I am looking for the return address of some readers who sent me beautiful notes and gifts when Dozer crossed the rainbow bridge. If you sent one of the cards or items pictured in this post, please contact me on lookingfor@recipetineats.com so I can thank you properly! 🥰
When the internet became real-world kindness
It’s been 3 months and 9 days since I said goodbye to Dozer. Everybody knew I’d fall apart. What no one expected, least of all me, was the incredible outpouring of support that followed – emails, messages, cards, letters, flowers, and gifts sent from readers around the world.
Every email, message and comment I received mattered, and carried me through some very sad days. The kindness so many of you showed by taking the time to write and reach out made this fast-paced virtual online world feel far more real and human than I ever could have imagined
It is something I will never take for granted and will always be grateful for. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Looking for readers
As I’ve been working my way through sending thank you notes, I’ve realised I’m missing return addresses for some of the beautiful notes and gifts that were mailed to me. Labels that got washed away in the rain, some items got separated from envelopes, and others didn’t have return addresses that I could see.
So today, I’m doing something a little unusual – a post to try to find the kind people who took the time to send mail to me, but whose return addresses I don’t have, so I can properly thank them.
I know it might sound extreme to some people to dedicate a whole post to finding a handful of people – but this is me, it’s how I roll, and I’d be doing this post even if I was looking for just one reader.
Was this from you?
If you recognise a card or item listed as yours and would be comfortable providing me with your postal address, please email your details to lookingfor@recipetineats.com!
1. Flowers from karen in geelong
This was the first gift that arrived for Dozer when he was at the vet hospital, from Karen in Geelong. I kept them in a basket attached to a beeping machine Dozer was hooked up to. Nice decorative touch to the ICU, I thought! 🥰 He loved them so much, even in his unwell state, he had a lick to check if they were edible. That was my Dozer. 🥰
2. friendship bracelets
These actually arrived in December but between Christmas holidays, annual leave then Dozer being hospitalised, I didn’t receive them until the day I said goodbye to him. I’ve worn them almost every day since. Thank you Christine, Monique and Harriet. These are extra special to me.
3. ADORABLY WONKY DONKEY
Robyn told me to give him a squeeze when I felt sad, and he’d bring me comfort. I have been doing as suggested! ❤️
4. t-shirt and toy
From Donna, a plush and t-shirt that made me laugh!
5. charm from kate
Helium balloon card and gold necklace with a charm from Kate. I’ve been wearing the necklace every single day. ❤️
6. BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE from emily-rose
Thank you for taking the time to write and post this card to me, Emily-Rose. It’s so nice to receive mail in the letterbox that’s not a bill! ❤️
7. A THOUGHTFUL CARD from bonnie
Thank you for your thoughtful message and card, Bonnie. Acts of kindness like this meant so much to me during such a sad time. ❤️
8. FLOWERS DELIVERED TO RTM
The lovely native arrangement below was delivered to RTM with a handwritten card but no name. The only clue I have is that the flowers were delivered from Sydney Flowers in North Ryde. Was this from you?
9. A COOKBOOK FROM MARTIN
A beautiful, hefty (!) cookbook by the late great Greg Malouf, gifted by Martin from Hornsby Heights. Martin, I grew up in Asquith, next door!
10. FLOWERS LEFT OUTSIDE RTM FOR DOZER
To the beautiful, kind people who left flowers for Dozer outside RTM, I would love to know who you are so I can thank you properly. (On a separate note, I am sad to report the flower thief is back to his/her naughty ways. 😢 I am seriously contemplating putting a camera out the front of RTM!)
Are you missing from The List?
If you sent me a letter, flowers or gift and provided a return address, keep an eye out on your mailbox in the coming week! If you sent me something and your item is not listed above, and you do not receive post from me in the next fortnight, please contact me on lookingfor@recipetineats.com with a description of what you sent so I can try to track it down. ❤️
Special note to SASH and the team who were there with me at the end
I haven’t forgotten you. Not for a second. In truth, yours are the hardest notes for me to write because what you did for Dozer, and for me, meant so much that I genuinely don’t know where to begin. It feels too important to reduce to words that don’t feel enough. But I will. ❤️
– Nagi x
Remembering Dozer
Today two years ago. This series of photos is exactly how I want to remember Dozer. ❤️
It’s that time of year when we’re well on our way into winter, so you’d think I might have skipped the regular beach visits, especially given it was a decent trek after I moved away from the Northern Beaches.
But nope. On went the puffy jacket, thermal leggings and gumboots, and off we’d go into the chilly winds. The beach was where he was happiest, and there was no way I was going to deprive him of that. ❤️
These photos were taken by Rob Palmer for Tonight. We took a LOT of photos on that day! Dozer really got used to being in front of the lens. 🥰 It came with the job!
