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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,785 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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4,785 Comments

  1. Karen says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:14 am

    Thinking of you, sorry for your loss Nagi. Sorry to hear about Dozer, it’s very hard losing your best friend, he was a highlight in all the stories. He will be sadly missed.Rest in peace Dozer xx

    Reply
  2. Hayley says

    February 11, 2026 at 7:12 am

    ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  3. Sarah Ryan says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:59 am

    My deepest condolences Nagi. My heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us over the years. Rest in Peace Dozer xxx

    Reply
  4. Marie says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:53 am

    So sorry for your loss Nagi! I cried when I first read the news on the age and now reading this. Thank you for sharing Dozer with us. Your stories of his antics and goofiness holds a special place in our hearts. Sending you big hugs. Dozer will forever live through your recipes and books xx

    Reply
  5. Hazel says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:53 am

    So so sorry for the loss of your beloved fur baby Dozer, God Bless and warm hugs from over the pond xxx

    Reply
  6. Jeannine Bauer says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:52 am

    Just keep thinking about the wonderful times you had together …. you can go there again in your heart, and for as often as you like or need.

    Reply
  7. Marion Giles says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:29 am

    My heart aches for you Nagi 💔
    We’ve all been along for the ride watching you with your beautiful Dozer. Thank you so much for sharing your life and journey with your very much loved fur baby.
    Sleep in peace Dozer ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  8. Chris Warrick says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:27 am

    Condolences nagi,
    My whole family loved & will miss Dozer ♥️

    Reply
  9. Marietta says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:05 am

    I am so sorry for your loss Nagi. Dozer was indeed special. Hugs to you.

    Reply
  10. Marca says

    February 11, 2026 at 6:03 am

    Dear Nagi,

    I am heartbroken to read about Dozer. You gave him the BEST life and loved him to the fullest possible! I am definitely sobbing right along with you. I wish I could be there to give you hugs! You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring you comfort in this most devastating time!!!

    Reply
  11. Valerie Perman says

    February 11, 2026 at 5:56 am

    I am sobbing with you, I have had to say goodbye to several dogs in my life and it is always a heartbreak. So sorry….

    Reply
  12. Nicole says

    February 11, 2026 at 5:51 am

    We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Nagi. My daughter and I have made so many of your recipes and we loved reading about Dozer at the end of each post. Praying for you.

    Reply
  13. Amy Orloski says

    February 11, 2026 at 5:45 am

    I never thought I’d be crying over a dog I never even met. I have enjoyed your videos, cookbooks, and recipes for years. And I’ve enjoyed getting to know Dozer through all of that. My heart just aches for you. I’m so glad you got to enjoy so many good memories with him for all those years. He will live on in all of our hearts.

    Reply
  14. Su S says

    February 11, 2026 at 5:37 am

    We are so sorry for your loss and grief. The love between you and Dozer showed so brightly for us all!

    Reply
  15. Lois Balmer says

    February 11, 2026 at 5:22 am

    So sorry. I know how you feel. Big hugs!

    Reply
  16. Tracey says

    February 11, 2026 at 5:19 am

    Dear Nagi
    deepest condolences for your loss. RIP Dozer

    Reply
  17. Louise Huss says

    February 11, 2026 at 5:05 am

    Oh Precious Nagi! Sobbing with you over the loss of Dozer. Thank you for always sharing him, he brought so much joy and blessing to me and so many others. He is in heaven with his Creator, and now my prayer continues for your pain and heartbreak to be lifted. you are very much loved.

    Reply
  18. Tara says

    February 11, 2026 at 4:44 am

    Nagi, I have been reading your recipes for years and joyfully following ‘The Life of Dozer’. I loved every minute of watching you 2 together. So special. I have 3 dogs and my heart just broke to read this though I knew Dozer was tired and putting up the good fight. May he always chase the ducks….. we are all with you My Friend. ❤️

    Reply
  19. Carole says

    February 11, 2026 at 4:44 am

    Naji, I cry as I write this. I’ve lost fur babies in the past and it rips your heart out, but all the love they gave you and all the love you gave them in return will remain priceless. As hard as it is, Dozer went over The Rainbow Bridge and is happy and healthy. I believe God will reunite you with Dozer again. I love you for sharing his life with us over the years.

    Reply
  20. karen dorris says

    February 11, 2026 at 4:39 am

    I am so sad to hear of Dozer’s passing, your recipes and stories I have been following for several years, and Dozer was a beautiful soul. and will be missed sincere condolences to you.

    Reply
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