Nagi Maehashi, the celebrated chef and founder of the popular food blog RecipeTin Eats, has announced the tragic death of her beloved dog, Dozer. The 47-year-old food writer shared the devastating news in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, confirming that her cherished pet had passed away after a prolonged battle with illness.
A Heartbreaking Announcement
In a poignant Reel accompanied by photographs of Dozer, Maehashi wrote, 'He didn't make it. My heart is shattered.' She included the dates of his birth and death, stating, 'Dozer Maehashi. 26 April 2012 - 5 February 2026.' The post quickly garnered an overwhelming wave of condolences and supportive messages from followers, fellow chefs, and food bloggers across Australia and beyond.
Outpouring of Support from the Culinary Community
The announcement prompted heartfelt responses from numerous figures in the food industry. Food blogger Sneh Roy expressed, 'Oh Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace and may you find strength in this impossible time. Sending you love and light.' Chef Nick Makrides offered comforting words, advising, 'Give yourself space to grieve and be sad as much as your body needs it. Hopefully in time you can remember him with less pain and more happiness.'
Blogger Annie Nguyen added, 'Hearts are broken all around Australia with this news. I'm so sorry Nagi, he will always be incredibly loved,' while chef Danielle Alvarez wrote, 'Oh Nagi, I am so so sorry for this tremendous loss. Dozer will live forever in our hearts!' This collective support highlights the deep connection Maehashi has fostered through her work and the affection many held for Dozer, who was a frequent presence on her platform.
Weeks of Intensive Care and Emotional Turmoil
The sad update came just days after Maehashi revealed that Dozer was critically ill, following an extended period in intensive care. In a raw and candid blog post, she explained that the nearly 14-year-old dog had been hospitalised with a severe double lung infection and pneumonia at SASH, a veterinary hospital. Despite underlying health conditions, Dozer initially showed remarkable resilience, offering a glimmer of hope.
A Devastating Rollercoaster of Hope and Setbacks
However, the situation quickly descended into an emotional rollercoaster. Dozer was discharged from the hospital, only to be rushed back to the ICU two hours later due to complications. After another discharge, he returned to intensive care merely ten hours later. Maehashi poignantly described the ordeal, writing, 'I've cried a thousand tears and there's a million more to come.' She acknowledged the inevitable outcome, stating, 'We're in the final chapter of Life of Dozer and we all know how the story will end.'
For Maehashi, whose career is built on warmth, generosity, and the everyday joys of food, her greatest wish was for Dozer to come home in good enough condition to enjoy his favourite activities one last time. This hope underscored the deeply personal bond between them, reflecting the human desire for closure and comfort in times of loss.
Stepping Away from Work to Grieve
In light of this profound loss, Maehashi has announced she is taking time away from her professional responsibilities to grieve and heal. Her partner, Jean-Baptiste Alexandre, and her brother, Goh, will temporarily oversee the day-to-day operations of both RecipeTin Eats and RecipeTin Meals. The latter is a food bank initiative she founded to assist individuals experiencing food insecurity, demonstrating her commitment to community support even during personal hardship.
This period of mourning marks a significant pause for Maehashi, whose influence extends beyond recipes to touch on themes of family, care, and resilience. The death of Dozer not only represents the loss of a beloved pet but also a poignant moment for her many followers who have shared in the journey of RecipeTin Eats.
