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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,778 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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The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer
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4,778 Comments

  1. Mildred Makumana says

    February 20, 2026 at 2:50 am

    I am so sorry for your loss Nagi we have known it was always Nagi and Dozer. I am really sorry to hear that Dozer passed so sad. Dozer rest in peace.

    Reply
  2. Stuart Borken says

    February 20, 2026 at 2:03 am

    The ache in your heart and the lonlyness never leaves. The memory of the good times stays and makes the loss more difficult….but, that only means that having that special pet was so very good. We go thru it and never forget and will always feel a sadness with recalled memories. Wishing you the best. stu Borken

    Reply
    • Lydia Elliott says

      February 20, 2026 at 2:58 am

      Dear Nagi, our animals show us the better side of everything ❤️ They love us unconditionally and when we have to say goodbye a little piece of our heart goes with them, they are often far better than humans. So often people do not realise how important and special our animals are, they are our family and they are loved beyond measure. Shedding so many tears reading your beautiful goodbye to dozer xxx

      Reply
  3. Jennifer Laster says

    February 20, 2026 at 1:15 am

    Tears and love from Texas. I

    Reply
  4. Shakira DS says

    February 19, 2026 at 10:15 pm

    Dozer will be forever in our hearts whenever we cook one of your recipes! Beloved boi.

    Reply
  5. Garry says

    February 19, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    RIP our beautiful DOZER , Our world needs more of you Nagi , take care 🙂 ❤️

    Reply
  6. garryfleming21@gmail.com says

    February 19, 2026 at 6:10 pm

    RIP our beautiful DOZER 😍 NAGI , our world needs more of you ! take care 🙂 💕

    Reply
  7. Ana says

    February 19, 2026 at 5:00 pm

    I’m 10 days late in hearing this, Nagi, and im so sorry.
    Dozer will be sorely missed but forever adored. ❤️

    Reply
    • Neina says

      February 20, 2026 at 12:24 am

      So very sorry to hear about Dozer. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us too. He was so loved by you and he had the best life with you. Sending love over this difficult time ❤️

      Reply
  8. Lorraine says

    February 19, 2026 at 3:16 pm

    So very sad to hear about Dozers passing. What a lovely boy he was. Sending love

    Reply
  9. Jeanette says

    February 19, 2026 at 1:43 pm

    So sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy Nagi.
    That is the only thing wrong with dogs – they just don’t live long enough😭

    Reply
  10. Kate says

    February 19, 2026 at 1:04 pm

    💔😢 The thousand of comments say it all Nagi, sending love to you

    Reply
  11. Joanna says

    February 19, 2026 at 12:25 pm

    Hi Nagi, I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer. I really wish our dogs could live with us our whole lives! We miss them so much – because we love them so much. Wishing you comfort, peace, hugs and permission to not be upbeat 🙂

    Reply
  12. Rani K. Falconer says

    February 19, 2026 at 11:20 am

    It’s amazing how beloved a dog can be, halfway around the world. And I’ve never even met him. I’m crying again, hurting with you Nagi, over the loss of Dozer to this world. But especially because we pet parents who have the privilege of having adorable furry creatures adopt us and change our entire existence can’t help but fall apart when we lose a Dozer, even if Dozer belonged to someone else. Love and comfort to you Nagi, and thank you for continuing to share the Best of Dozer. I share your heartbreak.

    Reply
  13. Ron says

    February 19, 2026 at 11:18 am

    So sorry for your loss Nagi. Our dogs are family and losing one is heartbreaking. Remember the wonderful times to help you heal.
    R.I.P. Dozer.

    Reply
  14. Known as Marlene says

    February 19, 2026 at 10:05 am

    Thinking of you Nagi, with a sad heart, it is so hard to say goodbye to our wonderful family members that give so much love. I also wanted to say how lucky Dozer was to have you as his mum. Everything photo of you both together radiated the love you shared together. XX

    Reply
  15. Pervin Fatakia says

    February 19, 2026 at 8:48 am

    Dear Nagi, so so very sorry to hear about Dozer..many a times I came on your site to enjoy Dozer than the actual recipes. It must be so tough losing him. He is in doggy heaven now but will always be with you in spirit. God bless!

    Reply
  16. Jenny Hawke says

    February 19, 2026 at 8:19 am

    So sorry for your loss Nagi, totally relatable experience let me assure you. As time passes your heart will heal and you have so many wonderful memories together and that’s a wonderful thing. Love Jenny 🌸

    Reply
  17. Farah says

    February 19, 2026 at 6:00 am

    Dear Nagi,
    Sending you lots of love and strength to help you through this difficult time. You’ve both been such an inspirational part of my family’s life — we’ve loved hearing your stories, and you’ve brought so much joy to our table. Thank you, and take care of yourself. x

    Reply
  18. Julia says

    February 19, 2026 at 5:36 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find consolation in knowing that you have given Dozer an incredible life.

    Reply
  19. Mariella Scarlett says

    February 19, 2026 at 4:41 am

    I’m so so sorry Nagy! I truly feel your pain ad I know exactly what you are going through.
    All I can say is how wonderful it was for you to have had his love, company and loyalty for 14 year!
    He will be in your heart forever, with the fun you shared and you will treasure those happy memories, The many photos and videos you have will make you cry but will also make you smile.
    It will take time to heal and nothing will replace Dozer but who knows if the future will bring your way a new 4 legged furry companion…..
    My most heartfelt condolences.

    Reply
  20. Jean Macdonald says

    February 19, 2026 at 4:21 am

    Hello Nagi, I’ve followed you (and Dozer) from the very beginning. I received your recipe for Rainbow Chicken and saw your notice about Dozer. I couldn’t read the recipe…
    He will be much missed. My thoughts are with you. I’m old now and don’t think it’s fair to have another dog, but believe me, every dog I’ve ever had stays with me. Dozer will always be with you! X

    Reply
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