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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,915 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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4,915 Comments

  1. Donna says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    I’m so very sorry for your loss of Dozer. There is no greater pain. Thank you for sharing him with us – all your laughs and stories.

    Reply
  2. Jane Elisabeth Callister says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your gorgeous boy.

    My dog is 16 this year and I can’t bear the thought of not having Spot around.

    Lucky you had love and he was loved. Memories are the best and I’m sure you have many.

    RIP Dozer and will miss him too.

    Reply
  3. linda lawson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    so sorry he will be forever in your heart and always with you

    Reply
  4. Annette says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:22 pm

    Sending all my love and hugs after the passing of dear Dozer.
    You had a beautiful connection with him.
    Take care lovely lady. xxx

    Reply
  5. Rose Riddell says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    Oh Navi, I am so sorry about Dozer. What a wonderful dog. My thoughts are with you as you navigate his loss.

    Reply
  6. Veronique van der Werf says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    So sad.
    I understand your pain xx

    Reply
  7. Ian McLean says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    So sorry Nagi. We loved seeing how you incorporated Dozer so completely in your life. It’s so hard to lose your best friend and constant companion. Our thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  8. Prisiro says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    May he rest in peace ♥
    Nagi you gave him the best life and he will always be loved.

    Reply
  9. Ms regina townsend says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    i remember when you got dozer as a puppy ..i am feeling for you ..i have had my pets cross the raindow and have photos and will never forget them ,,,they take a special place in your heart forever…loved you journey…regina

    Reply
  10. Susan Mitchell says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. I truly believe that God allows our furry friends in Heaven. I’ve got several now that I believe are waiting for me. I pray for you Dear Nagi, for comfort and peace in the days, months and years ahead. It will get easier, I promise. Thank you for sharing Beautiful Dozer with us. He will be missed until we meet him in Heaven.

    Reply
  11. PK says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    I have tears running down my cheeks after reading your loving tribute to Dozer. I’ve loved reading stories about Dozer because they reminded me of my golden retriever who died 22 years ago. There’s something very special and irreplaceable about a golden when he/she is yours. The sorrow won’t always be this consuming or as sharp; but it will remain. One day you will dream about Dozer and when you awaken it will make you happy instead of sad. Sending you strength and understanding across the miles

    Reply
  12. Fran McDaniel says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    Oh Nagi, my heart aches for you, I am so sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved fur baby, Dozer. Sending lots of hugs and prayers for comfort and healing.

    Reply
  13. Marcia says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    This is heartbreaking, losing a beloved pet is one of the saddest things ever. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dozer is at peace now, hopefully you’ll find comfort in knowing he’s no longer in pain.

    Reply
  14. Brett says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    Nagi,
    My sincerest condolences on losing beautiful Dozer.
    Reading your note brought tears to my eyes knowing how much you loved and treasured that wonderful boy.
    Take time out and don’t worry what people expect of you as you grieve, we all know loss and something about our 4 legged friends really hit home when they are gone.

    You gave Dozer the best life and I’m sure he is being kept busy over that rainbow bridge with our departed boys, Cody,Teddy 1, Bear and Teddy 2.🌈

    Reply
  15. JANICE CURRIN says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    So sorry to hear about your beautiful boy, such a precious soul, these wonderful parts of our lives aren’t here on earth long enough, love to you beautiful Dozer xxx

    Reply
  16. Janette Chang says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    I am crying with you Nagi. Dozer like my Mimi is family.
    You have good memories and heaps of pictures to share and enjoy. Life is not complete with out your best mate!

    Reply
  17. Anne Attwood says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    Love to you Nagi, reading this broke my heart. and reminds me of my beloved JD. He too was a gentle giant, who loved me and loved his food. and it still hurts ten years later but he was loved by me and my family and he loved us so so much. It hurts because you had an amazing bond. Its not fair, we only have them for such a short time but they shape our lives and are never forgotten. Love you and am sending you a huge hug. He will always be in your heart xxxx

    Reply
  18. Sue Lafferty says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    Sorry to hear about your beloved dog, Dozer. May all your treasured memories comfort you.

    Reply
  19. linda lawson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    so sorry he will be forever in your heart

    Reply
  20. diane parker says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:21 pm

    Felt every word, beautiful words full of love one day you will smile when you think of Dozer, sending heartfelt love your way 💞

    Reply
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