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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. Elise Duggan says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:49 pm

    dear Nagi,so sad to hear your news. We lost our beautiful Goldie 7 yrs ago now and the pain is still hard to bare. Dozer’s pain is over and he is in doggie heaven with the everlasting memory of your loving arms enfolding him .stay strong and know we all care and send loving hugs,along with our tears

    Reply
  2. Susan says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:49 pm

    I’m so sorry the passing of Dozer
    Words cannot express when we lose our fur baby. They are the greatest most precious loving unconditional souls we could ask for. Heaven just received a beautiful soul in Doggy heaven.

    Reply
  3. Saran says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:48 pm

    Dear Nagi, what a beautiful Dozer post which left me in tears as l still get teary after losing my beloved Billy 3mths ago
    Our best friends never leave us.
    Hugs to you xx

    Reply
  4. Chris says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:48 pm

    Sending so much love and hugs to you as you grieve the lose of your beautiful Dozer. He will be forever in your heart and remember all the magical moments you shared together. XO

    Reply
  5. Elaine says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:47 pm

    My heart goes out to you. What a wonderful life you gave to Dozer and he loved you dearly. You can keep your precious memories forever and they will give you comfort always.
    Sending love your way
    Rest in peace Dozer xxx

    Reply
  6. Isabel says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:46 pm

    Dogs are family – only if you have a dog you know that they are able to unconditionally love their humans. And they have a perfect sensor for moods. This makes them unique and precious and … best friends. Nagi, you will never forget Dozer, this bond will last forever. He is over the rainbow, without any pain, but surely he misses you too.

    Reply
  7. vic says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:46 pm

    Nagi, my heart goes out to you, I can appreciate the way you are feeling at the moment having been there. You feel you will never recover but you will (it will take time and for us all that time frame is different) and you will have fantastic memories of life with Dozer to look back on. And your love for each other was unconditional.

    Reply
  8. Janette Garratt says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:44 pm

    My heart goes out to you.
    They are your best companion.
    They know when you are not well & stay by your side ,just like you did in return for Dozer.
    ❤️

    Reply
  9. Josh says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:44 pm

    RIP Dozer. Sat in my car with tears in my own eyes for a dog I only knew via this website. You could feel your bond with him from the other side of the word.

    Reply
  10. Rhonda Hale says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:44 pm

    Awwww…so sorry to hear of Dozers passing. Such a beautiful boy

    Reply
  11. Annette says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:43 pm

    Loving memories will see you through this heartbreaking time. Your loyal fans are sending all their love to you. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too, for Dozer.

    Reply
  12. Kirsten says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    It’s so hard to imagine Nagi without Dozer 💔 It’s like Judy without Punch or salt without pepper. What a beautiful love you shared for each other. Your constant companion, Chief Taster of all things delicious, precious mascot of RTE. Our hearts all break for you Nagi, he was SO loved. Just as you are and we’re all here for you. With much love ❤️💫🤍

    Reply
  13. Kat says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    So sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing, this is just so sad!! We could all see you 2 were the best of friends. You will have many lovely memories of him to keep with you, take care xoxoxoxo

    Reply
  14. Mark Preston says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    Such a heart breaking ordeal losing a pet, my most sincere condolences.

    Reply
  15. Freny Tayebjee says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    My thoughts are with you dear Nagi. Reading your posts made Dozer a part of my life.

    Reply
  16. Jolene says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    💔💔

    Reply
  17. Katie says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:40 pm

    Beautiful letter so sorry for your loss kx

    Reply
  18. Gyorgyi Mezovari says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    Lost three of my babies within the last two years…And my heart is still heavy..My prayers to you and my smiles to Dozer no longer suffering..and always watching over you!

    Reply
  19. margot McPherson Balanos says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    I am so sorry for you, My condolences, There is no better thing on earth than a dog, and no better thing on earth for a dog that to be loved. Dozer had a happy life. Hugs

    Reply
  20. Edie C says

    February 9, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    I’m crying along with you Nagi because I too, will be facing the inevitable loss of my little buddy. The pain to let them go is not easy.
    But like you mentioned, you wouldn’t give up a second of it because they’re so worth it for the amount of love and loyalty and laughter they’ve given us. RIP dear, dear Dozer.

    Reply
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