Hi Nagi, yes that card was from me.
I hope that with each day that passes, your heart feels a little bit less broken. I wish l could just give you a big hug. From personal experience, only time will help. And don’t be tempted to rush into anything. ((((hugs))))
Aloha Nagi, you truly are amazing. I usually don’t leave comments but when you posted the news of Dozer it really hit me hard. But your strength and dedication to your followers here is what makes you the most lovable and most beautiful human possible.
So much love for Dozer and for you. The photos you shared here are so beautiful. Very touching xx
Nagi I’ve read this post with tears streaming down my face. There are some beautiful people in the world who have reached out with those cards and gifts. People grew to love Dozer, but we love you too, and have felt your pain.
When we are at our lowest is when the generosity and love is shown. When you lost Dozer it was like we all had lost him and we could feel your pain Nagi. Dozer is sleeping the sleep of dreams over the 🌈 bridge. Forever in your heart.
Someone said to me when Caspar died after spending his last 17.5 yrs with me (he was a rescue dog) that I was licky to have him, as you were to have ‘The Doze’. You know what ? They were lucky to have us too. One doesn’t get over it. They just be come part of your makeup and vocabulary and you move on in life.
Personally I felt a debt to the rescue people and took on an 11 yr old with liver problems who we ended up sharing 5 years with. Now without a dog again and hoping to turn you on to ‘rescue dogs’ -there is soo much love needed.
Dear Nagi
Losing a beloved pet like Dozer is truly heartbreaking. He was such a special companion and brought so much joy, love, and comfort to you. Please know that —Dozer’s paw prints will always be a part of your heart. I hope you can find solace in the memories you shared and in knowing how much you cared for him.
Dozer was so blessed to have you as his hooman Nagi! And yes admittedly being a fur parent myself, I have always looked forward to his photos and updates after your recipes.
Sending lots of love and hugs from the the other side of the planet. We will miss him everyday🥹
May Dozer enjoy all the delicious food in doggy heaven. Rest in peace and we’ll miss you. We’re thinking of you Nagi ❤
Dear Nagi. Dozer was a very lucky dog to have you love him so deeply. Animals are our beloved friends. I’ve had quite a few pet animals during my life. Dogs and cats. It’s heartbreaking 💔 when they leave us. I use your recipes often and I always think of you and Dozer. Bless.
My golden retriever Felkie passed some 20 years ago but he still is my screen saver and in my thoughts every day. When meeting Dozer through your posts he substituted with so much love in my heart for you both. As much as I love you recipes (cook them so often) I have to say I probably look to read your post of Dozer first Time helps heal the deep loss but the memories remain forever.
Really touched me and made me cry. My mum lost her dog Alfie after 14 years and said never again. Bed. Toys all went. 3 months later my mum said she was lost without a furry companion. Now she has Ronnie! She is in love( so am I) all over again!
There’s nothing else to say, but
We ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐶Dozer 🙂
Love it that you dedicated a post to thank people for their love and generosity. You and Dozer have touched many lives and hearts. Including mine.
Nagi, nothing wrong to dedicate a whole post to finding the people who support you thru the past three months, it’s you being you and also a good way to update people who are concerned about you. Ever since the first email/post about his condition, receiving and reading the regular emails became a challenge – to read or not to read? It’s hard when you have lost someone like Dozer in life, but it’s great to choose to remember him as he was two years ago. Wish those tears will stop soon, take care.
PS. Asquith was right next door to Mt Colah where we and our cats called home for 13 years.
Hi Nagi. We lost our beautiful girl after 12 years last year so completely understand where you are at. Our doggos are just part of our family and missed incredibly when gone but always in our hearts. Sending a big hug, love your recipes & openness. 💕💕
Nagi you are a kind and exceptional human being! Dozer was so lucky to be loved by you. Sending hugs your way. ♥️ XOXOX
Na! I’m just a crazy dog lady who loves to cook 🤪 – N x
I’m just so sorry you are suffering the loss of your companion. He was a joy to see on your site. So many of us know all to well the pain that rips at your heart.♥️ Pam
Thank you for your lovely message Pam! – N xx
Nagi, It’s precious that you are responding to those who entered your grief with cards, gifts, etc. This also comforts you and moves you in the healing process. My prayers are that the God of all comfort will meet the needs of your heart and overflow your heart with dear memories of time you spent with “our” delightful Dozer.
Thank you Jane, that’s exactly how it’s been for me. Thank you for your lovely message! – N x
“Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”
― Mary Oliver, Dog Songs: Poems
Your love for Dozer was so uplifting to watch from afar. I’m so sorry for your pain now. It’s the price we pay for being mortal.
Thank you Elaine. I really did love him completely. ❤️ – N x