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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. Claire Ward says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:25 pm

    Thinking of you so much at this time.
    Love
    Odin (the Labrador) & his Mum
    xxoo

    Reply
  2. Kerry Phillips says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:25 pm

    It was with such sadness writing your heartfelt ❤️‍🩹 words of the time you have spent with Dozer a real & true friend to the core! I cried for you & Dozer & know he is in a place where angels dwell & he will be with you forever watching over you day & night & with every new recipe created by you & your team he will be cheering you on! The pain eventually eases but the memories always remain & you will find that thoughts of him will come everyday at a moment that seems just right! He has been unconditionally loved by you Nagi & he has had an extremely loving, adventurous & fun life with you & your team – he will be missed by everyone around the globe something that very few dogs get to experience 🙏
    Long live his spirit ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  3. Em says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:25 pm

    Nagi,
    So sorry for your loss of Doza😭; the life of Dozer section made me laugh so many times,he was such a great dog🐶! I’m sure he’s thinking on his Mum up in food filled doggie heaven 🍔🥘🍕😇🪽

    Reply
  4. Pat O'Neill says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:25 pm

    Best wishes to you Nagi, Dozer was a great love and friend to you.
    We will miss his posts, Thank you for those
    So Sad.

    Reply
  5. Alice says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:25 pm

    🫶💔😭🐾🫂

    Reply
  6. Tracy Morison says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:24 pm

    So sad to hear. Thinking of you and sending hugs. Just so hard when you lose someone who loves you so much and who you love so much. ❤️

    Reply
  7. Kay M says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:24 pm

    You gave Dozer a fabulous life, Nagi, he couldn’t possibly have been loved more. Hugs and heartfelt condolences 😭🫂💔

    Reply
  8. MARG says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:24 pm

    My heart goes out to you Nagi. You gave Dozer a wonderful life, please take comfort in knowing that.
    Remember the good times.

    Reply
  9. Sarah Edwards says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:24 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi. Thinking of you at this sad time.

    Reply
  10. Janis Novell says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:24 pm

    Dear Nagi. Although we have never met through your website I have come to know you, your team, the homeless guy and the beautiful mischievous Dozer.
    I do know how you feel as I have been in that same situation.
    The love and sadness is overwhelming.
    Keep looking at those wonderful photos you have and have Dozer moments to remember him.
    ❤️

    Reply
  11. Val says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:24 pm

    I just want to give you a big hug. There’s nothing else you can do when someone’s heart is broken. Dozer will always be with you, don’t doubt that for a second. 💗

    Reply
    • Jill says

      February 9, 2026 at 6:31 pm

      Thinking of you 😢❤️

      Reply
  12. Jenn says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:23 pm

    Dozer will forever be in your Heart. His memory will live on.

    Reply
  13. Robyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:23 pm

    💔💔💔

    Reply
  14. Rain Richardson says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:23 pm

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’ve long admired you and your work, and when I saw the news, it moved me deeply. As a dog owner who has also lost a beloved dog, I truly understand how profound this grief is, I even found myself in tears remembering my own loss. Dogs give us a love that is pure and unconditional, and losing them leaves an emptiness that words can’t fully express. Please know you’re not alone, and I’m holding you and Dozer in my thoughts.

    Reply
    • Lynn Columbus says

      February 9, 2026 at 6:36 pm

      That’s so so sad.. I have had golden retrievers.. Still have 2..when they leave us it’s so hard. They are our best friends. Take care lots of love Lynn

      Reply
  15. Gabrielle says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:22 pm

    You gave him everything and more. He did the same with you.

    One day you will indeed laugh and tell stories of his antics. For now, nurse your broken heart.

    He was very special.

    Reply
  16. Will McMahon says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:21 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi, hope you are doing well. Rest in peace Dozer, you will be missed

    Reply
  17. Suzanne Conolly says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:21 pm

    I send you my heartfelt condolences. I loved reading how Dozer was such a huge part of your life and I smiled when there was a photo of him by your side. Always loyal and present.
    I have a Golden Retriever called Suki. They are very special dogs, with the biggest of hearts, eagerly, wanting to share their lives with you.
    I feel for you in your loss, but let those wonderful memories you shared, repair that feeling of grief and loss.
    RIP Dozer.

    Reply
  18. Lisa Cupp says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:21 pm

    I have loved reading about the impact Dozer has on your life. The good times and the rough times. I know that he is missed, but I pray that you will soon be able to think about him without tears and that all the lovely memories will bring you smiles. You’ve shared your love of Dozer with all of us and we will miss him greatly as well. God bless you.

    Reply
  19. Sharyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:21 pm

    I’m sitting in my car crying over your loss of darling Dozer . Your wonderful memories will keep him alive in your heart . My heartfelt condolences

    Reply
  20. Kim says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:21 pm

    Dear Nagi

    My heart is aching for you! So deeply saddened to hear of Dozer’s passing and the heartbreak you are experiencing at the moment 😢 The loss of a loyal companion leaves such a hole in your life and your heart that words can’t describe. My thoughts are with you at this very sad & difficult time. Kim ❤️

    Reply
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