Meet Jaffle! Future Chief Taste Tester. Son of a Dozer friend. A little bundle of golden, fluffy joy!
48 hours of instant happiness
I didn’t expect to get a new puppy so soon after saying goodbye to Dozer. To be honest, I wasn’t sure when I’d be ready. And I had it in my head that this time round I’d like to adopt. I’d submitted my application, spoken to Golden Retriever Rescue, and was waiting for the right time and the right dog.
Then I recently found out that Clem, one of Dozer’s friends, had gotten pregnant and had a litter of puppies while I was hiding from the world during the last few months. When I met them, one little fluffball stole my heart immediately. A chunky chunderbum of a boy, destined to be big and gold. Just like Dozer. 🥰
He is not the first goldie that has crossed my path since losing Dozer. But he is the first that felt right. I picked him up 48 hours ago, and he’s already managed to completely wrap me around his chunky little paw. No surprises there!
Jaffle Q&A
Where did you get him from? From Kim Handley of Giltedge Golden Retrievers, a registered NSW breeder whose dogs Dozer used to play with regularly at the beach. Unlike Dozer, Jaffle comes from championship lines and a long pedigree of award-winning golden retrievers. It all sounds very impressive on paper, though around these parts, he’ll be judged on very different criteria!
Who are his parents? Jaffle’s mother is Clem, one of the golden retrievers Dozer used to splash around with at Bayview dog beach every weekend in his younger, wilder days. His father is Linirgor Tomich (“Tommy”), who lives in Falkirk, Scotland. Tommy was the UK Champion and Top Stud Dog in 2025. 😳 I know, right??!!
What are you feeding him? I’m currently giving Jaffle dog food recommended by the breeder – Black Hawk for Large Breed Puppies (kibble) plus Lyka Fresh Lamb Dog Food. I am keen to move him onto a homemade food diet as soon as possible. But I know that puppies need the right nutrients to help them grow which I don’t have knowledge about, so I won’t be making any changes to his diet until I speak to professionals.
Dozer was on homemade food from 4 years old, after falling very ill from a bad batch of a well-respected kibble brand (not Black Hawk! :)). He thrived on it! Everyone, including vet professionals, marvelled at the silkiness of his fur and health in his senior years. I am a big believer in real food for dogs. (And humans 🙂 ). In the end, what took him was complications relating to a neurological disorder (Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy – GOLPP).
How old is he? He’s 11 weeks old! He was born on 25 March 2026. I could’ve picked him up a few weeks earlier but I was away in Japan until the weekend. I can’t believe how much he’s grown since I first met him a month ago!
Right at home in the kitchen!
It’s only been 48 hours, but he’s already right at home in the kitchen! I’m going to have to get cracking with the training. Can’t have him stealing food from the pantry or off the bench – Dozer never did that!!
And while it’s early days (ie. still a nervous new puppy owner so I’m exercising restraint on the food front!), I am very happy to report that Jaffle is showing great promise for his future role as Chief Taste Tester of RecipeTin. Proof: enthusiastic cheese acceptance…
….and kale rejection.
He gave it a good chew, then spat it out and looked at it with the same expression Dozer did, like he couldn’t believe I was trying to pass it off as food. 😂
The pitter patter of paws
The house sounds different now. Like home again. The pitter patter of paws on the floorboards, toys scattered in corners, countless little wet patches (I forgot how much puppies pee!) and a little golden shadow following me around everywhere I go.
I know many of you loved Dozer, and I hope you’ll come to love Jaffle too. He’s already brought so much happiness back into my life, in a short 48 hours.
I look forward to watching him grow up with all of you! ❤️ – Nagi x
PS A jaffle is a uniquely Australian toasted sandwich made in a special jaffle iron that seals the edges of the bread together while it cooks. The filling gets trapped inside, creating a crispy golden pocket with hot filling in the middle, and the presence of cheese is mandatory in my world. I look forward to sharing a recipe with you!!
Remembering Dozer
And with the introduction of Jaffle comes the retirement of the Dozer section that somehow became the part of every post that you all skipped straight to before even looking at the recipe. You know how much it secretly delighted me every time somebody admitted that. 🥰
I’ve been dreading this day, because stopping the Dozer section makes it seem so final, like I’m losing him all over again.
There will never be a replacement for Dozer. He wasn’t just my dog, he was my sidekick, my shadow, my best friend, and such a huge part of RecipeTin Eats for almost 14 years. So rather than replacing him, I’d much rather think of this as passing the baton to the next generation.
So while Jaffle begins his career as Chief Taste Tester, Dozer will always have a place here. ❤️ The existing Life of Dozer sections will remain, always.
You know I am hopelessly sobbing while I’m writing this post.
