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 happy for you. I hope it helps to ease your pain.
So very happy for you Nagi! Jaffle is a lucky pup and I’m sure he will rise to the challenge of Chief Taste Tester in no time! xo
Bless his little cotton socks ✨️ 💕
Ah, Nagi, I am so happy for you!
He is adorable! His little squishy cheek in the first picture. 🥹
Wishing you two all the best and a lovely bonding time. 😘
Oh Nagi, I am so happy to see you smiling again! I admit shedding tears reading your post (GRs are my favourite breed, too and my boy – a labradoodle – is my life. My childhood dog was a gentle GR called Dexter). Jaffle is soooo cute. He has no idea what a lucky pup he is! Jaffles are also made in South Africa – always over a campfire or a braai (coal BBQ). When we moved to the UK 18 years ago, we made sure our jaffle iron came with us! Nothing quite like a bacon and egg jaffle toasty for breakfast when camping :-). Lots of love to you and Jaffle (and Dozer, who will always remain a key part of RecipeTin Eats) xxx
Nagi, it is so lovely to see such joy back on your face! What a gorgeous puppy, good to see that he has big feet as he has big shoes to fill:)
Wishing you and Jaffle much pleasure with each other and I forgive you for bringing me to tears with this post xo
I always would hit the Dozer button – then go back to the recipe! I know from bitter experience that saying goodbye to a dog is a loss like no other… but I still had enough love in my heart to rescue 3 goldens in the last 2 years. So I know how you feel and you will live Jaffle just as much. He’s not a replacement – he’s just another beautiful boy to love💛
So very happy for you Nagi. Dozer would want you to spread your dog love to another. Jaffle has found a wonderful home and lifestyle to come. Dozer’s love lives on far and wide xx
We will never forget the joy Dozer brought you and all your readers but so happy you have Jaffle to give all your love, (and treats) to. He is one very lucky puppy to be chosen by you. Much love to both of you and we’ll all look forward to your future adventures together. 🦮😘
Dear Nagi. I am so very pleased Jaffle has stolen your heart. He is gorgeous. He will never replace Dozer in your heart, or ours but he will expand our hearts as he grows.
Please do keep posting about Dozer. He will always be in our hearts and memories that way.
Hey little Jaffle …. Have you any clue how lucky you are? What a lucky bestest boi you are.
Looking forward to watching Jaffle grow.
Our Toby the BC was diagnosed with LarPar at SASH in North Ryde in Dec 25. So far all is going very well and no deterioration in his condition. Toby is 12 next month. We hope he grows very old 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Oh what joy! Happy for you and Jaffle.
I’m so glad you now have Jaffle. There is not a home so empty as one that has lost a beloved dog. When people remarry after a spouse dies, they don’t consider they are replacing the old one. They fall in love anew with a new person. Same with Jaffle. Dozer will always be a relationship that you cherish, and Jaffle will be another. Much love to you both, and great adventures!
I’m so happy for you Nagi, Jaffle is absolutely gawjus…. I can’t wait to see and hear what your little chunky Jaffle has been up to…🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️
Oh Nagi he is stunningly gorgeous. WOW he will certainly grow that place in your heart where loss for Dozer is. He won’t take over love for Dozer but , we can only grieve if we have loved. Love this wee man with an open heart too. XXXX❤️❤️
Nice to see you happy again with your puppy. We call a jaffle a toastie pie. Your puppy looks as delicious as his name.
Oh, my god, I was sobbing too, reading that. Worst thing that’s every happened to me was losing my previous dog and I don’t know how I’d cope losing my current one. They are such precious beings in our life. Loved reading about Dozer’s adventures and life and welcome little Jaffle, such a cutie with those huge paws. 🐾🐾💞 ( a big heart for Dozer and a little one for Jaffle). 😄
Congratulations Nagi on your new little buddy ❤️ Now that’s Puppy Love!
Never replacing Dozer just adding to the love! Have fun!! xo
Your little Jaffle is totally adorable as was Dozer. Wonderful site, Nagi. Loved it for years x
Oh Nagi, you know darn well that Dozer sent this sweet boy to you to help heal your heart. He is a beautiful pup and I know that he’s got the best Mom on earth (YOU). I think Dozer would be chuffed. Give this new boi a big hug and kiss from Aunty Jana the Vet Tech here in California. Can’t wait to see the Shenanigans he’s going to be getting into!!
🙏🏽🌺🦋🐾💖❤️🩹🐕🦮