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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,790 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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4,790 Comments

  1. Hanya says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:45 pm

    Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry. Sending you all the love in the world. 😢

    Reply
  2. Lucian says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:44 pm

    Offff…..

    Reply
  3. Maureen Funston says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:44 pm

    Dear Nagi, I feel your loss & every time I open my Facebook I end up in tears. Over 70+ Years we have lost so many pets (all buried on our property). It’s so hard dealing with the end of life but then can come a new beginning & when you’re ready there will be a new love come into your life. Because you’re the perfect person to treasure our most loyal companions!!!
    Now in my 8O’s I would dearly love to have another pet/elderly dog to love & take care of but health issues won’t allow it 😢

    Reply
  4. Laurence says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:43 pm

    I am so sorry about your lost . Dozer will always be with you, differently. He was so lucky to have you looking after him. My thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  5. CarolGreen says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    I couldn’t stop the tears as I read your ode to Dozer….
    He was an amazing companion. Big hugs to you with loads of doggie love
    🥲🥲❤️❤️

    Reply
  6. Sue Dunn says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    So so sorry. What a wonderful boy Dozer was a wonderful boy and what a hole he will leave.
    Your love for him and his for you will always remain.
    Sending a big hug

    Reply
  7. MCinSJ says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    I hope that your memories of Dozer will bring you peace. Thank you so much for sharing him with your readers. His picture always makes me smile. <3

    Reply
  8. Sarah Dunne says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    My heart is breaking for you Nagi.

    Reply
  9. Lil says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    😢💔 Dozer will be with you for the rest of your life, in your memory! That sort of love never stops!

    Reply
  10. Liinda says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    Sorry to hear that your Dozer has gone over the rainbow bridge. My son’s nickname is Dozer and is a beautiful boy like your Dozer. RIP. He will always be your hero. Lxoxo

    Reply
  11. Denis B Scanlan says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    Nagi – you and Dozer have provided a unique and truly WONDERFUL experience of love and loyalty and down-to-earthness. I’m deeply sorry for what you must be feeling now and I recognise what you feel now is a reflection of the relationship you have with Dozer. Thanks for sharing him with us all.

    Reply
  12. Gillian says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:41 pm

    My heart is breaking for you Nagi and I hope one day you will be able to look at photos of your darling Dozer and not sob. Thank you for sharing your world with him and allowing us to see the beautiful friendship and love you shared for each other. It will always be “ Nagi & Dozer”. 💕

    Reply
  13. Amrita Singh says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:41 pm

    Tears are rolling down as I write this. I felt so close to Dozer myself! He has spread so much joy and given so much love. Rest in peace brave and strong Dozer. You will always live in our hearts.

    Reply
  14. Atu Yee says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:41 pm

    Deepest condolences Nagi, Dozer will be in your love and heart always.

    Reply
  15. Mary says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:41 pm

    So sorry for your loss. You were so lucky to have known such love.

    Reply
  16. Carol (Colorado,USA) says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:41 pm

    Beautiful, sweet Dozer you have friends all around the world who loved sharing your life with the mom who loved you so deeply for 14 years. Nagi we all know it hurts so much now but the memories and the love you both shared will always be in your heart. As a dog mom who lost my 16 year old beautiful blind girl “Desi” 5 years ago I still drop a few tears and I laugh as I remember “our” memories together. I know it hurts, take time for yourself to mourn and thank you for sharing Dozer with us.

    Reply
  17. Joanne Ford says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:41 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. It is a heartbreaking time for you but please remember that Dozer loved you so much and he will always be in your heart ♥️

    Reply
  18. Gisela says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:40 pm

    Our deepest condolences. Dozer lived a full life filled with plenty love, special moments and good food. He is now in a special place without pain ❤️

    Reply
  19. Marilyn Lucas says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:40 pm

    Dear Nagi. As someone once said: Grief is the price we pay for love. But it is worth the grief for the amazing love you and Dozer had for each other. He had a beautiful, and happy life thanks to you. 😘

    Reply
  20. Susan says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:40 pm

    Dearest Nagi,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish I could take all your heartache away. Dozer was such a special boy. He’ll never be forgotten. He lives on in your heart, my heart, and in the hearts of everyone here. May God bless you and give you strength, through this very difficult time. All my love, Susan.

    Reply
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