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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. Karen says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Oh Nagi, so sad 😞 Dozer loved you so much. You did everything & more that you could do. We’ll all miss him. You & everyone will remember all those good times. All those beautiful photo’s you posted, you were beautiful together. Karen 😢💞

    Reply
  2. JULIANA M MOSCOSO says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Dear Nagi, thinking of you and your home and work family.
    Dozer was such a beautiful boy and you had a wonderful 14 years together.
    Fly high beautiful boy 🌈🌈🌈

    Reply
  3. Pip says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    So sorry for your loss. God bless.

    Reply
  4. Lorraine says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    I am so very sorry Nagi, I have lost so many fur babies in my 80 years and know the pain…try to remember the precious times and know others are thinking about you…much love…

    Reply
  5. Jano says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    The love between a dog and their person is a warm comfort feeling. That feeling never leaves you but there’s just an added tingle of sadness. Im thinking of you Nagi and am grateful to have found you and Dozer. XO

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    I’m so sorry Nagi for you Loss 🥲we all loved Dozer💙 Rest in peace Dozer boy you will forever be missed 💕

    Reply
  7. Maulshree Solanki says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Read a children’s book called ‘Cry heart, but never break’. It may be what you need right now, when Dozer has become a star in the cosmos

    Reply
  8. Cate Armstrong Brodie says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    I am so sorry, Nagi! We all felt like we knew Dozer, through your writing,
    Lots of love

    Reply
  9. Polly says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    ❤️Love and loss so entwined. My heart goes out to you.

    Reply
  10. Carol Saunders says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Oh geez. It hurts so much because it brings back memories of losing my girls. I don’t know you, but I know your pain. My deepest condolences.

    Reply
  11. Sherrie Travis says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    How your tribe from all over the world is crying right along with you, Nagi. ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  12. Mella says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Rest in peace dear Dozer 🙏❤️love from California

    Reply
  13. Kath says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    Our hearts with you. Thankyou for your sharing of a wonderful person called Dozer.
    Love is never lost.

    Reply
  14. Maureen Endicott says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    Thank you so much Nagi for all you give, you shared such wonderful moments of your life with Dozer. I know I’m not the only one that enjoyed every single moment
    And I’m not the only one who is grieving. Not only where do you but for you and I love that you have lost. One day when the sobs finaly stop, the smiles we’ll return every time you think of your dear Dozer. 1 day you will be able to remember the laughter and the joy. Don’t be afraid to love agin; Human hearts just like Dog hearts have an amazing capacity for love.
    Blessings, you are an amazing human.
    Maureen

    Reply
  15. Dee-Dee says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    Nagi, I’m so sorry that sweet Dozer has passed over the Rainbow Bridge. The pain you’re feeling will ease, but you’ll always miss him. His spirit will still be around you, and trust that you will be reunited with Dozer one day. You’re in my heart and prayers.

    Reply
  16. John says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    Dear Nagi, So very very sorry. It is devastating to lose a treasured and loved pet. Lost mine last year and still grieving for him. Crying for both of them. My thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  17. Andrew Eels and brian gillett says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    Sending our condolences we’ve just lost our labourer after 17 years and know what you are going through

    Reply
  18. Reena says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    Very sorry for your loss. Have been following Dozer for a number of years. May he have a good life in doggy heaven. Sending love & wishes from Mumbai, India

    Reply
  19. Alan says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    I’m so very sorry, Nagi xxx

    Reply
  20. Joe says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    The loss of a beloved pet and companion is almost indescribable. Thank you sharing Dozer and your feelings with us all. Our thoughts are with you.

    Reply
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