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 am so very happy for you and Jaffle! You are such a good mommy (mum) and he is going to thrive!! I cried when Dozer passed away. I felt like an auntie seeing him grow up and get into so much mischief. I’m looking forward to watching him grow. I’m an honorary “auntie” again.
Jaffle is a beautiful pup, and beautiful memories to have of Dozer.
Enjoy xxxx
Omg he is beautiful, there is nothing like the love of a golden, its in just the way they look at all loving enjoy your new little man
Hi Naji
Iam a fan since Day 1. I am so happy for you and little jaffle.
A New adventure awaits for both of you.
Warm embrace from NZ
Congratulations on your new puppy Jaffle. Im very happy for you as Dozer will always around you in spirit.
Wow. Oh so Dozers ‘friend’ just happened to “get pregnant” hey? Yeah it’s called forced pregnancy it’s what breeders do to make money off animals. Why start the article with your false adoption tripe? If you’re going to SHOP instead of adopt why even mention it?! So manipulative, dishonest and offputting. You could have done the right thing and used your following for a greater good (seeing as you love dogs sooo much), not only did you not, but you’ve tried to weasel around the truth. Nagi, you’ve lost me as a supporter. CYA
I’m so happy for you Nagi, and Jaffle is a BRILLIANT name – we need a special recipes post on them when he becomes official sous chef! You are both so adorable 😍
Jaffle is just beautiful and I’m sure Dozer would be happy that you have the pitter patter of paws in your house and heart again. They can never be replaced but you have so much love to give and Jaffle is a new chapter.
So pleased u have a new companion ..loved Dozer & all your books ..will continue to follow your pages & vook your food ..always turns out
So pleased for you Nagi xx
Welcome to the RTE team Jaffle. Nagi I am so happy that you have found a new golden light to follow you through the upcoming adventures and look forward to each and every new adventure we will share with you and Jaffle.
Lots of love,
Becca
I’m not a dog person (I’m a cat 🐈 person) BUT I always read about Dozer and was keen to know his story! I’m so pleased to see your new cuddly bundle he looks adorable and look forward to many tales! P.S. I absolutely love your recipes! So many have become my go2 favourites. I feel my cooking has gone up another level – thank you so much 🤩
And for ones like me, my cooking has become edible!! Dance 💃 🎉
So happy for you Nagi a new fur baby Jaffle to love just like beautiful Dozer loved reading all the stories Dozer got up too
Lovely to see you have a new family member. I have always thought when I have lost one that I have given them the best life I could now it was a new family members turn.
Hi Nagi
Can I suggest you follow Fresh Food Feeding for Kibble Feeders- great page for learning about diet for Jaffle. Also Dr Will is a vet who is great as well for healthy alternatives for our pets. Congrats on your new love, nothing ever replaces pur oldies though.
😭😭😭💞💝💝💝💝💝💝Laughed & cried for an hour after seeing the pic. Deep bow of congratulations. The one of him standing at the flowers…very deja vu. On his back between your feet…the smug grin of a successful coup…and in fresh, feels-good form again. The cheese pic…”you had me at cheese.” Home again…feeling as it should. Enjoy those hairs on your toothbrush. You made it thru the gauntlet; no easy feat. Now, a Welcome Celebration…with plenty of delicious things to eat??? Delighted for you both and looking forward to hearing all the stories 💞💝💝💝💝💝
Nagi
Your post regarding Dozer and now Jaffle filled my heart. He is just gorgeous! I know how you feel as I lost my Boerbul to a puffadder a few months ago and I am trying to find it in my heart to get another little boy.
Take care and enjoy your new child
Liz
I’m so happy for you. My friend recently had to let her beloved Bob go. She would like another four legged friend but doesn’t know if she’s ready. My response: don’t think about it too much, these beautiful companions come along when the time is right ❤️
Good luck with the toilet training, the chase for the things that have been ‘stolen’, and trying to set boundaries when they’re so bloody cute and cheeky xoxo
Awww . . . Jaffle is so sweet! And a perfect name! Enjoy your new best friend – and let him know about Dozer! I’m sure he’d love to know!
And I have a sneaking suspicion that Dozer may have had a paw in you finding him! Good boy, Dozer!
Congratulations Nagi, Jaffle is simply perfect and a truly gorgeous boy, wishing you many happy years of love and life together x
Jaffle looks gorgeous!!! And it’s so lovely to see you looking happy with your new puppy. I know he won’t replace Dozer, but he doesn’t have to, he’s your special boy in his own right. We’ll look forward to seeing both the Life of Dozer and the Life of Jaffle. Enjoy your beautiful boy ❤️🐶