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 too lost my best friend recently, and after about a week, I found the next puppy that took the baton. The best thing I’ve done. Hope it’s the same for you Nagi as well.
Cheers to you
Greg Salmon
You are a true “dog person” as am I… so I really get where you are at….good on you…my dog (a Moodle) is 15yo…so every day is a blessing..not sure how I will handle his passing…you are an inspiration…PS…I love your recipes
With paws like that, he is going to be a BIG bouncy boy!
I am so glad you have found someone like him, to “pass the baton on” so to speak – what a lovely boy :
We had to put our lovely Ginge (cat) to sleep before we had notice to move house and I have found it very hard to deal with the huge gap he has left. We are not allowed to have pets here, but the neighbour is happy to have their tabby boy come over and gave facetime with me. I don’t think they realise just how much he is helping me settle in here…. so glad you now have someone to help you!
Hi Nagi,
It’s not often that I comment but I have been following your recipes since I stumbled across your pasta salmon Alfredo recipe about 8 years ago. I fell in love with Dozer back then as well and was heartbroken when he finally passed. I understand the companionship and how much Dozer was a part of your life. I also understand the kismet of finding a new companion at just the right time.
I’m so glad that you are able to continue the succession of Chief Taste Tester and you created such a gorgeous send off for Dozer. I’m looking forward to Dozer popping up every now and again.
I hope you’re feeling better and I look forward to your next adventure 🙂
Lots of love!
I’m so happy for you Nagi.
I know that moving on can be difficult, but I know Dozer would totally approve of Jaffle!
He’s going to live the best life with you and bring you much joy and unconditional love.
Soooooo happy for you! xx
I’m so happy for you Nagai!!!!! Dozer was clearly a path to this little guy/girl (missed that bit) and what fun you will have !!!!! xxXxx
Oh Nagi! Congratulations! Jaffle is gorgeous and what a wonderful life he will have with you! ❤️
Nagi, I have always enjoyed your delightful stories of life with Dozer, so I am so glad that you now have another doggie to love. Our faithful friends never leave us but pad along with us always. Jaffle looks gorgeous. By the way I have a jaffle iron that we used to shove into the fire to cook our baffles when I was a child. I remember that burnt edges and the runny egg inside. xo
Oh my goodness Nagi! I’m so happy for you!
And nothing will replace beautiful Dozer🥰
Jaffle will be his own little person (dog person)
This makes my heart happy Nagi. So happy to see your smiling face with all of that puppy love.
I’m so happy for you Nagi. No one will replace Dozer ever but it’s lovely to have a new friend to enjoy the journey with xxxx
Awww I had a tear in my eye and we share the same birthday. He is so special you will enjoy every moment with him. God bless
They choose you. It is often said that your soul dog sends another to love you, when you are ready. Dozer was always special and will guide young Jaffle. Enjoy the wonderful years ahead.
Jaffle is another beauty like Dozer. You couldn’t resist him. When you lose your beloved pet it leaves such an empty hole & you gave Dozer the best life.
Wishing you & Jaffle the best life. I have a sadness when thinking about Dozer too so can only imagine your hurt
So happy for you to have this puppy! Enjoy the crazy puppy days😍🐶🎈✨
He’s got such huge paws!
How beautifully you write about Dozer and I am sobbing with you BUT, also as a fellow goldie owner (current joy is Truffle) I can see that Jaffle is up to filling those very large Dozer paws. I hope your heart heals quickly and is filled with the golden rays of love that flow from our wonderful golden retrievers 🥰
Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love and loyalty. They depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog; it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs, your heart is very big.”
Welcome Jaffle ❤️
xx Dozer
Hi Nagi, very happy for both you & Jaffle. May you enjoy each others company in good health for many years to come. Thankyou for sharing.
Oh Nagi, this is so bittersweet. I’m so excited for you and Jaffle. I can’t wait to read about his adventures. At the same time I have tears at the closing of Dozer. Excited for this new chapter for you! X