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
That is the best news I’ve seen for a week, if not a month. None of us will ever forget Dozer, but I suspect that I am not the only one to have fallen instantly for Jaffle. Congratulations.
Young Jaffle is perfect in every way, and I know he’ll be the love of our lives, just like Dozer.
Like you, my wife and I were traumatised when our first dog passed. When we got our second, we estimated his half life, and got another pup, and have done the same ever since.
The pups reinvigorate the older ones, and it’s game on. Then as the older dog slows, the younger one takes care of him.
When the older one passes, it still hurts, but the beautiful memories get revisited every day, through the younger one.
I hope this helps you and others.
Love from South Australia. ❤️🐾
Just lovely! Nagi this made me smile 😊
I am so happy for you, Nagi…best news ever. I have so many happy tears reading your post. Jaffle is gorgeous and I cannot wait to see regular updates and Jaffle spam. ♥️
Nagi – I am so happy that you have found a place in your life for a new pup. I loved the Dozer stories and felt your pain as he grew older and had health complications. Our pets and companions are never replaced – we just find space in our lives for a new relationship. I look forward to hearing all the exploits if this cheeky young fella. Good luck with the toilet training!!
Congratulations! Jaffle will be another sweetheart, I’m sure. Wishing you much fun and joy with him.
Congrats, how lovely to have a new puppy in your life.
I have to admit our house was so quiet I had to get another Boston 6 weeks after my Ruby’s passing. I was not expecting the loneliness and silence, best thing we did.
Not the same different but special in the new pup way.❤️
I woke up this morning in Belfast after spending the night watching the most horrific news broadcasts. This was the absolute best news to hear, Love and joy oozes from you. Jaffle is a very lucky and privileged boy. Health to love Nagi xxx
So pleased Nagi to read your post about Jaffle, he is gorgeous ❤️ his dad comes from close to where I live! I hope he brings you as much joy as Dozer 🥰
Aww Nagi, I’m so pleased for you. I actually jumped out of bed to show my mum this when I found the email this morning (uk time). Jaffle is going to be loved by so many people in the world now! Dozer will guide him in some way and I just know how happy he would be to see you with the next four legged friend. I can not wait to hear of all Jaffle’s adventures xx
So pleased Nagi to read your post about Jaffle, he is gorgeous ❤️ his dad comes from close to where I live! I hope he brings you as much joy as Dozer who will always be by your side in spirit 🥰
Hi Nagi,
So happy for you and this next chapter 🙂
Jaffle look so adorable! Just wanna squish him!!
glad to see you have a new love in your heart. looking forward to seeing his new adventures.
You know Dozer sent him to you 🐾🐾❤️
You made me cry too. I have had many dogs in my life and they all have a special place in my heart. Enjoy the next chapter with Jaffle.
What a beautiful baby! Jaffle will keep you busy. I miss Dozer but now I get to see Jaffle grow up. ❤️
Nagi, I couldn’t be happier to hear you have a new fur child around. It actually bought a little tear to my eye to hear your joy beam of the page.
This is so beautiful to see..this little pup will be his own little personality and give you so much joy…and you will give joy back to him..so happy for you😊
So pleased you have a new little ball of fluff companion. I know there’s never a replacement for your baby boy but a new companion to start to love & share with is so important. Welcome Jaffle xx
So happy for you Nagi. You could never replace Dozer but Jaffle looks like an amazing addition to your family. I look forward to many more photos and updates. 🥰