But I just realised something. This is my website, and if I feel like sharing a funny Dozer memory, a photo I came across, or a story that makes me smile, then I can. So don’t be surprised if Dozer pops up from time to time. He may have retired from official duties, but he can live on here as much as I want to continue sharing about him.
And honestly, I think Jaffle would be delighted to hear a few stories about the legend who came before him.
Thank you for all the years of sharing the joy that was Dozer. Rest in peace, my darling boy. I will always love you. ❤️ – Nagi x
I’m so pleased for you Nagi! Dozer was also part of our lives and as you said, he is passing the baton over to Jaffles. He is adorable and I look forward to seeing and hearing about your funny and precious moments with your new fur baby xxx
Another beautiful tribute to Dozer. ❤️
Oh my goodness, he’s beautiful and going to be a big boy 🥰 So happy that you found each other…absolutely not replacing Dozer….passing the baton 😊
Aw rip dozer. You will be so missed. He really was the greatest and I loved you sharing his life with us. I wanted to say that my dogs are also on a homemade diet and they are thriving. The vets always say that they are the softest lol. Real food really does help pups. Also Jaffle is adorable. I’m wishing y’all many wonderful memories ♥️
OMG, isn’t he the cutest!!
I know Dozer is somewhere happy that you have someone looking after you as only a dog can. ❤️
Another beautiful tribute to Dozer. ❤️
Oh my goodness, he’s beautiful and going to be a big boy 🥰 So happy that you found each other…absolutely not replacing Dozer….passing the baton 😊
Oh Nagi, Jaffle’s is so beautiful, what a fitting new chapter, i cant wait for Jaffles taste testing on all your recipes.
As I read with excitement the news of your new floof Jaffle, I fully empathise with the memories you hold deep in your heart of Dozer. He was your goodest boi.
Whilst our family has Maggie, now 5, we still cry often when we reminisce over our dear Maisy(16 yrs old).
Hold Jaffle close, and the memories of Dozer even closer.
Excited to watch Jaffle grow alongside side you
Love from our family
Jaffle will be the perfect salve as your heart heals Nagi.
Did you realise that when Dozers spirit left this world it whispered to Jaffle, “ My Mum needs you”
So happy to see the smiles back on your face and the space in your heart filled with your new fur- baby.❤️
Jaffle will be the perfect salve as your heart heals Nagi.
Did you realise that when Dozers spirit left this world it whispered to Jaffle, “ My Mum needs you”
So happy to see the smiles back on your face and the space in your heart filled with your new fur- baby.❤️
Dozers job is done 🩷🩷🩷
Hi so beautiful to look at both of you.
Im glad you’ve got another one,it won’t heal your heart from missing Dozer yet but he knew you’ll be happy again with your little bundle of joy.
Ive lost my Polly over a year ago but I still keep thinking about her.
Now ive got Manny for a few months now, the opposite of my Polly but still I love him to bits too.
Glad they make us happy and when they leave us ,it is sad.
I just spotted the “introducing Jaffie” post while rechecking quantities on TWO of your recipes I am currently cooking – and then dinner took a pause so I could read about your new sidekick. Congrats, Dozer can’t be replaced but Jaffa’s now has paws to fill!
Love from another puppy mammy across the pond x
Nagi, I was so very sorry to hear about Dozer. I’ve followed you for years and always loved the Life of Dozer. I’m so very happy you have found Jaffle! He is meant for you as you are for him. Looking forward to this next chapter of your life!
Your Dozer was a beautiful boy from the pictures that you posted, and your new Jaffle is gorgeous you look very happy 😊😃🥰you and Jaffle I am sure will have a wonderful life together….💚🐝
Loved Dozer, and Jaffle is adorable also. So pleased for you. xx
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story Nagi. RIP Dozer and welcome to the “chunky chunderbum”! ( that cracked me up ) Jaffle. He looks like he’s going to be a big one judging by the size of his paws. Can’t wait to see his kitchen antics. Animals make everything better.
So HAPPY for you Nagi, Jaffle will be your next soul mate XOXOX
You have brought my family much joy through food and I am so glad you found a new little buddy. Thank you, Nagi.
Congratulations on your new fluffy boy! I know exactly how you have been feeling – when you lose a much beloved pet you have to grieve and just feel when you’re ready to bring a new one home. And we honor our former fur baby by telling our new ones (we got 2 brothers this time) about their godfather. Can’t wait to hear about Jaffle’s adventures!
Congratulations on your new pup he is adorable ! We just welcomed a new Miniature Schnauzer puppy into our household and also have puppy brain at the moment 😀 so worth it though. Look forward to reading all the fun Jaffle posts.
So glad you found Jaffle, what amazing timing that Dozer’s friend had had a litter ❤️