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 happy for you both! What a chonka he is! I cried when I saw your post about sweet Dozer and I cried when I saw little Jaffle ❤️ lucky boy having first taste of your amazing recipes ❤️
Congratulations on Jaffle entering your life. He’s absolutely gorgeous & I know he will bring you lots of love & happiness 🙏
Thanks for the vegetable tian recipe it’s delicious 🥰
He is absolutely adorable. 🐾
I’m so happy for you, he is absolutely gorgeous.
Welcome Jaffle ! When we lost our Staffy Sam at 13 years old, we were totally devastated. Our friends said not to leave it too long to get another dog. They were right. There is life and extra love in our home once again. I look forward to seeing your new boy grow and develop his own special quirks and characteristics. Congratulations 🎊
I had a little happy cry. Welcome Baby Jaffle: such happiness!! We have Labradors #6 and #7 at our house: we never forget our animal companions that have died, but find joy in the ones we are with right now. Your heart will be filled with new puppy love right next to the place for Dozer. Woof woof and wiggle tails from Hedy and Vivee💚🐾
Congratulations to you both Nagi – I am sure you will be a perfect fit for each other ! he is gorgeous 😍 Dozer will never leave you ❤️ be happy 😊
Congratulations Nagi and welcome Jaffle. It’s bittersweet welcoming a new dog after losing a beloved pet. It can feel disloyal, but they live on in our hearts. I believe that you can honour the memory of your lost pet by sharing that love with a new pet. Wishing you both all the best, and looking forward to lots of puppy pics.
Awww Nagi, Jaffle is just adorable and its so lovely to see your beautiful smiling face!! No one, especially you, will ever forget Dozer and the huge part he played in your world but Im sure hes watching closely from above and keeping an eye on his prodigy!! Can’t wait for all the updates and puppy pics…..and receipes of course.
Jaffle is adorable. The love in your heart for Dozer will always remain, it will just move over a little bit to make room for Jaffle.
Welcome beautiful fluffy Jaffle. Golden Retriever puppies are extra special! What a joy for you to have him join your household. Darling Dozer will be happy his mum has sweet Jaffle to love and cuddle 💛
I’ve owned goldies for 20 years and know the love and companionship they bring. I also know the deep sense of loss that saying goodbye brings. Jaffle has big boots to fill and an important job to do as chief taster. I’m with him on the kale front.
I’m so happy you found a new taster /frurry friend, he looks delightful. Thank you for sharing.
“I am not crying. You are crying” – (said 55 YO tough guy bloke). So amazing Nagi. Dozer will never be forgotten. What a journey. All of us look forward to getting to vicariously know Jaffle. What a beauty. (as he wipes another tear from my face).
We will enjoy out RTE lasagne recipe and raise a glass to Dozer – little Jaffle and to you.
So very happy for you
Very happy for you Nagi.
Beautiful dog.
Nagi – it is 4.30 pm on my birthday – and opening up your letter was the bestest, bestest, bestest birthday present I have received – nope, am NOT being funny or pushy or anything . . . I still clearly remember when Dozer managed to steal your heart and ours . .. and play on (?) Bungen Beach and fall in the pool and all .. . BUT > this little monkey looks just gorgeous and somehow he has fitted in already . . . I dunno > just look at those photos . . . he looks ready to go . . . oh, Nagy > biggest, biggest hugs to both of you 🙂 !
Jaffle is beautiful. Congratulations. I’m sure he will be a great Chief Taste Tester but he’s certainly got big shoes to fill! Dozer will always have a place in your heart.
What a beautiful, sweet boy. He will help heal your heart for sure.
He is gorgeous and am excited to see what adventures he gets up to in the kitchen. Much love ❤️
Welcome Jaffle!
How wonderful to see your new Mum so smiley again.
We look forward to your kitchen journey!
PS I don’t like kale either xx