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
Jaffle is absolutely beautiful. Wishing you both many happy years together.
Oh Nagi, I know losing a fur baby is so hard and you will always love them, but I am soooo happy that you have another gold shadow. They lift your spirits and fill your heart with love. Biggest hugs for both you and Jaffle, he’s a beauty.
Aw Nagi I am so happy for you that you have been able to find some light and joy in a fluffy friend again! We will always remember and love Dozer and also look forward to new memories and recipes under Jaffles’ watchful nose – not the same adventure, but two different wonderful fluffy journies 🥰
That is one HUGE fur ball! So precious! I can’t wait to see the shenanigans this little guy gets into! So happy for you🥰.
I came here for a recipe and now I’m a mess of tears and joy. Welcome Jaffle. Good-bye Dozer. Thank you for sharing.
So happy to see you with your puppy. I cried when l read you had lost your beautiful Dozer. We had lost our golden Sadie last winter so we very much related to your posts about how huge his loss was. However we also ended up unexpectedly with a golden puppy much sooner than we expected and the joy she brings is amazing.
But like you, our Sadie and her loss is still felt. As you go forward l and l am sure so many others will love to hear about Jaffle but also look forward to hearing your memories about Dozer. He was such a wonderful dog.
Now that’s one lucky dog.
Cheers and enjoy.
Brian
Oh Nagi, that is such great news. Nothing helps the heart heal a little than a new little ball of fluff.
This post made me cry so much, you look so happy Nagi and I know that behind that is so much grief and pain. It’s so bittersweet to welcome a new puppy after loss, but I hope it’s as healing for you as it has been for me. My puppy is not a replacement, just more love. Jaffle is the absolute cutest and he’s lucky to have you as his Mum!!
I love that I found out about Jaffle on the ABC News website, because this is the best kind of news. Congratulations Nagi and Jaffle on finding each other.
So happy for you. Dozer brought Jaffle no doubt n sunshine back into your life. Luv them both
I cried and smiled as i read your story of bringing Jaffle home and saying goodbye all over again to Dozer. We know, after losing a beloved furry family member, when and if, it’s time for a new member. Our dogs hold their own special place in your heart. A new dog takes up its own special place in your heart. I love seeing those photos. He’s gorgeous. Dozer will be looking over you and will be glad to see your heart smiling again. Our dogs feel joy in seeing us happy, after all, and share in joy, wherever they are. Xxx
Stop it!! I’m not crying, you are…. 😭 Sad tears fro Dozer, happy tears for you and Jaffle. Cuteness overload! Adorbs. 🥰
Came here to look for recipes for my weekly meal prep and got distracted by Jaffle! Cute fluffy little butterball! Now I need to crack on with my weekly meal plan. Stop distracting me Nagi!
Your website is such a blessing to me! I type in what ingredients I have, and you have something delicious I can make! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Dozer has always been a great part of your site! And Jaffle?
He is adorable! Thank you again for all the effort that you put into everything that you do!
I am so proud of you and I know Dozer would be also for not feeling like you have to wait to do this. I have always felt it was a compliment and honor. It is because of Dozer and the happiness that he brought you that enables you to do this so quickly. I look forward to wonderful stories of you and Jaffle and the occasional one with Dozer..
Nagi, I am so happy that you now have Jaffle who will give you many years of happiness. Ḏozer can never be replaced or forgotten but remembered for all the good times. It is Jaffle’s turn now.
So happy for you Nagi. We will never forget Dozer.
Welcome to little Jaffle. Had tears in my eyes too whilst reading your post. We lost our dog Wally not so long ago a ridgeback Weimaraner etc ? cross who was about 16. Still miss him and some dogs are just so special. Your little Jaffke looks beautiful. Cheers Pauline
Loved Doser so much. May he rest in peace 🙏
Welcome Jaffal who is such a bundle of fluff😍 looking forward to his journey with you in the kitchen ❤️
Sending hugs