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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,914 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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4,914 Comments

  1. Valerie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    This made me really sad. Dozer always put a smile on my face from across the world. You were the best mom, Dozer was so lucky to have you. He crossed the rainbow bridge and is looking down at you with love. He will never be far away, always close in your heart. Please take care of yourself. Sending love from Seattle.

    Reply
  2. Vicki says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    ❤️ 😩

    Reply
  3. Naomi says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Dear Nagi

    My heart is breaking for you as I read this. I always loved everything you posted about Dozer and your adventures together. Sending you big hugs Nagi, and you and Dozer are in my thoughts and Prayers. You are a terrific Mum. Lots of Love to you.

    Reply
  4. Alion says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Dear Nagi, I feel your pain with a heavy heart and trust his memory will continue to light your way home. Love and light ✨🤍 RIP Dozer🕊️

    Reply
  5. Pam says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Nagi,
    I’ve been there so many times losing one of my pets that become our best friend. I feel your pain, I’m so sorry for your loss. You have beautiful memories of Dozer, such a fantastic dog! I’m glad you shared your memories and pics, thank you and thank you for all the great recipes. Hope the days aren’t too sad for you. Sorry again. Pam

    Reply
  6. Ginny says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs. I lost my girl Gracie not too long ago. Our 4 legged buddies are the best.

    Reply
  7. SUSAN (SUE) Heddle says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    So sorry Nagi. They give us so much and we give them so much and it is still heartbreaking when we have to say goodbye. Thoughts are with you xx

    Reply
  8. Says says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

    Such heartbreak when you lose a dog – took me over a year to be able to look at photos without crying when I lost my wee boy. Dozer sounded just incredible. Thinking of you.

    Reply
  9. Jeremy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Sending love

    Reply
  10. Maria says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Oh Nagi, I can’t even begin to imagine the pain, loss & sorrow you are going through right now. My heart aches for you. But know that Dozer knew he was loved….that he was special….take comfort in that and all the beautiful memories you have of him. Sending love & hugs xxxx

    Reply
  11. Michael says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Sending love

    Reply
    • Ana says

      February 9, 2026 at 5:17 pm

      Nagi, I’m so very sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing. I wish I could give you a great big hug 🤗. It’s so very hard to lose our best friend and knowing how much you loved each other. If I could give you one wish it would be to bring Dozer back to you. He was extra special and we will miss him. Holding you both in my heart and in my prayers. 🙏🏻❤️🇨🇦

      Reply
  12. Liz says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    My heart broke for you Nagi x kindred spirit makes us wonderous kind. Dozer will be frolicking up there waiting for you . Love to you

    Reply
  13. Amo & Az says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Dozer was so special. We will always cherish the time we spent with you and Dozer, seeing the light you brought to one another.
    His spirit will always be with you, while he’s romping happily with Jarrah and buddies in the sky.

    Reply
  14. Elena says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Un abrazo cariñoso, Dozer vivirá siempre en tu corazón.

    Reply
  15. Dajana says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    My heart aches alongside yours, Nagi. Losing a furry family member is such a gut punch and the grief can be overwhelming. Sending you love from Edmonton, Canada. Godspeed, Dozer.

    Reply
  16. Stephen Hollins says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    I’m so, so, sorry to learn of Dozer. Bawling my eyes out and thinking of you and your best mate.
    I lost my best mate and wife of 44 yrs. last year.
    We’ll all shed a tear and think about Doz. everyday.

    Reply
  17. Alanna says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Having lost my Australian cattle dog to cancer 7 years ago ( he was almost 14yo), I too was with him to the end. Like you, my heart was broken and his death still feels like it was yesterday… it took me 4 years to feel ready to love another dog, but here I am down the track with a now 3yo ACD who has brought so much love to my heart. I will never forget Diesel, or the pain I felt when he passed away, it my life was empty without a four legged friend.. take care Nagi, your heart will heal with time, but you will never forget Dozer and the love you shared xx

    Reply
  18. Lyndal Burnham says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    All my love Nagi.❤️😢

    Reply
  19. Vicky says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer brought so much warmth and joy, he felt like family to so many of us. Sending you love and gentle strength, and thank you for sharing his beautiful spirit with us

    Reply
  20. Juliet says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:55 pm

    He will live on forever in your heart ♥️ and we will always be grateful you shared him with us. Sending love and hugs X

    Reply
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