• 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
1,860 Comments
Share
  • Copy Link
  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
Published9 Feb '26 Updated9 Feb '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

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!




1,860 Comments

  1. Diane Gordon says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    I question how one lady and one dog, both whom never met, and never will, can affect me so profoundly.
    But you do.
    Thank you for allowing me into your lives xx

    Reply
  2. Susie Williams says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:48 pm

    Awwww Nagi, I am so sad for you. Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us. I’m sure he is in doggy heaven telling you my Sam, that he was a CEO of his amazing mums company!

    Reply
  3. Jan says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:48 pm

    I am so very sorry on the lose of your precious dog Dozer. We all know he had the very best life with you. Sending love nd hugs. Jan

    Reply
  4. Hettie says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Look after yourself. Xx

    Reply
  5. Jenny says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    The first thing that came on my feed this morning was about the passing of Dozer.
    I laid in bed and couldn’t stop crying.
    It reminded me how much I miss my boy who passed 13 yrs ago at 14.
    You and Dozer had a special love and you can be thankful that he picked you as his mummy.
    He will always be your baby…
    RIP beautiful boy 💙

    Reply
  6. Julia Williams says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    My heart breaks for you 💔 They all leave such big unforgettable paw prints on our hearts. You had a wonderful life with a wonderful doggie Mum who adored you – now
    Go sleep well beautiful Dozer 🌈💙x Lots of hugs Nagi from UK

    Reply
  7. Tanja Baker says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    My heart felt sympathy to you Nagi, no words will comfort your broken heart . I am thinking of you at this devastating time and sending love to you and your beautiful boy Dozer . Forever in our hearts ♥️

    Reply
  8. Janette says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    I am so sorry you have felt this awful pain of losing a fur child 🙁 I know this feeling is awful but it will subside a little each day but Dozer will always be by your side in spirit. BLESS YOU DOZER run free with with all the other fur children run free and be happy.

    Reply
  9. Ene-Lea says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    My thoughts are with you. I understand how you are feeling. Dozer was very lucky to have you and you were very lucky to have had him.

    Reply
  10. Sharon says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:46 pm

    Sorry 😢 to read at you missed your best friend. I know and have experienced how hard such a loss can cause. May his memory be a blessing and god luck to you and your family.

    Reply
  11. Roslyn Lindsay says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:46 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry to hear a bout Dozer. No words can dull the pain of losing your fur baby.
    Dozer knew how much you loved you him and we appreciate you sharing his life with us. xxx

    Reply
  12. Jenny says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:46 pm

    The first thing that came on my feed this was about the passing of Dozer.
    I laid in bed and couldn’t stop crying.
    It reminded me how much I miss my boy who passed nearly 13 yrs old at 14.
    You and Dozer had a special love and you can be thankful that he picked you as his mummy.
    He will always be your baby…
    RIP beautiful boy 💙

    Reply
  13. Terry says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:46 pm

    They become such a huge part of your life and take away a massive chunk of your heart when they leave. It’s bever easy to say goodbye.Rest easy Dozer.😢

    Reply
  14. Marge Hughes says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:45 pm

    So so sad to hear that dear Dozer has crossed the Rainbow Bridge – take care Nagi – the mourning and healing is a slow process – let the tears flow ….sending love and strength

    Reply
  15. Gay says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:45 pm

    Nagi, .my heart is breaking. Dowser was a friend to us all & we can feel your pain. May Dowsers memory live on in you. You should feel proud that you gave him such a great life. R.I.P gorgeous Dowser.

    Reply
  16. Beverley says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:44 pm

    Dear Nagi, words can never be enough. All my love to you and your beautiful boy.

    Reply
  17. Victor Villanueva says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:42 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    When I come home from work and my dog and eight cats rush out to greet me, I tell myself that I will always try to love them the way you love Dozer.

    Reply
  18. Karen Hopkins says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:41 pm

    Nagi, I am so, so very sorry for your loss. I am shedding tears with you. Dozer was a real gem, and even though I did not meet him, I felt like I knew him through you. Thank you for sharing the life of Dozer. Rest in Peace Dozer, and hugs and prayers to you, Nagi

    Reply
  19. Danielle Graph says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:40 pm

    We’ve got you, we feel you, we’re all sending you love and support. Good boy Dozer x x x

    Reply
  20. Teresa Margaret Rose Stephenson says

    February 9, 2026 at 7:40 pm

    I have tears in my eyes

    we love you Dozer. RIP. big hugs Nagi. So sad.

    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!