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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,785 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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4,785 Comments

  1. Stephen Votadini says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:39 pm

    Feel rest assured Nagi that Dozer will always be beside you, pain-free and happy. You might even smell him once in a while. Let that comfort you.

    Reply
  2. Celeste says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:39 pm

    I’m so sorry for your heartbreak. I can’t even imagine your pain and loss of losing Dozer. Hope you can find some solice with your loved ones and we look forward to having you back when you are ready. Sending love ❤️

    Reply
  3. Lynne says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:37 pm

    Oh Nagi I’m so very sad and sorry for your loss of Dozer. Such painful grief is the price we pay for loving so deeply. Dozer had a wonderful life with you and knew he was so loved- that’s pretty special and when you are ready you have so many photos to remember your time together 💜

    Reply
  4. Margie says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:37 pm

    Oh Nagi, I am so sorry to hear this latest news about Dozer. The time we have with our furry family is never enough. Hoping you are getting the comfort and care you need in these difficult days. Please take care of yourself. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. He was the goodest boy. Sending you a hug across the wires.💗

    Reply
  5. Annette says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:37 pm

    We will miss you Dozer!

    Reply
  6. Donald Junis says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:36 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. We’ve been through the same thing.

    Reply
  7. Maddie K says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:36 pm

    I think you are an amazing person, I am in awe of all that you have accomplished but that letter to Dozer…. wow…. I admire you and respect you and appreciate all that you probably have sacrificed to be where you are and I just wanted to tell you this. You were such a great doggie mom and gave Dozer such a great life….. and I know how much you are hurting now and I am sending you a virtual hug. But it will get better. I promise. The pain will slowly turn into fond beautiful memories…… and I also want to tell you that you do such wonderful work ….consistent perfection always…. xoxoxo

    Reply
  8. Katerina Filipovski says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:36 pm

    My heart ❤️ goes to you, Dozer was very very loved by you and he looked like you gave him an amazing life experience. You should be proud.

    Reply
  9. Sara Henderson says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:36 pm

    He had you for his whole life. He was never lonely or unloved. He lived the best life because you loved him. Imagine how wonderful you made his life. He would want you to know that you made him happy ♥️

    Reply
  10. Ann says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:34 pm

    Dear Nagi: I want to send you a huge hug from Canada. I know you did everything for Dozer and you both knew the love you had for each other. Dozer will always be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge and he is running free. Every journey you shared with everyone of us good days and hard days we were cheering both of you on. Dozer left a paw print on your heart and ours too. We all have shed a tear for you Nagi. Know we are all sending you a hug. Rest easy Dozer.

    Reply
  11. Carla says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:34 pm

    I’ve been where you are..I’m so sorry you’re going through this You have my deepest sympathy.

    Reply
  12. Maria says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:33 pm

    It breaks my heart. I know what it feels even to think about. That is my biggest fear with my sweet Max.

    Reply
  13. Connie Weis says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:33 pm

    Your post about darling Dozer made me cry, but that’s okay. I totally understand. What a lucky dog he was to have you for his Mama, and how lucky were you to be the recipient of his love and companionship for 14 wonderful years.

    Reply
  14. Shelly Baluta says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:32 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    I found you and Dozer while searching years ago for how to make pad Thai!!
    Fell in love immediately!
    You and your work are a true inspiration to people everywhere, and Dozer has been the lovable, faithful and adorable icing on the cake!!!
    You two have shared your love of life and food with all of us around the world with Dozer always by your side.
    He’s still here, in our hearts and minds, just with wings now and perched on your shoulder. Bringing joy in spirit.
    Dozer’s memory will always be a blessing.
    Sending you love and hugs and prayers for peace and comfort.
    xxx

    Reply
  15. Miki says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:32 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Nagi. I’m crying just reading this post and can only imagine how intense the pain must be. Dozer was and always will be a legend. I hope you can begin to heal soon x

    Reply
  16. Gail Paternott says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:31 pm

    Hi Nagi,

    I personally loved hearing about Dozer each time I read your posts.
    Don’t worry mydear, we are all with you always. Remember, we are all with you, because Dozer was our friend too.
    Take care Nagi.

    Reply
  17. Lisa Kendzior says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:31 pm

    Sending love from Texas! We share your sadness. RIP dear Dozer.

    Reply
  18. Fiona White says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:31 pm

    Anyone who has lost a pet will be shedding tears right now for you & Dozer. Your testimonials have been beautiful but also difficult to read. You have created a virtual community over the years and I’m confident that everyone will be sending you hugs during this time ❤️

    Reply
  19. Tracy H says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:31 pm

    Dearest Nagi
    I am so sorry for your enormous loss. It is so terribly hard to lose such a beloved, special friend. X

    Reply
  20. Ann Haine says

    February 9, 2026 at 10:30 pm

    I’m so sorry. You will always have your memories and he will always live in your heart.

    Reply
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