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
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
Hi Nagi, it warms my heart to hear of Jaffle and tickled my funny bone with being wrapped around his big paw already. A saying I say regularly 😂 thank you for sharing your food and a your hard work. You are amazing! Suzie and family 💕
My tears are also flowing from these final words about Dozer – and please do continue to share your memories. But I must say that these photos of Jaffle JUST SHOW how right he is to be the new “man” in your life! Talk about adorable! What a lucky, LUCKY boy! He has no idea! Congratulations, Nagi! Thrilled for you! ❤️
Nagi, I love Jaffle already but Dozer will always hold a special place in my heart.
Congratulations Nagi! What a sweet, handsome boy Jaffle is.
What a very lucky Jaffle! I look forward to reading and seeing stories about Jaffle’s antics.
I KEPT YOU COMPANY SOBBING//SMILING WHILE READING THE PAST & FUTURE! PERSONALLY I WOULD NEVER REMOVE THE DOZER SECTION (A TRIBUTE)! I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING YOUR MANY ADVENTURES WITH JAFFLE!!! MAY GOD BLESS YOUR NEW JOURNEY xo
Hi Nagi! Jaffle looks sooo cute and seems like he’s going to do very well as the next gen taste tester 🙂
I’ll continue looking forward to your recipes, Jaffle’s development and Dozer’s memories!
I wish you and your new partner all of God’s blessings today and every future day.
How I loved Dozer – yes I always skipped your recipe and went straight to see what my boy was up to.
Please, do not compare your new friend with Dozer – he will be himself and will bring new things into your life.
He can never compare to Dozer so please give him the opportunity to be himself.
Yes, I will love him and look forward to seeing him live his new life with you – I know you are so full of love — way to go girl.
I an so HAPPY that you have found a new baby. Of course he won’t take Dozer’s place. But once you’ve had a well-loved dog in your life, a home is a very lonely place without one. And your new baby is adorable! I really think Dozer would approve. He would hate for you to be lonely without him because he loved you more than food.
I’m crying too, Nagi. Tears of happiness. Jaffle is wonderful. Can’t wait to see him in your future posts. Sending love to both of you.
He is adorable!! You can almost smell puppy breath through the pictures. What a wonderful addition to your growing family.
You were Dozer and Dozer was you , along with wonderful recipes! I found it hard to view your recipes( sorry) without new Dozer clips but I was hoping and Very Happy to see you are open to the love of a new dog. Jaffle looks to be a new and fun and of course loving tester and I’m one of so many who look forward to your new recipes and Jaffle’s anticks
Very sincerely Jacquie
Vancouver Island Canada
I literally yelled “AWWWWWW” in my house, all by myself when I opened your email. I thought Jaffle was the recipe of the week and was surprised with your golden bundle! My heart is overjoyed. Tears are leaking as I write. The joy of Jaffle and the sorrow of you losing Dozer, all mixed into one post <3 Sending love and joy and tears from Oregon.
I’m reading this with tears in my eyes, but happy tears to be sure. Ironically, it was only a few days ago I wondered when we’d learn of this momentous occasion. There is only one person who could make this decision and that, dear Nagi, is you.
I’m thrilled for you.
Jaffle has no idea what awaits him: not only your immense love but a world of fans who will eagerly await news of his progress and certain ability to make you smile again.
While Dozer may be gone physically, he’ll never truly be gone. He’s left permanent paw prints on your heart. The breakup was extraordinarily difficult but your new young’un has proved your love is not finite. Jaffle will have his own personality and quirks. You will love him as he is and will be. Yes, he will do things that remind you of Dozer: kale as a first instance and likely not to be the only one.
Dozer is watching you, happy you’re ready for another opportunity to share your love. Jaffle is one lucky pup although I’m sure it won’t be long before he realizes he’s found paradise.
Love is what it’s all about!
BTW, do you pronounce Jaffle with a hard or soft J? A Minnesotan would like to know ❤️🤗❤️
I never knew if I was ready or not, all I knew is that I needed a dog in my life as it seemed so empty without one, Getting a new dog doesnt mean you love the old one any less, it just means you have enough love in your heart for another.
Hi Nagi
I am so happy that you have welcomed Jaffle into your family,I am sure he will smother you in love & be your best friend.
My heart broke for you when Dozer passed over the rainbow bridge,I know he was your world. He had the best life with you💞
I lost two fur babies within two months of each other aged 13 & 14. We absolutely adored them. They were such a big part of our family,we were left totally heartbroken when they passed away.
My husband said that we shouldn’t have any more dogs, looking back that was because he couldn’t face going through the pain of losing another dog.
Two years later (the most lonely empty 2yrs in my life) we rescued an 8wk old puppy that had been abandoned outside a dog pound.
It is the best thing we ever did welcoming little Alfie into our home🐶. Three years on we are a happy family again.
I look forward to watching your life with Jaffle,the puppy stage can be exhausting but so worth it xx
I am so happy for you, Nagi.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and for Jaffle. (He is one lucky boy to get such a wonderful mom like you) I can’t wait to read about all your adventures together. Dozer was amazing and so loved and will always be missed. I know Jaffle will bring much joy to your (and our lives) as well. Congrats again!