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Home Dozer

The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
5,101 Comments
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Published3 Feb '26 Updated3 Mar '26
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I’ve cried a thousand tears and there’s a million more to come.

Almost a fortnight ago, Dozer was hospitalised at SASH with a double lung infection (pneumonia). If he was a spritely young chap, it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. But he’s 13.9 years old, with other medical conditions, and with that comes the reality that is the circle of life.

The initial prognosis was dire, and he went downhill worryingly fast. But my boy is a fighter. Against all odds, he improved, his lungs showed some healing and his vitals were strong. He worked hard on physical rehab and was even discharged on the weekend ………

The happiness of discharge day was sadly fleeting….we were back at ICU mere hours later. With -some of the wonderful ICU nurses of SASH (left to right: Heather, Jo Jo, Taylor, Raf and Dr Adelina).

…….only to be back in ICU a mere 2 hours later with complications. Discharged again….then back in ICU again 10 hours later.

We’re in the final chapter of Life of Dozer and we all know how the story will end. But before we get to the final page, it is my greatest hope that Dozer can come home in good enough condition to have some time to do the things he loves the most – spending time with his favourite people, scavenging around the table, playing with friends at the beach.

And being by my side, 24/7. All the neck rubs in the world. All the hugs, all the kisses, all the pats.

So for the next little while, I will be taking time away from work. JB and my brother Goh are taking charge of both RTE and RTM (our food bank). JB is going to start sharing new recipes and bring some much needed cheer to this website. Hopefully one a week, if he can manage it with the extra business operations responsibilities he’s taken on. He’s been dropping off recipe samples to me at ICU, which I appreciate greatly, even if eating French delicacies next to beeping machines feels slightly surreal.

I can’t promise to share Dozer updates on all his recipes – to be frank, it depends how Dozer is going – but you’ll see some interesting insights into how JB and I work together on recipes remotely. 🙂

Thank you for all the years of love you’ve shown Dozer, for sharing your own fur baby stories, and for making him feel so deeply adored far beyond our little world. I hope to be able to share some more light hearted Life of Dozer tales for the next little while.

Love – Nagi x

Update: I am brokenhearted to share that he didn’t make it. See the Dozer Tribute post here.


Life of Dozer

In honour of the joy Dozer has brought to this website over the years, I can’t finish this post without bringing some cheer to the Life of Dozer section. 🙂 Here he is eating an ice pop – literally just plain ice. It’s his absolute favourite treat these days! Funny how much the bar drops when you’re in hospital, gourmet expectations reduced to frozen tap water and he’s living his best life. ❤️


Dozer was my beautiful dog and faithful companion for 14 years. He was also official taste-tester of RecipeTin Eats, and filled every day with joy, mischief and laughs. He passed away in February 2026. I miss him every day. The Life Of Dozer section shares the happiest moments of his life and keeps his memory alive. Read more about him here.

In loving memory of Dozer

2012 – 2026


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5,101 Comments

  1. Gillian Gavshon says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    I know exactly how you feel – we lost our adorable Molly some years ago now but still always in our thoughts. Lots of hugs to Dozer and all other Golden Retrievers – my favourite dog!!

    Reply
  2. Lisa says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Thank you for taking time out to update your RTE following at this stressful time. Worldwide we are collectively and individually sending love and support for you, Dozer, and your RTE family. We will still be here whatever happens…
    Look after you too dear Nagi.

    Reply
    • Chris Hills says

      February 3, 2026 at 4:40 pm

      Tears of empathy for you and Dozer. You’ve had a friend beyond measure, how wonderful to have shared so much together. .. as my husband and I say …..the power of a dog !!!💝🐕

      Reply
  3. jacklyn wells says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Prayers for Dozer and you

    Reply
  4. Teri Smith says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Sending the warmest hugs to you both xx

    Reply
  5. Connie Haskins says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Oh Nagi! So much love coming to you and Dozer. I have enjoyed every moment reading about his life and adventures. We all know the price of such deep love is grief. We have been through this more than once with our beloved dogs. And we wouldn’t have missed the fun, friendship & devotion for the world, even though the heartache is so raw. The memories will always be with you. I hope you have more happy moments with Dozer and that he gets home. Much love Connie ❤️

    Reply
  6. Julieanderson says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Silly to cry over a dog you have never met but l have loved seeing him in photos and l feel like l know you both it’s hard to say good bye to a loved companion best of luck Love you Dozerxx

    Reply
  7. Marie says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Sending virtual hugs and peaceful vibes as you spend this precious time with Dozer. Have been where you are. It’s a journey, one I’ll never forget. Take care of yourself too Nagi. Love to you both.

