• 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
4,915 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!




4,915 Comments

  1. Nadia W says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:15 pm

    Oh Nagi 🥺 i am so sorry for your loss, sweet Dozer was the bestest boy, lots of love, Fancy, Snowbird, Bear, Leo & Nads 💞💕💞🫂💥💫

    Reply
  2. Sue says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:15 pm

    Rest in peace dear Dozer.
    All my love and prayers are with you sweet Nagi.

    Reply
  3. Bev says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:15 pm

    I’m crying reading this Nagi.
    Sending you much love and big hugs.

    Reply
  4. Liz says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:15 pm

    Such a beautiful relationship.
    Dozer will be missed by all your loyal followers.
    Losing your best friend is painful. Rest In Peace beautiful Dozer XXX

    Reply
  5. Maria says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:15 pm

    I feel your pain, Nagi. Saw this sign before: “Heaven is where every pet you’ve ever loved come running to meet you”!
    Until then …

    Reply
  6. Jo says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:15 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Dozer was so special – thank you for sharing him with all of us. Keeping you in my thoughts and sending you so much love.

    Reply
  7. Anne says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:15 pm

    Dear Nagi
    My heart breaks for you,
    Dozer was the luckiest boy to have you , you gave him such a wonderful life
    Thankyou for sharing your gorgeous boy
    Take Care Nagi
    And
    Dozer run free in Doggy Heaven
    Your so much loved and had the best mummy
    Anne
    ♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹🌹

    Reply
  8. Patricia Porter says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    So sorry, Nagi. Our hearts are with you

    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    Sending you big hugs Nagi.
    I felt I Knew Dozer reading all about his wonderful life.
    RIP gorgeous boy.

    Reply
  10. jennifer hewett says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    So sorry Nagi. Having met Dozer a couple of times at book signings I know what a beautiful soul he was Sending love.

    Reply
  11. Berni C says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    Dear Nagi – saw the headline but cannot read the post yet as already have tears in my eyes. So so sorry and my heart goes out to you (plus to family & all at RTE/RTM). Dozer gave us all so much happiness, loads of smiles and a fair few laughs. What a wonderful boy he was – a much-loved family member and work colleague! He will always be in your heart and thoughts. Take time to grieve as it’s always very hard when they go. Much love xx

    Reply
  12. Chandrakala Subbaiah says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    So sorry for your loss!! My deepest condolences to you and your family!

    Reply
  13. Barb says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    Oh Nagi, It’s like losing the best part of yourself and never getting it back.
    Never a truer word spoken.
    Heartbroken for you.

    Reply
  14. Sheree says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    So sorry to hear that Dozer has passed..😞
    My ♥️goes out to you… xxx
    He certainly was an inspiration for everyone that has read, watched as well as tested your wonderful food ..
    RIP Dozer ♥️♥️♥️♥️
    As well as many hugs for you Nagi..
    Sheree

    Reply
  15. Melody Schmidt Adams says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    Thank you for sharing Dozer with us as you have shared the joys in your life. Thank you for trusting us enough to share the pain of his loss. When I was young I read a book called All Dogs Go to Heaven. You know just where you’ll find him next time you see him.

    Reply
  16. Linda says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:13 pm

    Nagi Sending lots of warm hugs and a ton of love
    My deepest condolences and lost for words
    There are no words for loosing a soulmate
    Dozer loved you and knew he was loved back 24/7
    Wishing you the best 💜

    Reply
  17. Mellissa Pikett says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:13 pm

    My deepest condolences. Time does heal, it just hurts so much for now. Rest in love Dozer

    Reply
  18. Rose Gillies says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:13 pm

    I am so sorry to hear the news of dozers passing. They become part of your family. Take care Nagi.

    Reply
  19. Judy O'DONNELL says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:13 pm

    Nagi, I cannot begin to tell you how deeply sorry and sad I am for you, with the loss of your most beautiful boy. I always read Dozers post’s before your recipes, sorry 😊 x
    I lost my darling beautiful human son 6 years ago and my dearest little Maltese fur girl on 2nd February 2026. She was such a comfort to us over the past 6 years and I miss her dreadfully. So I fully understand your pain!!! I am in floods of tears for you right now.
    I wish I could tell you, you will get over this, but in reality you don’t, you just learn to live with it and through it.
    Maybe one day you will have a new joy in your life and you will love just as deep. Bit for now and until it takes, your grief will be just too raw.
    Go easy on yourself and don’t try to be brave for other people.
    Sending you the biggest hug, from one mum to another

    Reply
  20. Nicholas Davey says

    February 9, 2026 at 5:13 pm

    Nagi I am so sorry for your loss. No words would ever be enough but I know the pain that goes with losing a companion/friend/pet.

    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!