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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,784 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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4,784 Comments

  1. Jo says

    February 14, 2026 at 3:00 pm

    So sorry . Dozer will be missed so much a very special dog and soulmate. You gave him the best life .thankyou for sharing him x

    Reply
  2. Jenniah says

    February 14, 2026 at 2:51 pm

    Oh nagi, im so sorry im truly heart broken for you! I have just seen this post and im in absolute shock! Dozer was loved by thousands of households around the world! And no doubt many felt like he was part of the family even if we had never met him. It was obvious how much he was loved and he knew how much he was loved! He lived a good life. Thinking of you sending yoh the biggest hugs xx

    Reply
  3. Tessa says

    February 14, 2026 at 2:45 pm

    Sending so much love in this terribly hard time. You are in all our thoughts.

    Reply
  4. Christine says

    February 14, 2026 at 2:26 pm

    Dear Nagi,

    So recently met you online looking for Goan Fish ingredients and methods ….

    Now Silent tears as I read your post for your beautiful 💝Dozer💝

    You are a most precious person to follow, in our often sad world, lifting us up to a joyful experience in this pilgrimage of life.

    I and so many others thank you for sharing your genuine and peaceful loves, including beloved Dozer and remarkable Recipes 🙏

    Sending prayers of comfort and healing

    Kindest regards

    Christine

    Reply
  5. Terry cahill says

    February 14, 2026 at 1:45 pm

    so sorry of lose Nigi

    Reply
  6. Lebo Malao says

    February 14, 2026 at 12:45 pm

    Hey Nagi, my deepest condolences to you darling. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. May you find solace in the fact that Dozer is no longer in pain and remember the love you shared.

    Lots of love and hugs all the way from South Africa 🌍.

    Reply
  7. Shawna says

    February 14, 2026 at 12:26 pm

    My dearest condolences for your beloved dozer the love our pets give to us is like no other, please find comfort in knowing how much he new you loved him and the memories you shared ❤️❤️🐱🐱

    Reply
  8. Douglas says

    February 14, 2026 at 12:19 pm

    It’s like losing a family member. The pain is just as intense. My heart goes out to you Nagi. What a wonderful mother you were to Dozer!

    Reply
  9. bronny turner says

    February 14, 2026 at 12:05 pm

    Hey chick ,
    Sending big hugs, have known your pain with my last Labrador Bronson ( who also spent time at SASH. Can only say to you that he will always be with you , the pain your feeling now will ease.
    Take Care of You xx

    Reply
  10. Trina says

    February 14, 2026 at 11:34 am

    Oh Nagi. I’ve been following Dozer’s final journey for a while now but this post broke me. It broke my heart for you. Losing our fur babies rips our hearts out. Sending so much love to you right now, Dozer was so lucky to have you as his mum xx

    Reply
  11. markham says

    February 14, 2026 at 11:27 am

    My deepest condolences. May your memories of Dozer give you comfort in the days and years to come.

    Reply
  12. Esthe Pretorius says

    February 14, 2026 at 11:25 am

    Dear Nagi,

    My heart truly breaks for you. My own best friend in the whole wide world turns 14 this year. She has a heart murmur, and we didn’t think she would make it to 2026. I can’t begin to fathom life without Amber. I’ve followed Dozer’s life alongside you and feel like I’ve lost a furry friend too. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. Please take things one minute at a time, that’s more than enough right now. 🤍

    Reply
  13. Chenoa Tatiana Flores says

    February 14, 2026 at 11:18 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss. God bless you, you will see Dozer again. 🙏

    Reply
  14. Kim says

    February 14, 2026 at 11:17 am

    I’ve read this a few times now and each time I’ve teared up. My heart breaks for your loss. Dozer was lucky to have you as his mum and you to have him as your fur baby.

    Reply
  15. Hildy says

    February 14, 2026 at 10:43 am

    Nagi, so sorry about Dozer. You touched my heart and know that all of us who have had that pure unconditional love with a pup is one of life’s great treasures. Hugs

    Reply
  16. Ralph Gongora says

    February 14, 2026 at 9:39 am

    Nagi
    I live alone with my 13.5 year old dog named Buddy and worry constantly about what I’ll do when that time comes. He’s the only family I have here in Miami Fl and at 80 yrs old and with no friends I think I will go crazy.
    I want you to know I cried when I found out Dozer is no longer with you and felt very sad all day. I would always look for your comments and photos of him and that would make me happy. I can just imagine how you most be feeling without your lovely boy Dozer. You are young and in time will make the right decision to adopt another dog or not. I Prey to God it gives you the strength to deal with your situation in the least painful way.
    RIP Dozer 🦮
    😢

    Reply
  17. Mark J says

    February 14, 2026 at 9:24 am

    when you go to heaven all the pets you ever loved will come running to meet you…

    Reply
  18. Joan says

    February 14, 2026 at 9:14 am

    Dear Nagi,
    You and Dozer are the best! He’ll always be in your heart. And, you graciously shared all the Dozer times with us readers. It’s a great tattoo of love and honor. ❤️

    Reply
  19. TigerSqueakilyJr says

    February 14, 2026 at 8:51 am

    Thank you for starting out at home with dozer by your side.that how we knew we could trust you. We trust the digs more than the people in our house, you were a great dog guardian and an inspiration to us all.

    Reply
  20. Jennifer McNerlin says

    February 14, 2026 at 8:46 am

    Oh Nagi…my heart breaks for you, saying goodbye is the absolute hardest part of having a beloved pet. You gave Dozer the best of life the best of care and the best of love and in return he gave you his heart and taught you how to love, his job was done and he went to the Rainbow Bridge where he will wait with his perfect whole self for you , my dear. Give yourself grace, take time to grieve and remember Dozer, always…💔

    Reply
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