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Home Dozer

The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,663 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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4,663 Comments

  1. Karen Farrell says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:41 am

    Lots of hugs for both of you.

    Reply
  2. Robyn Dryden says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:41 am

    Sending much & hugs to you & Dozer. I have loved his journey with you & my favourite taste tester x

    Reply
  3. Yolande says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:40 am

    Sending you much love and prayers in this season.

    Reply
  4. Shirley says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:39 am

    I am so sad to read this Nagi and understand your pain so well. Dozer is one lucky doggo to have so much love ❤️

    Reply
  5. Sheelagh Preston says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:39 am

    I’ve had 5 golden retrievers in my lifetime. Saying goodbye is so difficult. Wish they could live forever. Sending lots of love from my 8 year old Goldie ‘ monty and myself xxxxx

    Reply
  6. Barb says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:38 am

    Oh, Nagi. Dear Dozer is the goodest boy & has been your heart all these years.

    Just be with each other & make the most of this time. Know that even when he must leave this world, he will live forever in your heart.

    Sending you both love & big hugs. 💓🫂🫂💓

    Reply
  7. Michelle Davis says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:38 am

    Oh Nagi, my heart breaks for you. I love all your recipes and you are my go to every time I am trying to find a recipe. I have been following Dozers journey since he became unwell last year and am so devastated for you. Sending you all my strength for this difficult time 😘

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:38 am

    Hoping Dozer makes it home so he can spend his final time in his happy places.
    The days that every pet owner knows will come, but we can never prepare for.

    Reply
  9. Mithila says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:37 am

    Hi Nagi & Dozer,
    Sending my heartfelt thoughts to you and your sweet boy. At 13.9, he’s lived such a full and beautiful life by your side, and it’s clear how deeply he is loved. I’m hoping with all my heart that he feels comforted, supported and held through this difficult time.
    Wishing strength, calm and moments of peace for both of you as you navigate the days ahead.
    Lots of love,

    Reply
  10. Connie says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:36 am

    I went through all of these emotions in December when my girl came to the end of her time. But I wouldn’t trade any of the years I had with her for anything. When we give our hearts to a dog, it’s theirs forever. Anyone can see how much you love Dozer. And how much he loves and trusts you. Peace.

    Reply
  11. Paul Skvorc says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:36 am

    After letting our 14YO gent go a little over a week ago after a bout with melanoma, I feel for you. Take care of yourself!

    Reply
  12. Karen Johnson says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:36 am

    Dearest Nagi & gorgeous handsome Dozer,
    Thinking of you both. Dozer sure is a fighter & has had the best furmumma. Nagi you have so much love for your boy right here. It’s heartbreaking watching your baby age, get sick & to their end of life to cross that 🌈. You’ve gone above & beyond to give Dozer a fighting chance & he thanks you for that. He’s trying so hard to get home for you. I’m crying watching your stories bc I know the outcome 🫂🐾💔. Thank you for sharing the ups & downs. Hang in there. Sending so much love ❤️ & light ✨️& hugs 🫂🤗from Karen, Toby I🐾 and Charlie 🐾 in Qld

    Reply
  13. Suzanne Howard says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:35 am

    Thinking of you and your beloved Dozer. He is family and he has a very special place in your life. Wishing both of you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Lots of love

    Reply
  14. Mary Campbell says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:35 am

    Oh, Nagi, my heart goes out to you. I know that you will make whatever time Dozer has left with you the best that he could have.
    Take good care of yourself
    Sending love and prayers for you both… 💔🙏😔🤗

    Reply
  15. Melissa Ward says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:35 am

    Sending you and Dozer all the love in the world ❤️❤️

    Reply
  16. Karen Johnson says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:35 am

    Dearest Nagi & gorgeous handsome Dozer,
    Thinking of you both. Dozer sure is a fighter & has had the best furmumma. Nagi you have so much love for your boy right here. It’s heartbreaking watching your baby age, get sick & to their end of life to cross that 🌈. You’ve gone above & beyond to give Dozer a fighting chance & he thanks you for that. He’s trying so hard to get home for you. I’m crying watching your stories bc I know the outcome 🫂🐾💔. Thank you for sharing the ups & downs. Hang in there. Sending so much love ❤️ & light ✨️& hugs 🫂🤗from Karen, Toby I🐾 and Charlie 🐾 in Qld

    Reply
  17. Elaine Richardson says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:34 am

    Nagi and dear, lovable Dozer, my boys (13 and 14) and I are sending you love and happy thoughts 💕 It is a hard time but he has given you love and loyalty and it’s not much to ask to make his final journey peaceful. We will all meet again over the rainbow bridge xx I truly believe this, god named dog after himself xx

    Reply
  18. Sandra Jenkins says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:34 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you it is losing a family member their lives are short but the love you share will always be with you

    Reply
  19. Pat says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:34 am

    Nagi, I am so sad for you. Dozer is a very special dog and you and he are so lucky to have shared so much joy the past years. He will never be forgotten by everyone who has ever had the luck to get to know him through your blog or in person. Please take all the time you need. Your community loves you and Dozer.xoxo

    Reply
  20. Cella says

    February 4, 2026 at 11:32 am

    Sending lots of love and hugs to you and your beautiful Dozer ❤️

    Reply
    • Sue Ann says

      February 4, 2026 at 11:44 am

      Praying for Dozer to be comfortable during his final journey and just enjoying all the love that you are showering him with. Sending the both of you lots of hugs and love.

      Reply
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