Australian food blogger and best-selling author Nagi Maehashi is mourning the heartbreaking loss of her cherished golden retriever Dozer, who passed away after a courageous battle with a severe lung infection. The beloved pet, who had been a constant companion and prominent figure in Maehashi's life and work, died despite intensive medical treatment.
Heartbreaking Announcement on Social Media
Maehashi shared the devastating news with her 1.7 million Instagram followers, posting a simple yet poignant message: "He didn't make it. My heart is shattered." The self-taught cook, who gained fame through her popular RecipeTin Eats platform and as a former MasterChef contestant, had been keeping fans updated on Dozer's health struggles since January.
Medical Battle and Hospitalisation
The golden retriever was hospitalised at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) with pneumonia affecting both lungs. Medical professionals suggested the condition might have been complicated by pre-existing health issues, specifically larynx paralysis. Maehashi expressed profound gratitude for the veterinary team, stating: "I can't speak highly enough of the women and men who work here, everyone from the vets to the nurses to the surgeons to reception."
Dozer spent a fortnight in intensive care fighting the double lung infection, showing brief signs of improvement that allowed for two discharges. However, complications necessitated readmission each time, ultimately leading to the tragic outcome.
Professional Impact and Personal Devotion
Maehashi, who was born in Japan and raised in Sydney, made the difficult decision to step back from her professional responsibilities to focus on Dozer's care. During this period, head chef Jean-Baptiste Alexandre (JB) and Maehashi's brother Goh assumed leadership of the RecipeTin Eats business operations.
In a touching tribute video posted on Sunday, Maehashi reflected on Dozer's multifaceted role in her life, describing him as:
- Chief taste tester
- Philanthropist
- Friend and companion
- Cover boy and cookbook star
- Event host and chief cuddle officer
- Professional napper and playtime enthusiast
- Beloved goofball
A Deep Personal Bond
The food blogger, regularly photographed with Dozer who she said was "by my side 24/7," shared the profound personal connection they shared. "But to me, he was just my baby boy who loved me unconditionally," Maehashi revealed. "I loved him fiercely and completely and I will carry that with me forever."
In her final message to supporters who had followed Dozer's journey, Maehashi expressed gratitude: "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. See you on the other side."
The loss has resonated deeply with Maehashi's extensive community of followers, many of whom had grown fond of Dozer through his frequent appearances in her culinary content and social media posts over the years.
