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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. Gloria says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:18 pm

    May his memory be a blessing. Thank you for sharing Dozer and your beautiful words to him. Take care of yourself and hold his memories deep in your heart. 🐶❤️

    Reply
  2. Liezl says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss and your heartache Nagi.
    Crying with you. Dear Dozer will be missed forever. ✨️

    Reply
  3. Christine Sapsard says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    Thinking of you at this very sad time!! 😔 and sending you lots of love ❤️ I feel your pain xx Dozer was very special and will always be with you ❤️ take care dear Nagi 😘

    Reply
  4. Debra says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    My heart breaks for you both. Such as sweet, loving dog, sending you hugs and support from afar. xxx

    Reply
  5. valerie davies says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    Dear Nagi, the tears are running down my cheeks as I write. I have been there, with both my dogs and my cats at 88. You get used to it, but the loss never goes away.
    As the Queen said after 9/11, grief is the price of love.

    Reply
  6. Tara Beacham says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to you, Nagi. Dozer touched hearts all over the world and left pawprints on so many of them; he will be deeply missed. I’m certain he cherished every moment with you just as much as you cherished him. Sending you love, light, and the biggest bear hug as you navigate this loss. — Tara ❤️🐻 Ontario, Canada

    Reply
  7. Ellen Coburn says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    Dozer will always and forever be a part of you, and because of you a part of us. Thank you for sharing your love for him so often and so completely.

    Reply
  8. Debra McBurnie says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    My heart breaks for you both. Such as sweet, loving dog, sending you hugs and support from afar. xxx

    Reply
  9. Jeanette says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    RIP Dozer. Nagi things will get better but you will never forget. Prayers.

    Reply
  10. Winifred Jones says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    Much love to you Nagi. Our doggos mean such a lot. Even as we know they must leave one day it’s very hard to say goodbye. Dozer is at rest. 🐾 🐾

    Reply
  11. Donna says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    I am so sorry for your loss and cry as many tears as you must for your beautiful Dozer but always remember that you gave Dozer the very best doggy life on this earth. He did love you with all his heart as you did him.
    I’ve always said It’s not worth having a dog or pet if you can’t love them with all your heart. Both you and Dozer were meant to be together. You both gave each other so much joy and happiness so when you can bear to watch the video’s and look at the pictures just remember all of those wonderful memories with so much love.💕

    Reply
  12. Stephanie Black says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:17 pm

    So sorry for your loss Nagi, RIP Dozer xoxox

    Reply
  13. Kelly says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    My heart is breaking for you. I’m so sorry.

    Reply
  14. Peg Westcott says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    Now that I’ve stopped crying Nagi, I wanted to thank you for sharing this incredibly difficult time with all of your readers and Dozer’s fans. He will be sorely missed. I hope you are not in too much pain. The loss of Dozer , your friend, companion, confidant and taste tester will be hard for you and I expect a lot of time to come to terms with the loss. May I say though how lucky you are to have had such a special relationship with Dozer. Not everyone has that level of closeness and trust that you two had.
    Time will help with the grief dear Nagi.
    Respect
    Peg x

    Reply
  15. Milinwit says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    As an animal lover I know your pain, and I truley am sorry for your loss. May Dozer rest in peace, and you find comfort in the love you two shared together. Remember he will always be with you, and you will see each other again.

    Reply
  16. Natalie says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved gorgeous dog Dozer.The bond you shared with Dozer would’ve been deep and pure, and losing him has left a huge space in your heart. Please know I’m thinking of you and sending you strength and comfort during this incredibly sad time. Xx

    Reply
  17. MICHAEL says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    It’s not easy, try to just remember the good times. He will be missed.

    Reply
  18. Rosemarie Quax says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    Lots of hugs…our fur babies love us unconditionally. They bring us so much joy.

    Reply
  19. Dellys Fry says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    Dear Nagi…..people sometimes don’t realise the impact that our pet has on our life, the especially reserved part of our heart and general well being. Deepest sympathy and love on the loss of your Dozer. He was such a beautiful dog.

    Reply
  20. Yana says

    February 9, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    Dear Nagi, my heart goes to you. And i know that Dozer is looking down from Dog’ Heaven and sending you his love and his gratitude for 14 years of bliss with you

    Reply
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