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!
Dear Nagi, losing a dog is a tragedy,but losing a Goldie is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure, and still it pains me. After 8yrs I still sleep with her green elephant with big soft ears just like hers, beside my pillow every night . She was simply the ‘best’. deep felt sympathy to you, keep Dozer in your heart as we all shall. with love x
Nagi,
I miss Dozer but LOVE all the photos of him, that you have posted over the years. As well as his Christmas and Birthday photos, I always loved the ones with Dozer and his doggy pals at the seashore they always make me smile and laugh with love. My favourite is the one with the Pelican 🙂
Love Andie xx
Nagi… this post just shows once again how much of an amazing dog mum and human being you are. You have brought so much joy and love to other peoples lives through your posts and your actions over the years.. and even in the midst of all the pain you must be feeling you still have the heart to continue to reach out and connect with others. You’re a beautiful human being, and we all know why Dozer loved you so much. Thank you for being you in this crazy topsy turvy world we live in at the moment. Keep up all of your posts, even the ones you think are unusual, because we all appreciate them ☺️
Wonderful gifts and letters and presents. Missing Dozer is so palpable. The bracelets are just so perfect.
Nagi you were and are the best furbaby Mum in the world! 🐾❤️🐾❤️
Dear Nagi,
I have thought of you and Dozer so often. It is so hard losing such a beautiful, faithful friend. I read both of your cookery books and Dozer just keeps ‘popping’ up! I think everyone on your sight got to love him as well. We all miss him.
Keep smiling it’s wonderful to have so many happy memories. With love Eileen 🥂💐x
He looks so happy being back beside the water ,you were a great mum Nagi
I so feel for you Nagi…We had three Bichon’s over 30 years….The loss is unbelievable….before that We had a one & only a beautiful Daughter and lost her at 21….You loosing Dozer is as deep he was your ‘Baby’ Your best Friend, your Taster your everything. I understand…it will get easier My lovely Lady of Tineats. Just remember grieving is natural after a loved ones’ passing & everyone does it differently and your way is absolutely the right way….however long it takes. My love & thought’s to you.🥰🥰😘😘
Nagi, you have been in my daily thoughts. I know you are deeply sad and know that you realize how lucky you have been sharing such a wonderful life with Dozer.
Everyone in the RTE world loved Dozer and still does. He will live in our hearts through your wonderful pictures of him. Don’t think we can ever get enough of him.
We lost our two babies(age 8 and 17) within two weeks of each other fourteen years ago. The pain is still there. It gets easier but it does not go away. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Let the tears flow…it’s healthy. You are an amazing person.
Thanks for sharing your life with the world. You make it a better place. Take care of yourself.
Your photos of 2 years ago are so very beautiful. I’ve followed you and Dozer for many years, and having lost chirished dogs of my own I know the pain, anguish, loneliness well. I wish you well Nagi, and that in time your heart will be open to another beautiful creature that needs love. I’m sure Dozer has one in mind from the other side and will nudge you when the time is right. xxxx
Oh Nagi you are being so brave. What a handsome boy SO SO SO happy playing on the beach – I know & love this feeling.
There’s a reason why they say dogs are are (wo)mans best friend.
Time to start smiling about the memories ❤️❤️❤️
Oh my sweet, sweet friend. N, this is a beautiful post that has made my eyes get all wet.
Objectively, you are SO LOVED. The feedback from your poor heart breaking is proof enough of that.
I wasn’t able to send you anything other than e-hugs, but it would melt the hardest heart to see how people care for you. You Are Wonderul.
Hi Nagi,
I have experienced the loss of a very much loved dog and cat too many times (an animal lover doesn’t reach their 70’s without experiencing this devastating loss) so I’ve followed along and my heart goes out to you.
I just want to say that if you don’t find out who sent the remainder of your gifts/cards/flowers take comfort in knowing your effort won’t have been wasted. They will know how much you appreciated them. xxx
I so wish I was one of the totally amazing people that sent you a ‘hard copy’ sympathy gift when you lost lovely Dozer 😔. I followed you through your RTE website and cried through each post (I know that I was definitely not alone in that). Absolutely gorgeous pics of Dozer (and you) just enjoying your time together. However long we have our furbies, it is never long enough. They are such a gift ❤️🐾 It’s wonderful to know that you squeezed out every single minute with Dozer and made it count. Going to give a hug to my two Vizslas and my old Beagle. Take care lovely xx
The submitted photos captured the sheer joy and affection that so many of us,myself included,shared with you in your life with that amazing friend Dozer,and how we all shared in your grief on his passing.The memories of this wonderful life together will forever be a source of joy for all of us.
Reading your sweet words was hard through my tears as Dozer was loved by everyone. But I feel your pain as I lost my beautiful boy of 15 years just one month after Dozer😔
Your stronger than I Nagi I can’t return for our special beach walks😢just yet xxx
I never stop seeing my girl out the corner of my eye. A noise that sounds like her, a flicker of her. I feel your pain, but what joy is it to be so, very loved by a pet. They give, they never take…well! Unless it’s food🤔
Your recipes give me happiness. Thank you Nagi❤️
Beautiful Dozer. We will always remember your gorgeous face…xx
Hello Nagi, I wasn’t one of the wonderful tribute to Dozer senders, but I find this love pouring support fantastic . Dozer was my long time Australian doggy friend !!I do miss him too. I learned so many things about Australia and Australian way of life through both of you !
The photos are beautiful, A walk with your dog is always a great walk 😘 !
We never forget our fur babies. It is such a heart breaking time when they leave us after being part of our family for years. Take care Nagi. Time does help but life never feels quite the same again.