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
Quelle bonne décision! Nous ne sommes jamais seule avec un ami si fidèle.
Je suis plus qu’heureuse pour vous deux.
Jaffle looks devoted already. Goldie’s are great companion dogs. Such a cutie. So happy for you
I am so happy for you!! you are not replacing Dozer just making room for more Golden Love! xoxo. once you know that love it is Very hard to live without it! Congratulations!!
I am crying tears of joy for you and this beautiful soul Jaffle. He was sent by Dozer!! He is beautiful and I am so happy you have another fluff ball to lavish with your love on!!! Congratulations!!!
Oh Nagi, Jaffle is adorable and looks like he’ll keep your life busy with many cheeky escapades at home and on the beach. Beautiful Dozer lives on in the memories you share with us, which brings me to tears a smiles all at the same time! Looking forward to seeing the adventures of Jaffle with you by his side xx
He is gorgeous
Enjoy the love ❤️ Nagi
I am so glad to hear that a new furry mate has come into your life. He is not Dozer but Jaffle will be a great mate and confidante in all matters of the kitchen and the heart.
Aww, Jaffle is such a beautiful boy. Happy cooking you two
Jaffle is gorgeous Navi! He already looks right at home 🙂
I know exactly how you feel. I just got a new companion after my boys went to Heaven last year. There’s never ever a replacement but there is definitely a new unique and beautiful love story that will develop quickly. I’m so happy for you now!
Jaffle is a gorgeous young fella, and has already stolen a piece of my heart right beside where Dozer will always reside. I can’t wait to read the stories and see the photos of both of those beautiful puppers of yours. It’s also wonderful to see your beautiful beaming smile! xx
Hi Nagi, so pleased you have a new pup. Losing lovely dozer was so heartbreaking.
As a dog lover I have loved and lost, so painful to go through but giving another pup can build a new relationship and new love. Xx
So beautiful Nagi he will be the love of your life – they are so trusting. He will fill your heart with love as Dozer did.
I was keeping this email on unread a I thought “brilliant I haven’t had a jaffle since growing up, how are my kids even experiencing life without jaffles! So it was my reminder, and then I clicked on it and now a sobbing me says, thank you for sharing so much of your fur babies. Such love that a new fur baby gets to experience your life, I can’t wait to see him grow
Aww, Jaffle is so adorable & I’m looking forward to many cheeky moments as with Dozer! The thing with pets, they always have a part of your heart & there is always room to love more! xx
Nagi is my hero! I live in the U.S. but hope someday to come to Australia and see her magnificent food pantry in person. Please let us know your recipe for homemade dog food so we can take good care of our fur babies!
So happy for you and that cute bundle of golden…Jaffle.
Can’t wait for more pics as he grows. I had tears too remembering Dozer.
Thanks for sharing the pics of gorgeous Jaffle! Dozer will always remain in our hearts and I’m crying as I write this! I’m sure he is so happy that you’ve got a replacement food taster – he wouldn’t want all those tasty bites to go waste. Sending the both of you hugs. Xx
Hi Nagi,
We will love Jaffle as much as we all LOVED the adorable Dozer. Please do sometimes post some of the great moments with the lovely Dozer (my favs were actually on the beach playing with his golden pals)
As we are also Scottish and just an hour’s drive from Fife, we hope Jaffle will be supporting Scotland along with Australia in the Football World Cup
Also hoping from you for some great football ‘TV Dinners/Snacks’ to make
Love to you and all at RTE/RTM x x x
I cried when you lost Dozer, and it is soo good to know you have a brand new bundle of love now to test your delicious recipes! 🥰