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 lost my Goldie girl lab two years ago, such a big hole was left until we found my next golden girl. Not a replacement, because she’s very much her own personality, but no longer have the gaping hole. X
❤️
So happy you found the fluffball. May he make your days joyous and fun.
I’m sobbing right along side you. Love your website, looking forward to years of Jaffle picture and stories.
I just started crying again over Dozer. He was a truly kind loving dog. I am crying for him and I guess what is so inevitable for my 3 very senior dogs…I know I am going to be heartbroken when the time comes, but seeing you with Jaffle made my heart sing for you and also seeing life goes on. JAFFLE IS A VERY SPECIAL PUPPY…he has that very special look in his eyes. So proud of you and how you decided to honor Dozer. Please keep post pictures and memories of him, all of us need to see him from time c to time
I wish for you a golden future with Jaffle. Are you going to show him since he has such an illustrious Father? I had hoped you would go the rescue route since you are such an influential and well known person. But, everyone has to do what is best for them. Dozer will always be a part of you, but that doesn’t mean you are out love to give another dog. Looking at Jaffle’s paws I wouldn’t be surprised if he matures to be bigger than Dozer. YIKES!!!! A question: is Cubby still alive?
I am so happy you’ve adopted another dog! He is the cutest boy and he will bring so much love and joy into your life, like Dozer did. Of course you can never replace Dozer but there will always be room in your heart for another dog, or two. 🥰 Every dog has their own personality which sets them apart and makes them special. I could never not have a dog in my life. ❤️🐕
I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing more of Jaffle and watching him grow.
Love ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤2❤❤
Oh Nagi, thank you for sharing your joys and tears with us. It is so wonderful to meet Jaffle. Dozer will always be treasured. Love to all!
Congratulations on finding a darling little friend!!
So happy you found this beauty.!
They grow up so fast—-Enjoy!!
First, I just want to say how my heart is overfilled with joy for your new found love, Jaffle! He is so adorable and looks very ready to fill your home and life with so much energy and joy! I am one of those that go straight to Dozer’s section and am very much looking forward to reading Jaffle’s adventures. Rest in Peace lovely Dozer and continue shining your light on your mum and Jaffle ❤️
From Scotland I’ve followed your recipes and joys and sadness with Dozer. We lost our Misty as well but have now two border collies. Dozer will always be in your heart, as will my Shadow and Misty.
Your new pup looks a total star can’t wait to follow his exploited through years to come
Nagi,
I am so happy for you! Jaffle doesn’t know yet how lucky he is.
I read your post holding back tears.
Dozer will always be in your heart and memories. I look forward to reading about Jaffle’s escapades. Squeeze his little nose for me.
Kim McKinlay
Canada
Nagi, I am so happy for you! Jaffle doesn’t know yet how lucky he is.
I read your post holding back tears.
Dozer will always be in your heart and memories. I look forward to reading about Jaffle’s escapades. Squeeze his little nose for me.
Kim McKinlay
Canada
I’m crying as I read this too! I love seeing pics of Dozer. I just lost one of my Greyhounds, she was just 3 weeks shy of 11. Thankfully I have my one big white Greyhound boy who is almost 11, but it’s nice to see you happy with such a beautiful puppy! Makes me feel that I may can do a puppy sometime in the future. It hurts so bad to lose our furry friends but it hurts worse to see them suffer. RIP Dozer and Beth Ryder, I’m sure you guys are running like pups at the bridge!!!!
Growing up in Fiji, jaffle used to be and still is one of my favorite things. Just like that Jaffle will become our favorite as well. ❤️❤️
Awwwwww. So sweet. Looks like a golden bundle of joy.
Welcome Jaffle! Trust that Dozer will always be watching over both of you, smiling at your antics as you grow together and wrap Nagi in love!
Hi Nagi 😊 This is lovely news and I’m so pleased you have Jaffle. You need an official recipe taster and it’s such a tribute to the happiness Dozer brought you that you’re prepared to love this little chap. They all find their own place in our hearts and they undoubtedly help us heal. Much love to you and your new sous-chef xxx
NAGI, I cried with you, for you, and celebrated both boys! Thank you for sharing! We need things that are real and genuine. My heart is with you. Much love, Nicole