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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,787 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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4,787 Comments

  1. Rochelle Vorster says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:01 pm

    Dearest Nagi, I’m so very sad for the loss of your beautiful Dozer 💔 We all fell in love with him. Im so glad you made him a huge part of your Recipe Tin Eats life and so we were all included in his life and sadly now in his crossing to the other side. Much love and light to you 💕

    Reply
  2. Fiona Nell says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:01 pm

    So sorry for your loss I know one day I will lose wags the groodle and it will be tough

    Reply
  3. Peter May says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:01 pm

    I feel for you, our puppies are so loyal and bring so many feelings of joy through their to short lives.

    Reply
  4. Mimi Long says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    goodbye is never easy, but Dozer love will forever be with you. You remember his love for you, and he will rest in peace in doggie heaven.

    Reply
  5. Joanne Briggs says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    our dogs love us unconditionally, we are their whole world, and what we get back is 100 times what we give them. Dozer was so fortunate to have you with him in his last days/hours and I am sure he went in peace, knowing he was safe and loved so much. He will be waiting when its your turn – as I know all my pets will be waiting too. Big Hugs Nagi xxx

    Reply
  6. Maureen says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    How truly wonderful to love and be loved by your dear Dozier. As a pet parent, having had to say goodbye to so many fur babies, I feel your loss. But how truly we are blessed to have shared our lives together with them.

    Reply
  7. Aleksandrina Ivanova says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Unfortunately, that’s life. They can’t stay with us forever. He was very lucky to have you as his mom. Big hugs.

    Reply
  8. Lany says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    So sorry for your loss :-(. It is the saddest thing in the world to lose a special pet who will always be part of the family. Stay strong Nagi. Thinking of you and will include Dozer in my daily prayer/chanting.

    Reply
  9. William Norton says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    So sorry for your loss, I understand the pain and heartache you are going through having gone through it myself.
    It will pass in time and you will love a furry little bundle of joy again ❤️

    Reply
  10. Fiona says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    My heart breaks for you Nagi. You were both so very lucky to have each other in your lives. Dozer, you were such a beautiful boy with so so much personality. Nagi, thank you for sharing Dozer with us, he put a smile on my face every day xx🐾❤️

    Reply
  11. Olivia says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    I can feel the grief and love in this post, Nagi. I hope it brings you some comfort knowing he passed in his best friend’s arms, with minimal pain, the kind of peaceful ending we all wish for those we love, human and animal alike. Your pain right now is the price of admission for such a deep love; how wonderful that the two of you got to experience it.

    Sending love and strength to you.

    – Liv ❤️🌹

    Reply
  12. Shauna Wallace says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Dear Nagi. My heart is breaking for you over losing your beautiful fur baby Dozer. I cried when I found out. He was a gorgeous, entertaing & decerning food taster. Your heart will heal, but always ache. Sending you hugs & love. Hugs & love for Dozer

    Reply
  13. Jenni says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:58 pm

    I’m sending you a big hug Nagi. I feel your grief but though you can’t believe it right now, believe me, the memories and photos will never fade, but the pain will heal, just give yourself some time x

    Reply
  14. Javier Lucas says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:58 pm

    Dear Nagi, I am a follower of yours (and Dozer’s) for a long time; I have had dogs in my life always, and actually I have one, called Bianca, for this I know what you are feeling,
    Just wanted to tell you that Dozer will always be there, with you, because you carry him in your heart.
    Javier from Madrid.

    Reply
  15. Sasha says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:58 pm

    Thank you Nagi for sharing the life of Dozer with us, he has given us all so much joy. I have tears and will hug my pup a little tighter tonight as I feel your pain. Please allow yourself time and grace as you grieve, I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Dozer, you were a very, very good boy.

    Reply
  16. Jodi Gradolph says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:58 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear of Dozer’s passing. He loved you as much as you loved him. Peace an d love to you.💔

    Reply
  17. Faye says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    I’m sending you lots of hugs for your loss of Dozer. Just know he has gone over the rainbow and is looking after you. XXX

    Reply
  18. Isabel says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    When words will just never do, I sit crying reading you beautiful words to your beloved sweet boy and feel your pain and heartbreak. Thinking of you and sending much love ❤️ 🩵

    Reply
  19. Lucy says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    Rest In Peace Beautiful Dozer.xxx

    Reply
  20. Jacinta says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    Thank you Nagi, and thank you dear Dozer for reminding us all what matters the most in this world – to love, and be loved. I truly believe that this beautiful soul will always be with you, Nagi. Your constant companion on earth and now, your guardian in the sky.

    Reply
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