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Home Dozer

The Final Chapter: Life of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,673 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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4,673 Comments

  1. Wendy M says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:24 am

    Your love for Dozer shows in every, post, story and picture. It’s always hard when it comes to this stage, I hope you can take comfort knowing you gave Dozer the most amazing life and remember he loves you as much as you love him 🐾🐾

    Reply
  2. Cate G says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:24 am

    We love you Dozer and Nagi 💗💗

    Reply
  3. Michelle Hewlett says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:24 am

    I’m crying reading this as I had to make the painful decision to allow my golden lab Cody 15.5 years grow his angel wings in 22/8. I still cry every morning and night. I was blessed to have him in my life for so long. Sending big hugs to you Navi xx

    Reply
  4. Geoff Ferguson says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:24 am

    Dozer will, unfortunately move on!
    His memories will never will. I will miss him, but, never forget.

    Reply
  5. Gail Leith says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:24 am

    Dear Nagi and Dozer. This news comes just 2 weeks after I had to say Goodbye to my faithful companion of 15 years, Tiger the Cat. He was like having another person in the house. He travelled with me from Sydney to Queenstown NZ when he was 14. Travelled like a pro and settled in straight away as if he’d always lived here. My heart aches for you Nagi because I know how difficult this time is. I’ve loved reading Life of Dozer over many years now. He’s a great dog and has made many people happy. You’ve given him the best life imaginable. Spend all the time you need with him. He deserves it. You are both tucked into a little corner in my heart as you go through this journey together. All my love to you both. xxxx ❤️❤️

    Reply
    • Kris Westphal says

      February 4, 2026 at 10:36 am

      I’ve enjoyed many of your photos of dozer. They always bring a smile to my face. My heart goes out to you as we lost our beloved Henry age 13 last year.. I hope is able to go home and spend his time with his loved ones ♥️

      Reply
  6. Linda Walsh says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:23 am

    Sending love to you both. Sweet Dozer, keep fighting!❤️🙏

    Reply
  7. Kelly Vize says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:23 am

    Oh Dozer. I wish all pups could have the love and life you’ve lead. Have a rest now big guy xxx

    Reply
  8. Emma says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:22 am

    Its a hard time Nagi, i lost my boy last year at nearly 15 and it hurts like a thousand knives to the heart. We are all thinking of you both and send big love and hugs during this hard time. What a beautiful life you have given him. xx

    Reply
    • Anne Michele Galloway says

      February 4, 2026 at 10:50 am

      Exactly right.Remember the great life you had together.Going to the beach.My beautiful dog passed 10 years ago
      He knew he was going to the beach 10 ks away once we turned a certain corner in the car..God bless u and dozer.u gave as much happiness especially the beach shots

      Reply
  9. Danielle says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:22 am

    Dear Nagi and Dozer, my love and hugs, and lots of strength go out to you. I understand, it’s unbearable.
    Just know I am thinking of you and hold you close. So glad to have found you both and the joy you have brought to me.
    What a wonderful life you have given Dozer, Nagi and Dozer in return with unconditional love and licks. So special.
    Lots of Love 🐶❤️

    Reply
  10. Emily R says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:22 am

    Absolutely heartbroken for you, cannot imagine what you are going through. Have followed you for a while and Dozer is a part of it all. Thinking of your sweet boy and all the joy he brought to the world. So sorry for all you are going through.

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:22 am

    Best wishs to you and dozer .Keep being strong .prayers

    Reply
  12. Karen Holmes says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:22 am

    The final chapter hurts so much before that last page is read. Hugging my dog closer today. 💔

    Reply
  13. Barbara Cunningham says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:22 am

    So very sorry to hear of Dozer’s death. It’s one of the worst days we have to endure when our best friends die. Xx

    Reply
  14. Ricki says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:22 am

    I’m so sorry to hear that Nagi. Enjoy the precious time you have left together. Our head knows it’s time but our hearts are never ready to say goodbye x

    Reply
  15. Donna Rawlinson says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:21 am

    Tonight will be a RTE family favourite of Burritos, but before we eat we will be saying Grace and honouring Dozer and all our beautiful fur friends that walk beside us through our lives, my heart is heavy but the loves is boundless . God bless Nagi

    Reply
  16. VICTORIA JONES says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:21 am

    Sending lots of love. X

    Reply
  17. Jess Strauss says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:21 am

    Typing through tears writing this – thank you for sharing your life with Dozer with us. The bond between us and our dogs is so strong and special. It’s the most heartbreaking thing to say goodbye. Dozer is so loved – what a special dog and life he’s had. All my love for this next difficult chapter. We’re all behind you ❤️🐶

    Reply
  18. Roxanne says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:19 am

    Sending you warm hugs and lots of love Dozer and Nagi ❤️❤️

    Reply
  19. Julianne Hogno says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:19 am

    Dear Nagi, we are all heart broken for you. Hopefully everyone’s love for Dozer will lift your heart and give you some comfort. He is the best boy ever. He will never be far away as he holds a very special place in your heart and ours. Stay strong and give Dozer a love for us. It’s extremely hard to say goodbye but rest now Dozer. 🐾🐶💙 we love you.

    Reply
  20. Gael Prior says

    February 4, 2026 at 10:19 am

    Sending love and hugs to you both. You’re in my prayers. 🙏💜

    Reply
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