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Home Dozer

The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,995 Comments
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Published3 Feb '26 Updated3 Feb '26
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I’ve cried a thousand tears and there’s a million more to come.

Almost a fortnight ago, Dozer was hospitalised at SASH with a double lung infection (pneumonia). If he was a spritely young chap, it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. But he’s 13.9 years old, with other medical conditions, and with that comes the reality that is the circle of life.

The initial prognosis was dire, and he went downhill worryingly fast. But my boy is a fighter. Against all odds, he improved, his lungs showed some healing and his vitals were strong. He worked hard on physical rehab and was even discharged on the weekend ………

The happiness of discharge day was sadly fleeting….we were back at ICU mere hours later. With -some of the wonderful ICU nurses of SASH (left to right: Heather, Jo Jo, Taylor, Raf and Dr Adelina).

…….only to be back in ICU a mere 2 hours later with complications. Discharged again….then back in ICU again 10 hours later.

We’re in the final chapter of Life of Dozer and we all know how the story will end. But before we get to the final page, it is my greatest hope that Dozer can come home in good enough condition to have some time to do the things he loves the most – spending time with his favourite people, scavenging around the table, playing with friends at the beach.

And being by my side, 24/7. All the neck rubs in the world. All the hugs, all the kisses, all the pats.

So for the next little while, I will be taking time away from work. JB and my brother Goh are taking charge of both RTE and RTM (our food bank). JB is going to start sharing new recipes and bring some much needed cheer to this website. Hopefully one a week, if he can manage it with the extra business operations responsibilities he’s taken on. He’s been dropping off recipe samples to me at ICU, which I appreciate greatly, even if eating French delicacies next to beeping machines feels slightly surreal.

I can’t promise to share Dozer updates on all his recipes – to be frank, it depends how Dozer is going – but you’ll see some interesting insights into how JB and I work together on recipes remotely. 🙂

Thank you for all the years of love you’ve shown Dozer, for sharing your own fur baby stories, and for making him feel so deeply adored far beyond our little world. I hope to be able to share some more light hearted Life of Dozer tales for the next little while.

Love – Nagi x


Life of Dozer

In honour of the joy Dozer has brought to this website over the years, I can’t finish this post without bringing some cheer to the Life of Dozer section. 🙂 Here he is eating an ice pop – literally just plain ice. It’s his absolute favourite treat these days! Funny how much the bar drops when you’re in hospital, gourmet expectations reduced to frozen tap water and he’s living his best life. ❤️

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☀️ What I make when it’s too hot to cook
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In memory 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!

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4,995 Comments

  1. The Bulls says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:28 pm

    Sending love and strength to you and Dozer. Such a difficult time. Hoping Dozer gets home for some special time together.

    Reply
  2. Paula says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:28 pm

    Aww.. Nagi I can’t begin to stand in your shoes with the pending loss if a beautiful family member of nearly 14 yrs … But i can send love and Blessings and know Dozer will be just fine and happy when free from pain ✨. Thank you for your life of Dozer posts along with your amazing recipes. I’m fairly new to your personal posts but have been making your awesome food for a few years from NZ .. love and strength. 💖✨

    Reply
  3. Sarah says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:28 pm

    Oh Nagi, I am so very sorry. Dozer has been such a big part of my life too over the years as I’ve been following your blog (honestly, half the time I skip the recipe and just scroll straight to the Dozer section!). He is so lucky to have been so loved by so many people, and to have a mum like you. Wishing you as much time with him as possible. I’ll be thinking of you both ❤️

    Reply
  4. Deb says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:27 pm

    Dearest Nagi and Dozer
    From one dog mum to another I read your story with pain in my heart and tears in my eyes. Dozer knows how much he’s loved and how lucky we all are to be part of your love story. Love to you both xxxxx

    Reply
  5. Mónica says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:27 pm

    Dear Nagi, I’m with you and Dozer with all my heart and energy despite the long distance we both share each other. I’ve just sent to Dozer a bit of Reiki….(a refined energy to be balanced overall). Hope this helps him soon. Kisses for both!

    Reply
  6. Sarah Keating says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:27 pm

    Sending Dozer all the hugs, pats and ‘good boys’ in the world. Hugs to you too Nagi, we’re all holding both of you in our hearts.

    Reply
  7. Colleen says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:27 pm

    Nagi, just know Dozer will always be with you….xx

    Reply
  8. SCOTT F KEEGAN says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:27 pm

    I would give anything for one .or pat with my favorite girl. The hardest thing to go through but the best time to have been had make it all worthwhile x

    Reply
  9. Belinda Kane says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:26 pm

    Oh Nagi my heart goes out to you & Dozer. I have just said goodbye to my 16.5 year old Siamese boy Mojo 13 days ago. I am still crying 💔 He had the most peaceful beautiful send off in his favourite sunny window spot in our bedroom, he was purring while I was brushing him. Sending you both strength and love xx

    Reply
  10. Natlie says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:26 pm

    Nagi, I know the days feel long right now, and the quiet moments might feel filled with worry. But please try to remember that even in this, Dozer doesn’t feel ‘unlucky.’ He feels loved. To him, every day spent by your side is the greatest gift he could have ever received. You are his hero, his protector, and his best friend.
    Please be as gentle with yourself as you are with him. You are carrying a heavy burden of care, and it’s okay to feel exhausted, sad, or even overwhelmed. I am holding you both in my heart and sending you, and your sweet Dozer, all the peace and strength in the world.
    Big hug to you both.

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:26 pm

    This is heartbreaking Nagi. You knew when you picked him up as a pup that day would inevitably one day come. No matter how much you prepare yourself for it mentally one will never be ready for them to cross the rainbow. I wish you two all the best and if he goes to rest in this world that he will wait for you on the other side of the rainbow.

    Reply
  12. Nettie says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:26 pm

    Sending love to you both 💜.

    Reply
  13. Corinne Hayward says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:26 pm

    My heart is breaking for you and Mr Handsome Dozer.
    He has a wonderful and unconditional life full of love.
    Be kind to yourself Nagi!
    How wonderful those Angels are at SASH!
    🐾🐾🐾🐾💙💙💙💙

    Reply
  14. Alison says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:25 pm

    My heart is breaking for you and Dozer. He is such a darling. May the precious time he has left be extra special. I’m thinking and praying for you both.

    Reply
  15. Julie says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:25 pm

    Dozer is the luckiest boy in the world, to have such a loving mum and family. We have followed dozer and his kitchen assistance for many years, we feel your sadness as you make this time the best it can be for him. Hugs and love to you both.

    Reply
  16. Marcia G Riley says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:25 pm

    Big big hugs to you both! Thank you for sharing Dozer with all of us, Nagi! His joyful spirit will remain with us all through the photos in your books and posts. Sending prayers of comfort for you both!

    Reply
  17. Kerry says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:25 pm

    So sorry to hear this, Nagi. I was just thinking of Dozer the other day. Whatever happens, I hope there is no pain for Dozer and lots of happy memories for you to remember in the future. Love to you…..

    Reply
  18. Maree Maddison says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:24 pm

    I know how you are feeling. It’s not easy saying goodbye to our pets.
    Thoughts are with you. What a great life Dozer has lived. Xx

    Reply
  19. Leah says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:24 pm

    Oh Nagi, my heart aches for you, I’ve been in your position, it’s awful. Sending you and Dozer all the love and strength in the world. ❤️

    Reply
  20. Julia Clark says

    February 3, 2026 at 5:24 pm

    Thinking of you and lovely Dozer GB xxxxx

    Reply
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