, 2026 at 2:43 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss as dog lover I know what it’s like. Take care of yourself x

    Reply
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