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, Nagi. Jaffle looks like he is ready to take the baton and run with it! Dozer will always be remembered.
Congrats Nagi, sooo pleased for you❤️❤️❤️
What an emotional roller coaster of a post. I’m sobbing with Dozer-grief for you and with but also… Jaffle 😍 what a cutie! I’m glad the right Goldie has crossed your path and into your life. When it’s right, we just KNOW, right?
Congratulations on the new addition and thanks as always, for sharing Dozer with us always, now and forever.
Welcome Jaffle. I am so happy for you Nagi – and for Jaffle who is lucky to have to have you as his human Mum.
You are not replacing Dozer and you will always love him but we can all find love again when we lose one we love. Here’s to a happy life together ❤️🐾💖🐾
Congrats Nagi! Enjoy these first few weeks getting him out meeting everything and everyone, it’s exhausting but so fun socialising the little chonks 🥰
Oh my goodness! You’re very lucky to find such a delightful companion. Wishing both of you many happy years together. The book where Dozer lived and was loved is still open. It’s just another chapter. We never stop loving the one who left us. Our hearts have so much to give- the well of love gets only fuller.💖💖💖
How lovely to have a new fur baby, extra special to have a connection to Dozer as well. I think in honour of Jaffle we need some jaffle recipes!
Congratulations on your new family member. You look so happy. Jaffie is smiling too❣️
Loving this ,best news I have seen in weeks.
Love is and will always be your canine friend
What a beauty much joy and pleasure to you boath.
I have a Goldie She came at 8 weeks, now 17 weeks old. 15.9 ks! Gorgeous, affectionate,intelligent. Already 95% house trained. But walking her around the block with harness and lead is becoming a nightmare. She sits instantly she sees a person, a bird on the ground, another dog, then charges towards them full strength. How to change this? I will watch Jaffa’s progress with interest
You need to use a haltie on her, a harness seems to encourage them to run just like a sled dog would. And you need to keep a favourite toy and/ or the best food treats ready to distract her with so you can train that instinct out of her and get her focus back on you.
you give me hope as i grieve my little girl Spotty.
So happy for you Nagi
We just got 2 rescue puppies after our boy passed last year aged 16
So nice to have a dog/s in our home again
Looking forward to going on this new journey with you and Jaffle
Jaffle is a precious baby. I am so happy he came into your life at this time. Dozer is happy for you also. Enjoy your time with this precious baby.!
Life is always better with a Dozer, Jaffle or other 4 leg friend in it. So pleased to see the joy he brings.
Omg he is so cuteeeeeee. I’m so happy you got your furry fuzzball back!! Love all your recipes and will forever miss dozens.xx
This was so right for you Nagi, One of Dozer’s play mates, so fitting and Dozer made sure you would move on with new adventures with Jaffle. We never forget our fur children and Dozer knows this Nagi. Such a beautiful email to look at this morning. Our memories never fade. 💙💙💙💙💙
so beautiful that Dozer knew Jaffle’s mum and you look so happy again. Glad you are not closing the door completely and I look forward to seeing an odd post. I admit I was always one to jump to photos first and now cant wait for Jaffle ones. So happy for you and I think I had best find the jaffle iron and cook one today
I am filled with emotion, reading your story of a new Goldie,Jaffle, in your life. I too have just lost my beautiful big boy, Goldie, Kobe, last month, May 2026. He was 13 1/2 yrs old. I can relate very much to everything you have commented on. I am feeling all the same emotions, overwhelming sadness and grief. I will never replace my Kobe, but I would also love to get another Goldie one day. I have been in touch with the breeder we got Kobe from. So one day…..💛
I’m so happy for you and your new little bundle Nagi. It’s a dreadful time in life when we lose our pet, being part of the family. And we never forget the Dozer will always be in a part of your heart, but your heart is big enough to take in another doggy.
Wishing you happiness!
I’m a big dog lover and believe wholeheartedly that when you lose a beloved pet, you are ultimately showing him how much you loved him by giving that love to a new dog. It’s our duty to love those creatures with all our hearts and Dozer will be saying thank you from heaven for passing the wonderful love you gave him onto another ❤️
Dear Nagi, I’m crying tears of happiness 🥰 So very happy for both you & Jaffle Dozer lives on in your beautiful memories ☺️
Welcome Jaffle! I look forward to vicariously sharing you with Nagi 🤗