    Reply
  8. john Kesselschmidt says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    My cat recently had to be terminated. She, Katie was 26. I still hallucinate that she’s behind my knees in bed. I feel for you! Love Johnny

    Reply
  9. Danielle says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through as a dog mum of 2 spaniel girls one 9yrs and full of health problems I can only imagine the heart break.

    We celebrated my youngest’s 4th birthday today with Dozers birthday cake recipe it was a hit with all her puppy friends.

    We thinking of you and your family x

    Reply
  10. chelcy says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Oh, Nagi, sending you and Dozer all the best boy vibes. Crossing all available fingers and toe beans that he can have another run at the beach with you and his buds. Thank you for sharing him with us!! Sending hugs and aloha to you both!! 💕

    Reply
  11. Lexy says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Positive thoughts ,stay strong and bring Dozer home to make lasting memories of the dear old man ❤️

    Reply
  12. Annette says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Hello Nagi-Sending you warm wishes, tight hugs and prayers. Thank you for sharing your beautiful stories of Dozer and declicious recipes. Love with all my heart.

    Reply
  13. Sue Keane says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Sending all my love to you and Dozer.❤️

    Reply
  14. Marie says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Sending virtual hugs and peaceful vibes as you spend this precious time with Dozer. Have been where you are. It’s a journey, one I’ll never forget. Take care of yourself too Nagi. Sending love to you both.

    Reply
  15. Dalyce says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    All my best wishes for you and Dozer, Nagi! May you be blessed with some quality time at home and the beach with your sweet Dozer.

    Reply
  16. Kristen Tassone says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    I just wanted to say how much my heart goes out to you + Dozer. Even though I’ve never met you or him in person, your emails + recipes have made me feel like I know you both, + it’s clear how deeply loved + cherished he is.

    I can only imagine how surreal + emotional it must be right now. I hope you’re able to find little moments of comfort – whether that’s through JB’s recipes, ICU beeps, or just snuggling with your beloved Dozer.

    Thank you for sharing him with all of us over the years. He’s lucky to have you, + we’ve all been lucky to feel a bit of that love too. 💛🙏🏽🐾

    Thinking of you both,
    Kristen
    x

    –

    Reply
  17. SHEILA HIGGINS says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Sending lots of love and hugs to you and Dozer. Our fur kids may be little but they take up the biggest space in our hearts and then our hearts break because we can’t keep them safe forever.

    Reply
  18. Alex says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    My Dear Nagi and Sweetest Dozer,

    My heart is breaking for what you both have been going through.

    With full transparency, as soon as I read your subject line, my eyes were filled with tears as I steadied myself for what was coming.

    But, I am consoled that this is not the circle closing yet, Nagi.
    You have a dedicated medical team of vets doing all they possibly can to keep Dozer with you – and us.

    For those of us who have loved our furry family members it is heartbreaking to see them sick, and I am again so sorry for Dozer’s current situation.

    He is a determined fellow so I shall hold faith and offer my prayers for both of you.

    Please try to live in ‘the now’ while you are still together, and not get pulled in by the ‘what-ifs, or what may come’. Your loving companion is still here with you and I believe he feels every heartbeat of YOUR love.

    JB and your brother will handle all that needs done with caring and grace, especially the needs of the RTM, which in my opinion takes priority over ‘us’ needing new recipes. That part will return in time, and everyone will be happy when it does.

    Sending Much Love and Hugs, Nagi, and Big Belly Rubs for “Our Boy”.
    🥰🤗

    Prayers and Strength from The Canadian Prairies.

    Alex🦄

    Reply
  19. pam says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:25 pm

    Hugs for you both!
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    Reply
  20. Martina says

    February 3, 2026 at 4:24 pm

    There are no words, just sending you and Dozer so much love and wish you get to spend some special time together before it’s time for farewell. They are family, comforting companions through so many milestones, wins and challenges, pure and beautiful souls. Let the beautiful memories offer you support on this journey.

    Reply
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