• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

  • My RecipeTin
  • My cookbooks!
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Iconic + cult classics
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish recipes
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot – One Pan
    • Stewy slow-cooked things
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Salads & veg
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice (all)
      • Fried rice recipes
      • Rice (plain)
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cheesecakes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
      • Ice cream
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • RecipeTin Japan 🇯🇵
        • Korean
        • Modern Asian
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • 🎄Christmas
      • Cocktails
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
    • Recipe collections
    • Cookbook recipes
  • My Food Bank
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • My Cookbooks
      • Tonight (NEW!)
      • Dinner
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,790 Comments
Share
  • Copy Link
  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
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

Previous Post
The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer
Next Post
🌈 Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry 🌈

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




4,790 Comments

  1. Paul Hogan says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Terribly sorry to read your beautiful words at the passing of Dozer.
    So so sad!
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  2. Patti says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    I lost my dog after 12 years in September. He was my world. I miss him so much. He will always be alive with his memories and his love. I still get emotional when I think of him. That must mean he was very special. Hang in there. It doesn’t get easier but know you are not alone.

    Reply
  3. Tracy says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Rest In Peace dear Dozer. You will be missed. We know you were loved and loved Nagi unconditionally.

    Reply
  4. Roger says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    My thoughts are with you because I have felt the same pain. It eases with time but the love you and Dozer shared will be with you for ever.
    Enjoy your next journey Dozer.

    Reply
  5. Cheryl says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Oh Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss😢! Dozer was a special boy for sure, and brought so much joy to everyone. We are all going to miss him and we thank you for sharing your sweet boy with us. Our hearts go out to you💔

    Reply
  6. Farah Azar says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dearest Nagi ,
    There are thousands of doggie loving people around the world grieving with you, Dozer was such a gorgeous character, and you are an incredible doggie mummy . Sending you lots of hugs and love. You are not alone.
    Thank you for all the good you do for others xx

    Reply
  7. Robyn says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    RIP Dozer. What a wonderful life he had with you.

    Reply
  8. sharon perdriau says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    having lost a couple of best friends, i feel for you.
    shedding a tear as we speak.
    your love meant everything to him, so treasure that.

    Reply
  9. Sue says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us.
    Love and hugs to you Nagi ❤️
    Fly high Dozer 🐶

    Reply
  10. Cat Parkinson says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    My breaks for you Nagi and I’m sending you so much love (through my own tears; what a special honour it was to share his journey and his joy). Thank you for sharing your precious boy with us. X Cat

    Reply
  11. Clare says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    The trouble with love is that one dies before the other…
    Your gratitude, Nagi is a litany of love. Go gently into new life of memories, which will eventually gift you with smiles again.

    Reply
  12. Amanda Fox says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dozer was the best how lucky you were to have each other Nagi.😘

    Reply
  13. Belinda says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Beautiful words for a beautiful soul. My heart and prayers are with you Nagi, take care of yourself. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you have shared. Xx

    Reply
  14. Anne says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Dozer the best life he could have ever experienced. One day you will smile again and remember him with love.

    Reply
  15. Mici says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    I believe our beloved pets are angels sent from heaven to be beloved companions through the ups and downs of life. I know I will see all of them again someday. Dozer was such a part of.my life ever since I found your blog in 2016. Hugs to you across the miles.

    Reply
  16. LEONIE says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Dear Nagi, there are no words to convey my heartfelt sympathy on losing Dozer. He will be so missed but will be remembered with love. 🙏❤️🙏

    Reply
  17. Dana says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Nagi, our sincere condolences. Dana

    Reply
  18. Lynette & Richard says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    So sorry for your loss – big hugs. Such beautiful words. Run free Dozer 🌈🐾💙

    Reply
  19. Dale says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Fly free over the Rainbow Bridge gorgeous Dozer. Reading your post with tears in memory of his beautiful soul (and the beautiful souls I’ve been blessed with and lost also) Many hugs to you Nagi. One day there will be smiles at their beautiful funny memories and not their heart wrenching loss. Thank you Dozer❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  20. Kristina says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    So so sorry to hear that Dozer has gone to animal heaven. Losing a pet who is one of your family is one of the hardest things but you should take comfort in the fact that you were the best mum a doggie could have and gave him as much love as he gave you in return. He had the best life and even though he is no longer physically here, will stay in your heart forever. Xxx

    Reply
Newer Comments
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive 3 FREE ebooks!

Subscribe
Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • By Category
  • Collections
About
  • About Nagi
  • About Dozer
  • RecipeTin Meals
Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
Help
  • Contact
  • Image Use Policy
© RecipeTin Eats 2026
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits
Maintained by Human Made Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
All Rights Reserved

Subscribe to my newsletter

Sign up and receive 3 FREE EBOOKS!