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
So happy for you Nagi. Such a beautiful breed of dog. I think it’s wonderful to have a new boy to keep you company in the kitchen again. xx
Oh my! Dozer had some classy friends! I’d like to think he had a paw in selecting Jaffle for you as a gift through his special friends and knowing that you would recognise the connection. He has brought back your beautiful smile and Dozer would be smiling too.
Jaffle is absolutely gorgeous. So happy for you both. My puppy is 7 months old. Didnt think I would ever get another after 15 years but the right one came even if she is a handful. Love heer so much. Enjoy your new companion! Wont forget Dozer.
Hi Jaffle!! I am so so so happy for you, Nagi 💛 This little guy doesn’t replace Dozer but will give so much joy and positive memories of fun times with Dozer. Hooray!
What a gorgeous pup. I can hear the joy in your post and am so happy for you! 🙂
Dozer wasn’t a ‘dog’ he was your companion and soulmate, and what a tribute to his memory for you to find another potential companion, soulmate in the same type of family❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations on passing the baton. Theres always room to love another pup. Dozer was beautiful, but Jaffle now has a place beside you in your kitchen too. Im sure Dozer is watching on with approval🐕🐕💝💝
So delighted with your news 😍 welcome Jaffle 🥰 I look forward to seeing you grow ❤️
So glad you now have a new love in your life. He is the cutest but I understand how you still feel about Dozer. Your comments set off the tears as I remember one of our pets passing away last year. Life is for living, especially with dogs, who will love you unconditionally. Enjoy!
PS. Lucky you! You get to smell puppy breath and cuddle your little furball while he’s little.
So happy for you Nagi a new fury baby to give a wonderful life to.
Congratulations. You’re a vwey
Oh Nagi,
What a beautiful tribute to Dozer and a fabulous introduction to Jaffle! He is certainly a cutie and having recently lost my 15-year-old Riley, but gained 2 year-old Eddie, I know that a new dog helps heal your heart.
You (and we) will never forget Dozer. And we are so happy to meet Jaffle. I love him already because, like me, he hates kale and loves cheese. He has excellent taste!
Congratulations on your new baby boy!!!! We look forward to seeing him grow into doghood. And we will always treasure our memories of your Dozer. You are all part of the family!
I shed a few tears reading this, I miss Dozer but hope little Jaffle brings you happiness
it’s so wonderful to see you smiling again, Nagi.
Dozer would love him and so will we. xxx
Very happy for you having Jaffle in your life. We have Ozcar a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – now 8 months – so much joy – at 74 years some people thought us mad – but no – he’s perfect for us. You have so much love to give your puppy – we will take pleasure in watching him grow
I am happy for you. Jaffle will help you move on from the loss of Dozer. I wish you both may happy years, making good memories.
Dear Jaffle
You are officially the luckiest dog in the world. You are and will be loved by your mum forever 💕
Lovely to meet you. I’m with you on your kale decision 🤣
I never normally comment on your posts Nagi, but I had to for this one because lemme tell you, I had THE BIGGEST smile from ear to ear when I began reading about your new companion! (Like seriously, the kind of smile where your cheeks hurt!) I like to think that Dozer was looking out for you by putting Jaffle in your path.
I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time to get another pet after the loss of a previous one. Grief isn’t linear; to quote a line from a Kacey Musgraves song, “healing doesn’t happen in a straight line”. Whenever you’re ready is when you’re ready….and clearly, you were ready.
Whilst Jaffle isn’t a replacement for Dozer, in time you’ll come to love him in your own way (and I’m sure you’ve already begun to do so) & I know I (and many other RTE readers) can’t wait to read about his shenanigans as he grows up. 😊