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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
3,407 Comments
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Published9 Feb '26 Updated9 Feb '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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I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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3,407 Comments

  1. Gloria Newton Davlantis says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:54 am

    So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer. Sending you love and positive energy.

    Reply
  2. Jan says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:50 am

    Nagi, it’s hard to type through the tears. Bless your sweet soul, Dozer. Shine down on your mum to give her strength, solace and peace to get through this sad time.
    From one of your worldwide fans who adored you., rest well, good boy…. 💔🌈💔

    Reply
  3. Kuppy says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:47 am

    Thinking of you, Nagi. In time you will think of Dozer and smile instead of crying but for now, sob all you need to. You were so lucky to have each other other x

    Reply
  4. Ro Kilroy says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:45 am

    Nagi, oh deary me! My thoughts are with you as you grieve. You just think this time will never come to be without them. I have two friends who have just lost old Labs, beautiful gentle natured, just like Dozer.

    Reply
  5. Cristina says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:44 am

    Oh Nagi,
    My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to you at this excruciating time. 🫂

    From your introduction to Dozer and continued inclusion of him in all that you do, feels like he was a part of my life and I will miss him. I’m certain that many of your followers share the same sentiment.

    You were the absolute BEST mamma and he’ll always be with you. 🐾🩷🐾

    Reply
  6. Margaret Allen says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:44 am

    Oh Nagi. So sad for you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us all ❤️

    Reply
  7. Kay says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:41 am

    No words can express the sorrow I feel and the tears I shed reading your tribute to Dozer. You gave him love and a wonderful life and he gave your his unconditional love and loyalty. Dozer will always be in your heart and your memories xxx

    Reply
  8. Siobhan Murphy says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:40 am

    It’s so hard to say goodbye. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  9. Jennifer McBride says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:40 am

    My heart goes out to you, I know from losing my little fur baby after 14 years how heartbreaking it is, time will heal. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Reply
  10. Susan says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:38 am

    Dear Nagi,
    Thank you for introducing us to Dozer. With every post and picture, we followed your adventures together and Dozer became part of our lives too in a way. So sorry for what you are going through. He was deeply loved and you will cherish those memories forever.

    Reply
  11. Janene Edgecombe says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:38 am

    With tears as well I read you most loving and heart forever by my side post…you and Dozer were the perfect match, and that true love will never end. We are so sorry for the loss of your treasured Dozer, but as you say he will always be in your heart.

    Reply
  12. ESTERINA NASUTI says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:38 am

    Dear Nagi

    My condolences to you.

    I want to thank you for sharing your life with Dozer with me.

    Love and light to You Nagi

    Rina

    Reply
  13. Susan says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:37 am

    Along with the thousands of tears being shed across the globe at this moment, I share your loss and heartbreak. To me, there is no greater unconditional love than what comes from a beloved dog. Dozer was so fortunate to have you for his whole life. I will pray for Dozer and my Speck, as they wait for us in doggie heaven. God bless!

    Reply
  14. Penny says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:37 am

    Nagi, so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you. Dozer was so very lucky to have you as his doting mum, he had a beautiful life with you. May he now rest in peace.

    Reply
  15. Coby Van Den Elst says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:37 am

    Dear Nagi, so sorry for your loss. He will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.

    Reply
  16. Millia says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:36 am

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dozer 🙁 RIL Beautiful boy

    Reply
  17. Eila T says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:36 am

    I am so very sorry, my heart aches for your loss. But Dozer will go on to live in the memories of the many of us with whom you shared him. Thank you for the joy he brought to us also. Hugging you with my heart.

    Reply
  18. Alice - mum of Roxie & Lulu says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:36 am

    So beautiful & unbearably sad. I hope you slowly find a place where your many loving memories comfort you. Many of us read this thru a flood of tears, remembering the loss of our own much loved pets. For me, l lost my 20 year old cats late 2024, had them since babies. l too held & slept with them, as did my daughter, until they passed. Dozer knows how much you loved him & what he meant to you. Unconditional love for both of you.

    Reply
  19. Paul says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:35 am

    My heart goes out to you. The love of a dog is given unconditionally. It is very special. It is unlike anything else. Know that Dozer loved you with all of his being.

    Reply
  20. frances pessina says

    February 10, 2026 at 9:32 am

    Dear Nagi
    So very sad for you

    Reply
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