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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. Marilyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:52 pm

    Dear Nagi, you have both been blessed to have had each other. My thoughts are with you. xx

    Reply
  2. PB says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:52 pm

    My heart goes out to you nagi.
    At this moment my precious cat Pepper is dying so I can relate.
    15 years he was my friend, my baby and so lovable to everyone around me.
    After seeing the vet with bad news I took Pepper home a place that was home to him for 15 years to be comfortable then to be hospitalize. It was nice to spend time with him for a few days, Pepper then got to a point he did not recognize me I decided to have him put to sleep.

    Reply
  3. Leslie says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:52 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, Nagi. My heart breaks for you. Dozer will be sadly missed but remembered with such love. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. You gave him wonderful, full life. Take care, thinking of you ❤️😪

    Reply
  4. Vanessa Andrews says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    I am so heart broken for you.
    Dozer was so blessed to have you as his Mum.
    I know,you have so many wonderful memories to enjoy but I know how broken & sad you must be,feeling.
    Know tgatxI am thinking if you.
    Much love Vanessa ❤️ Auckland NZ

    Reply
  5. sue says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    I do feel for your loss Nagi I have enjoyed your life together
    xox sue

    Reply
  6. Michelle Sharkey says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    All my love to you Nagi. I too know the pain of saying goodbye. We are so lucky to have them for the time we get. Every minute matters. They love us so unconditionally. We never forget them. In your arms for a short while, in your heart for a lifetime.

    Reply
  7. Nidia Trujillo says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    My heart aches for you. You love him so fiercely and I’m grateful that you so generously shared him with us.

    I believe our pets come (and go back) to the angelic realm.

    He was your soul dog and will always be with you. ❤️

    Reply
  8. Vanessa Andrews says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    I am so heart broken for you.
    Dozer was so blessed to have you as his Mum.
    I know,you have so many wonderful memories to enjoy but I know how broken & sad you must be,feeling.
    Know tgatxI am thinking if you.
    Much love Vanessa ❤️ Auckland NZ

    Reply
  9. Jan Gray says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Oh Nagi, I know your heart will be broken. We are all heartbroken for you. Dozer had the best life. And no greater testement of your love for him than your being with him right to the end, trying everything. No words can help. If they did a million words will be coming your way. So very very sorry.

    Reply
  10. Glenys Summers says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    I’m so sorry that you’ve lost Dozer Nagi – hopefully soon you’ll be able to let go of the loss and feel privileged to have spent so many good years with your loved and loving companion. Hugs from me xx

    Reply
  11. Lou Bernard says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Thoughts and prayers are with you. Dozer will always be close, as he left big footprints on your heart.
    Australia sends you healing love xxx

    Reply
  12. Paula says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    My heart goes out to you Nagi 😢🥰

    Reply
  13. Jacqui says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    You got me at ‘My dearest dozer’

    We don’t deserve dogs. They love us unconditionaly. xxxx

    Reply
  14. Brenda Lindquist says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Nagi, I’m so so sorry for your loss but please remember you have not lost Dozer he will be with you forever & always. My girls are keeping an eye on him so fear not he’s with friends xx Bren

    Reply
  15. marianna says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Dear Nagi, may the beautiful memories of Dozer be with you always. He will never be too far away from you. Hugs and comforting thoughts to you in this sad time. xxx

    Reply
  16. Libby Greenland says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    Thinking of you during this sad time. I loved hearing about his antics. What a difficult loss.

    Reply
  17. Susan says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    My thoughts are with u at this sad time & what a wonderful 14yrs u both had together ❤️

    Reply
  18. Dermot Keating says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    I can only imagine the heartbreak you are feeling Nagi at the loss of Dozer, try to take strength from knowing how much love and wonderful times you willingly gave each other throughout his lifetime and the beautiful memories you will always have of that special time you shared. RIP Dozer x

    Reply
  19. Ben Christensen says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    Hi Nagi. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  20. Kathy says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    Wishing you all the love in the world.

    Reply
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