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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. Ashley Pallis says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:44 am

    Sending you love and hugs ,, absolutely heartbreaking…I have great Danes for the last 30 years,…………..my best friends. my shadow,always there , no words , but remember the fantastic memories xx run
    free Dozer xx

    Reply
  2. Suzy Harpas says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:43 am

    That was such a heartwarming goodbye to Dozer l was crying reading it. Sorry he died and had to part ways . Our furry friends don’t live long enough. They give us unconditional love ❤️
    He was such a big part of your success really … your assistant but your adored assistant and companion.
    RIP Dozer … we all loved him!
    Take care
    Suzy Aussie living in Cyprus!

    Reply
  3. dina says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:35 am

    Thank you for sharing your last moments with Dozer. His suffering is over and he and you will always be in each other’s hearts. Love, Dina

    Reply
  4. ZOYLA BAUTISTA says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:34 am

    So sorry for your loss…

    Rest easy Dozer.

    Reply
  5. Hettie says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:29 am

    Sorry you’re hurting, Nagi. I hope it helps to know that Dozer had to be one of the happiest dogs that ever lived, because of the friendship you both shared. His spirit will be with you always, and yours with his. xo

    Reply
  6. christine perry says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:25 am

    i feel your pain.

    Reply
  7. Suzanne Carey-Thomas says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:21 am

    I’m so very very sorry. Thinking of you and your beautiful boy. 💔💔💔

    Reply
  8. Terry says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:21 am

    Nooooo! Oh no. Oh, nagi. I’m so, so sorry. Oh that babe, Dozer!, such a sweetheart. Really sincere condolences. Damn. :^(

    Reply
    • Krys says

      February 11, 2026 at 2:35 am

      Sorry for your loss Nagi. Sending, prayers, love, and virtual hugs your way.

      Reply
  9. Suzanne M. Parker says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:20 am

    Dear Nagi,
    I’m so sorry about your beloved Dozer having to cross the rainbow bridge. We faced it with our beautiful Quincy girl several years ago and thought we’d NEVER get past the heartbreak, but we finally got to the point of mainly remembering all the continual joy she brought us. And then finally we felt not guilty about welcoming another Golden into our lives. We’ve given her a wonderful home and life. Maybe this is just wishful thinking, but we feel Quincy is looking down and smiling over our continuing lives with a Golden by our sides.

    Just grieve and cry as much and as long as you need to and then go back to reliving your wonderful lives together. You’ll get to that point and your big beautiful boy will live on in your loving memories. Take care, Nagi❣️

    Reply
  10. Irene Knight says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:18 am

    Sorry that you lost your wondeful boy Nagi. RIP Dozer

    Reply
  11. Sherry says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:09 am

    Much love to you during this difficult time xxx

    Reply
  12. Pauline says

    February 11, 2026 at 2:04 am

    Dear Nagi

    My heart breaks for you. I was so very sorry and sad to read “In Memory of Dozer”. What a wonderful friendship the two of you shared and so many happy memories too.

    You have been an amazing mum to Dozer and have given him a very special, full and happy life.

    His many fans around the world will be devastated to hear the news and we can only let you know how much we are thinking of you and hope the deep heartache will soon begin to lessen for you.

    I can empathise having had two beautiful German Shepherds over the years and the final parting is just so painful.

    Hopefully time will help you remember the happy, fun times you and Dozer shared and not dwell on this final chapter of his incredible life.

    You are in my thoughts and I’m sending so much love and big hugs to you from England. xoxoxox

    Reply
  13. Malia says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:58 am

    I don’t know if one can completely heal from losing an awesome dog; the memories simply stay with you because you understand how special your dog was. Sending good juju your way.

    Reply
  14. Robyn Spiegelman says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:54 am

    Dear Nagi,

    I’ve been a fan of your website and philanthropy for many years, and quietly observing and enjoying your close relationship with Dozer for just as long. As a dog lover/animal advocate, I relate to your heartbreak and the devastation and out of body sensations you must be feeling. I wish you the time to heal, and am sending you light and love during this time. Be kind to yourself and may Dozer’s memory be blessing.

    Reply
  15. Robyn Spiegelman says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:53 am

    Dear Nagi,
    I’ve been a fan of your website and philanthropy for many years, and quietly observing and enjoying your close relationship with Dozer for just as long. As a dog lover/animal advocate, I relate to your heartbreak and the devastation and out of body sensations you must be feeling. I wish you the time to heal, and am sending you light and love during this time. Be kind to yourself and may Dozer’s memory be blessing.

    Reply
  16. Lisa Briedis says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:50 am

    I’m so sorry Nagi. I love your life and love story with Dozer. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Sending you peace and love…

    Reply
  17. Rita Rodenbaugh says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:46 am

    We just went through this with my German Shepherd girl xxxooo

    Reply
  18. Marilyn Brehse says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:24 am

    My heart goes out to you. I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye for now.

    Reply
  19. Lai says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:23 am

    So sad and very sorry for your huge loss, Nagi. Dozer will forever remain in your heart and the hearts of all of us you have shared him with. Take care, Nagi.

    Reply
  20. Rachael Ramsey says

    February 11, 2026 at 1:19 am

    Sending hugs, thoughts of peace and comfort. They take a bit piece of our hearts with them. ❤️

    Reply
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