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, Jaffle just gorgeous Same thing happened with me. I thought it would be awhile before I got a new puppy at the house , wasn’t the same without a four legged friend and I ended up getting a new puppy a lot sooner than I thought and it was the best thing I could have ever ever done.
Welcome Jaffle, you will be loved and spoiled beyond your wildest dreams. I hope when your tummy grows a little more, mum Nagi will let us know what is in you home made food.
What a beautiful boy Jaffle is, looking forward to seeing more of him. XXX
I am very happy Jaffle has come into your life bringing you happiness and joy again. Dozer will never be forgotten. ❤️❤️❤️
Welcome, Jaffle!! What a cutie!! Looking forward to the new escapades! I shed tears right along with you on your tribute to Dozer and look forward to the memory posts!
I feel like I loved Dozer almost as much as you did because he always brighten my day . He was an awesome companion as I am sure Jaffle will be.
How wonderful for you. Jaffa looks quite capable of ‘carrying the baton’. Looking forward to Jaffa’s adventures. Xx
I am so happy to meet Jaffle!!! He has big shoes to fill but appears up for the challenge! I think Dozer would give a thumbs up!
Congratulations, Nagi, with your new baby! Dozer will always be in your heart, but it will just expand to include your new love. ❤️
What a wonderful new companion you have found. He’s just right. When you loose your best friend it’s such a hard time to open your heart to another one but, when they choose you and in your soul you feel all the right vibration, then you know that you are doing the right thing. Looking forward to seeing all the beautiful adventures you will have together. 💗
We welcome Jaffle. Dozer will never be forgotten.
Such a beautiful message.
Wishing you & Jaffle many wonderful years ahead.
Hi Nagi, I’m happy you were able to get another puppy, I was worried you would be sad and lonely. Jaffle looks like Dozer, I hope he can fill his shoes and become the next recipe taster. He is beautiful. 😉
So happy for you . You are a great fur mummy Jaffle is a lucky puppy
Greetings from Rancho Mirage, Ca.
Hello Jaffle, you just won the LOTTERY.!
Goodness this got me in the feels this morning. I hope Jaffle brings as much love and laughter to your life as Dozer did before him.
After my dog Lexi passed the thought of loving another puppy felt wrong and I almost felt guilty. After bringing my new dog home that all went out the window and I knew I’d love my Miss L just as much I loved Lexi. So grateful to have a new best friend. Enjoy Jaffle!!
Congrats on your new addition .. Jaffle is gorgeous ! You are so right .. he will never replace Dozer, but is the next chapter in your life. I know you will adore Jaffle and all the times you share together in and out of the kitchen. I look forward to the photos and the stories you will share with your foodie fans. So happy for you Nagi x
So very happy for you Nagi, just finished having a cry, Jaffles is gorgeous and yes I have the jaffles recipe from your mum, thankyou for sharing your pics with us.
Oh my darling girl, I am so happy for you. Jaffle will bring you so much happiness and that is EXACTLY what Dozer wants for you. I am so happy for you, lovely Nagi.
Emma ×××
How could anyone resist that face?? Jaffle is irresistible and appears to be perfect for you. Looking at your face while holding him or looking at him it is plain to see he has brought much joy back into your life. Live happily Nagi & Jaffle.
Hi Nagi,
Love Jaffle. You are so lucky to find him.
Dozer is in all our hearts. Could you consider a line of dog biscuit treats in Dozer’s honour.
With love
Janna