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 that you and Jaffle found each other. It makes the healing process a little bit easier. He is not replacing DOZER but will continue the tradition of helping out in the kitchen and being your sidekick.
Thank you for sharing all this with us.
I’m so happy you found the perfect puppy and he’s adorable. I love your recipes and posts but I miss seeing Dozer and now there’s Jaffle to look forward to! I have a yellow Lab and know how much dogs fill a space in our hearts.
Love little Jaffle! We will always love Dozer, but we welcome the new little cutie! Looking forward to seeing many pics of him!
So happy for you getting a new, adorable puppy – man’s – or cook’s – best friend.
I’m so thrilled you found Jaffle he’s adorable 🥰. I look forward to seeing posts of his new companionship and test tasting as well as throw backs of beloved Dozer. 🥰
Congratulations!
I’m so happy for you, but I couldn’t help cry my eyes out as I read this. It hurt so much!
Enjoy your little puppy!
Welcome Jaffle? Aren’t you just adorable? Now you have a great Momma and you take care of her as you get to know one another.
Blessings from Upstate NY USA
Oh Jaffle looks to be a total sweetie, he will never replace Dozer but he will find his place in your heart (and on these pages!) and that will be fantastic.
Golden bundle of squishy meltiness? What a perfect name Jaffle is! He’s gorgeous! Looking forward to the many adventures of Nagi and Jaffle.
so happy for you. the pain doesn’t go away, but you still have lovely memories and more to come.
Felicitaciones Nagi I am sure Dozer chose this baby for you, he couldn’t abide to see you sad and alone anymore!!!
I am sure he will become your second love of your live many many felicitaciones
Love from Canada
Oh my I am in tears for you both! Jaffle is a perfect Australian name! I loved seeing Dozer and his amazing wonderful life with you! He was such an older gentleman at 14 and obviously a tribute to you and your love. Now I look forward to seeing Jaffle in your posts..he is a little getting bigger cuddle bug and one of the luckiest dogs in the whole world. I am in Canada but have family in Australia and a connection to Goldens there over many years so I know their love of beaches and family! Best wishes!
Oh, Nagi. Jaffle is beautiful. Dozer would be so happy!
Nice to see you smiling again. Much love and best wishes to you both and of course to Dozer who is looking down on you. Would love to continue to see pix of both your past and present furry companions.
Cutie patooty. Eater of all things. Congratulations! There are wants and needs in life. I’m pretty sure Jaffle needs you as much as you need Jaffle.
Hi Nagi,
Jaffle is beautiful, & I know he will bring in time as much joy to you as Dozer did. We lost our amazing Siberian blue eyed husky some 2 years ago & still I look at his pictures probably too much. He broke my heart just like Dozer, & have shed many tears with you over these last months. Although deep down I truly would Love another husky but…. I can’t yet bring myself to fulfilling that emptiness. I think you’re ever so brave & have given me hope into getting another friend. I’m sure one day soon I’ll find it in my heart to give another husky a fun & great life. Enjoy every minute with Jaffle, sure is a cutie not to mention adorable. & extremely energetic. Now it’s time for joy & laughter with Jaffle. Much love to you Nagi. 🐾 💘🐾
❤️
Dear Nagi,
Oh my goodness! Congratulations on the arrival of your absolutely gorgeous fur baby Jaffle! 🐶🐾
He’s so adorable.
He will bring you so much joy, happiness & endless love. Together you will create many beautiful memories & special moments.
Your love & devotion to your beautiful Dozer was truly inspiring. I will miss reading my dose of Dozer but I’ll now look forward to reading about the adventures of Jaffle.
Remember these words & hope they will bring you much comfort.
Those we love
don’t go away,
They walk beside
us every day,
Unseen, unheard,
but always near.
So loved, so missed, so very dear.🙏
RIP Beautiful Dozer.
Catherine xxx