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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. Julia Fraser says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Thank you Nagi for sharing Dozer with us over the years. He has brought so much joy to so many of us. He lived his best life surrounded by love right until his final moments. I wish that for all of us.

    Reply
  2. Siti says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Dearest Nagi,
    So terriby sorry for your loss, May all the wonderful memories with Dozer comfort you and rest assured Dozer is right there with you, smiling at your from over the rainbow. Sending you love and big big huggs from across the seas, take care.

    Reply
  3. Cheryl Evans says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    You gave each other 14 beautiful years full of love , just keep remembering that. 💜

    Reply
  4. Sunev says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    💔💔💔

    Reply
  5. Rohan says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Yep, I’m crying. All my love to you as you navigate this difficult time.

    Reply
  6. Julie MORRISON says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. Our pets are our family & nothing can ever replace them. Dozer will always be looking down on you with a smile & he will be there for you when it’s your time. RIP Dozer. You were so very loved 🙏🏽❤️

    Reply
  7. Donna Thomas says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Dearest Nagi and team,
    We all feel some of your loss, sorry is not a big enough word, but , you know, all the things you wished for him at the end may not have happened but his wish, that you were there, loving and comforting him, was the only thing he wished for. And he had that . Hugs to you all dxx

    Reply
  8. Roslyn Gore says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Goodbye to Dozer and may the memories you made together, help to heal you and bring you to a time when you can smile when a ‘Dozer’ moment happens… Love and hugs from a person who has also suffered a tragic loss of a beautiful, irreplaceable, loving boy companion. Xxx

    Reply
  9. steve newlan says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Thoughts are with you Nagi at this difficult time. R.I.P Dozer

    Reply
  10. TRACEY JOANNE KELLEHER says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    So sorry you have to go through this Nagi it truly is the hardest part of owning a dog I wish they lived as long as us! What a dear boy he was.

    Reply
  11. Sharon W says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Just so sad for you Nagi. Our pets are simply precious. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us.
    Rest easy, beautiful big boy x

    Reply
  12. Jodie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    So, so sorry. He fought hard. You fought hard. Take care of yourself and take as much time as you need to grieve your best friend and constant companion.

    Thanks for sharing Dozer with us. He’ll be missed, but he’ll live on in our hearts.

    Reply
  13. Cheryl says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:37 pm

    Heartfelt condolences Nagi

    Reply
  14. Lori A. says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Nagi, from the bottom of my heart I am so very sorry. I know this pain. It’s indescribably horrible. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us and letting us be a part of your family. Thinking of you…hugs.

    Reply
  15. Marianne Gamblin says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    My heart aches for you Nagi. So sorry for your loss. He was lucky to have you and you were lucky to have him. Such a beautiful partnership for so long. Sending love xx

    Reply
  16. Rhonda says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    We absolutely send you love, strength, and peace. ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙🩷💜
    Younwont gave an empty space in your heart as he has filled it up forever and always. Always with you now. Always

    Reply
    • Andrew Last says

      February 9, 2026 at 4:50 pm

      So sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer brought so much joy to you and to everyone who follows recipetineats, he will be missed by us all. Remember that you have a huge community who love and support you.

      Reply
  17. Mark Pyle says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    I’m so sorrow for your loss. Dozed was so special for you. What a great companion.

    Reply
  18. Michelle K says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Thank you Nagi for sharing Dozer with us all. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Love conquers all

    Reply
  19. Sue Thomas says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Fly high Dozer. Think I loved you as much as Navi did. Sending hugs Nagi. Dozer was a beautiful soul.

    Reply
  20. Tiff S says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:36 pm

    Oh darling , we all loved him too ….last year I lost my 8 year old blue girl to lymphoma ❤️🧡 sending you all the love in the world

    Reply
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