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!
Oh how we miss Dozer. That beautiful face will not be forgotten ❤️ Sending much love to you Nagi xxxx
Thank you Chris. I miss him every day and am holding onto the memories, especially the cheeky ones! – N xx
Your team picture is beautiful. They all look like you. Happy, joyful and very approachable. I left this post with tears in my eyes. You are so darned human Nagi, just looking at you makes people want to reach out.
I’m just me! I don’t know how to be anything else 🙂 – N xxx
What an amazing dog Dozer was. The amount of oain you feel in loosing your best friend is indescribable, I lost 3 of my darlings in the past 8 years and the pain is as raw now as it was then. But I choose to remember all the funny things they used to do and it brings much joy to my heart. Always in our thoughts, never forgotten ❤️
I’m so sorry to hear that Linda. Dozer was my first, and I’m still struggling to accept that they are here for such a short time 😭 – N xx
Nagi, I am very sorry for your loss of Dozer. I understand what he meant to you but as chief taster and those walks you took him on he could not have had a better life. You gave him everything a good dog could ever want. Just remember the good times and please accept my most sincere condolences.
Sent from the UK with love x
Thank you Steve. I just miss him so much. So so much. – N x
He/she had a great life, the problem is that they don’t last as long as we do, however I have a cat that I could post to you who suffers from eternal hunger if you have a few spare crumbs laying about in the kitchen.
Send your cat over! We need a new hoover around these parts 🤪 – N x
Dozer lives on in your heart and many if us who enjoyed seeing him on your posts. He was so special. Big hugs
I’ve lost fur babies over the years and understand your great loss. I still wear some of the ashes of our special boy in a necklace I wear all the time.
Since thoughts if condolences 💙
I have been thinking of getting a little locket to carry his ashes in! I’ve looked online but I can’t decide, it’s too big of a decision!! – N xx
Hi again
I purchased a silver heart from the company who looked after my boy after he passed. I lost it once on a flimsy chain (luckily found it in the car): so I bought a much stronger chain from Yondale designs, I wear it all the time, very rare to take it off, he is always close to my heart,
Hi Nagi
I am so sorry for your loss. I love the photos of you and Dozer at the beach, amazing memories had by both. My daughter told me about your website. Your recipes look amazing, I can’t wait to try some. You blessed each other lives with your big hearts.
He was a beautiful boy loved seeing him in your photos ❤️
Thank you Rose. I have 14 years of wonderful memories! – N xx
Your post made me cry then grateful that you acknowledged those small acts of kindness by friends and strangers that carried you through. We often focus on man’s acts of inhumanity against man but this celebrates the good, the many, many people that practice small, daily acts of kindness and that is what matters in this increasingly unsettled world.
That’s so beautifully put Lynn, thank you – N x
Nagi, you and Dozer were a great pair. Through all of your photos and posts it is obvious that Dozer was a very lucky boy. He had you to take care of him and love him. Pets leave paw prints on our hearts. While it is so difficult to lose a cherished pet, life feels very empty without a fur baby in the house. I have had the privilege of taking care of many fur babies. I do know that loosing them puts a hole in my heart, however, knowing I helped, loved, took care of them gives me strength and a reason to do it again. Take good care of yourself, and be confident knowing that Dozer had the best life he could have with you as his mom.
Please keep posting your wonderful recipes, and always let your personality come through in your posts.
That’s exactly right Susanne, my life does feel very empty without him 😭 Work doesn’t feel the same without his goofy face sticking his nose in everything we’re cooking. I just miss him so much – N x ❤️
Dear Nagi, I know how devastating it is to lose a Golden Retriever! They just sneak into your heart so very quickly And take a piece of it with them when they leave! We lost our four year old last April! It just torn us to pieces! We had to do something about it ,so we braved it and got another! Not to replace but to help us both heal! Marley-Mae is now eleven months old and we think she is starting to settle down from the puppy stage! She is so very different to our previous one but is very loving and loves cuddles and sitting on our laps! She has bought a lot of love back in our house and even though she is such a handful, we won’t have it any other way! The house feels like a home again! Take Care! You are in our thoughts as you take one day at a time!💐🐶🩵🙏
Loved your posts on Dozer he was a very much loved . Love you to.xx
First, I’m so sorry about “Dozer.” I know you loved him & he loved you. I had an Irish Setter named “Patches” for 14 1/2 years. I got him as a puppy & we also loved each other very much. He was a very large/tall, dark red, somewhat clumsy fellow. He always leaned on me whenever I was standing, so he was nicknamed “Kickstand” (like on a bicycle). 😂 I was heartbroken when he died & have always missed him very much. I definitely understand how sad you are & how much you miss Dozer, so I’m sending you a big hug! 🥰
With all my love and heartfelt sympathy…I know your pain. I am grateful to you for sharing your Dozer with all of us…captivating our hearts…my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh Nagi, the world needs more humans like you and more doggos like Dozer. I know the heart pain all too well. There will always be tears but that’s just liquid love. I hope you find the people above.
Nagi, both you and Dozer were the epitome of love and food, in perfect harmony. There isn’t a website anywhere like yours. You have touched people literally all around this world. Love from Canada. And absolutely love all the recipes I have made from your cookbooks, and website. Dozer was oh so special. You were blessed to have such a partner on your team!!
I know this is a recipe site, but do we have to cut onions so early in the day? My heart is with you, Nagi, in fellowship of another one grieving a beloved pet.
I have friends who always find new loves when an old on passes through the Golden Retriever Rescue in Vic. They have 3 beauties at the moment. It might be time for you to think about this!xx
Animals are here to break our hearts. And the only way to mend a broken heart is to bring another pet into your home. It sounds harsh, but it’s true. I’m old enough to know.
Sending love and hugs from New Zealand XX It is so hard to say good bye to our loved ones..
Oh I had tears all over again. I was not one who sent a gift or card, just a comment when Dozer passed; but just lately the Universe has been sending me examples of how kind people are – and this is another one. Both you, Nagi, and your (or Dozer’s) kind fans. Go well, best wishes to you…
I’m sorry this brought on tears again Susie 😢 If it’s any consolation, there were many many tears writing it. But I had to try to find these people! – N xx