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
Nagi. I am so happy for both you and Jaffle. Doozer will always be with you, and Jaffle is not taking his place, he is now part of the pack and I know Doozer was part of Jaffle joining your life. Enjoy each other, you have a wonderful gift to share your life with. Best wishes always, Marilyn.
A home is not a home without a dog. We lost our little one and like you we did not think another would take her place but a friend told us about a chap who has lung cancer and could no longer look after his miniature poodle. My wife and I went too have a look at Pippa and came home with her. She is 7 and to us she is a little treasure. I love Dozer and I will love Jaffle.
Very happy for you, Nagi!!!
Congratulations on welcoming Jaffle!! He looks SO cute and I believe Dozer would be so relieved that you now have him; and Dozer is surely with you both wishing your hapiness and cherishing you!!
Congratulations on your new baby Jaffle. He is gorgeous!
Awww Jaffle is so adorable we will never forget Dozer but nothing like a new puppy to make you smile again and grow more love ❤️
Awww Nagi! Jaffle is such a cutie. I’m so glad you found each other. Love that he has a connection to Dozer too x
Nagi, so happy for you. Your new little fella will give you renewed joy. Can’t wait to hear more stories and antics.
Ohayo, Nagi-san!
Congratulations on little yet chunky Jaffle! He’s a cutie. Dozer would be proud!
Hi Nagi,
I have no words to express how much joy this post brings. I want to reach through the screen and cuddle Jaffle!
Also, while what I was dreading came to be with the end of the Dozer section, thank you for leaving us with this note of hope – “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.” Dozer will always be this website, and now it’s double cuteness with the addition of Jaffle! 🙂
Happy that you got another puppy.
I’m sure Dozer is in God’s hands now.
Dear Nagi, Dozer & Jaffle —
As I read this, I found myself smiling from ear to ear, while also holding back tears—I could truly feel the depth of your emotions. As Jaffle steps into the spotlight (with Dozer lovingly watching over), I wish you all a future filled with love and happiness.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dozer still finds a way to pass along a few tips to Jaffle that leave you in awe. Here’s to a wonderful life and many beautiful moments ahead together!
Dear Nagi, Dozer & Jaffle —
As I read this, I found myself smiling from ear to ear, while also holding back tears—I could truly feel the depth of your emotions. As Jaffle steps into the spotlight (with Dozer lovingly watching over), I wish you all a future filled with love and happiness.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dozer still finds a way to pass along a few tips to Jaffle that leave you in awe. Here’s to a wonderful life and many beautiful moments ahead together!
So happy for you, Nagi, to see that you’ve found such a gorgeous new addition to the family.
Of course no-one can ever replace Dozer, but I’m sure Jaffle will follow in his pawprints and be a lovely and worthy successor. What a darling he looks! Love to you both.
I’m so very happy for you both! He’s a very lucky boy to have landed so well!
So lovely to see you smiling. Have no fear Dozer will never be forgotten xxx
I’m so happy to see you smiling again Nagi! Enjoy that beautiful bundle of joy. xx
Jaffle is so cute, I understand how you fell instantly in love. Dozer will always be loved and remembered. But we all look forward to the adventures with Jaffle. xxxxxx
I’m so happy that you and Jaffle found each other. He’s such a cutie.
Oh Nagi, so good to see you beaming again with your new pup Jaffle, and he is just gorgeous. He is a lucky boy knowing all the love he is going to give you. Have a good day.
Well, you have to know how bittersweet this all is . . . I’m super excited for the new life you and Jaffle will create. I look forward to seeing all the sweet photos of you ADORABLE little boy. And, of course, tears were pouring out as Dozer transferred the baton. We will NEVER forget the ORIGINAL Dozer! Thank you, Nagi.