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
Congratulations on your new little ball of fur. May you enjoy many years of adventures with your new “taste tester”.
I’m so happy for you Nagi and for Jaffle to have found his new family. I’m sure Dozer is up there sending you both woofs of love and encouragement. 🐶🐾🐶
You cried while you wrote your article but I cried too reading it. Beautifully written.
Thankyou for sharing.
Ali
Congratulations and welcome Jaffle! What a gorgeous not so little guy! 💕
What an adorable ball of fluff. Not a replacement for the lovely Dozer but a continuation of his fabulous spirit.
Hugs all round x
You have it right, Nagi — just because you won’t be posting about Dozer each day doesn’t mean he is in any way “leaving your heart”….he’ll always be with you! Getting another (puppy) dog is an act of love — and is another way of showing your love for Dozer, by giving another blessed dog a wonderful life! Congratulations and sigh, is there anything cuter than a golden retriever PUPPY??? <3
Welcome to the World Jaffle!
This honestly made me cry – I’m so happy for you. I LOVED Dozer and I’m sure Jaffle will in time fill his paws. Congratulations xxx
AWWWWW. Jaffle is adorable 🥰. I’m sure that Dozer is happy that you won’t be so sad now. Can you see his tail wagging? Enjoy that big ball of fluff! ❤️
I’m bawling that the Life of Dozer section will be going…but I know you’ll post bits of him here and there. He will never be truly gone 💖💖
Welcome Jaffle!! Can’t wait to see what antics you will get up to!
Nagi, I am so happy your heart is happy again ❤️ he is sooooo cute 😊
I’m so happy for you, Nagi! You were such a great Mum to Dozer, I just know he would want you to share your love and life with Jaffle – he’s a very lucky little bundle of joy! I’m sure Dozer is looking over you both and smiling.
Ahhhh Hello Jaffle 😍❤️ You are one of the luckiest puppy dogs in the world to have been gifted a Mom like Nagi. I reckon Dozer’s sweet little spirit had something to do with pairing you two together. Here’s wishing you both many culinary creations and pawsome adventures together. Keep talking of Dozer, he’ll always occupy a little corner of your heart and will be happy to be remembered from time to time. I look forward to seeing more of you Jaffle. 😉
Hazel
Congratulations Nagi! So happy for you.
You could still post a memory of Mr. D. here and there! (I’m one of those who headed there first. Just sayin’.)
Dogs are amazing – Sparky the Beardie (aka 60 lbs of obstinate) hit the big 1-6 last month. Still keeps me on my toes!
Welcome sweetest Jaffle !!! Who wouldn’t already be IN LOVE with your new fluffy golden baby !
I think Dozer sent him to you from Heaven, so you could feel super HAPPY again !
I am too watching your pictures !!
Much love to you both, Gigi
I am overjoyed for you, Nagi! And also so happy for Jaffle, as I know he has the very best mum and job title. Welcome, Jaffle…to the best life a pup could ever dream of!
I’m so pleased for you. A dog brings so much happiness to you. Dozer will be happy for you. xx
What wonderful furry news! Nagi, do you have a post or a link to information, on preparing fresh dog food? I would love to make it for my dog, but I haven’t been able to find solid data or recipes that don’t want to adds scarce ingredients.
Hello Jaffle! Good luck little mate. This makes me very happy that Nagi has a new furry friend and one we will all come to know and love x. You’ve got this doggo ❤️.
So happy to see cheeky Jaffle enter your world. I to was heartbroken when my boy mini poodle Sam left me after 15 yrs together. Molly also a mini poodle joined me 2 years later ant 8 weeks of age and she had bought her own special joy and boundless love to my world which I celebrate everyday. I tell her about Sam often and know he would be happy she is with me. Enjoy the joy of Jaffle entering your world. Dozer would be happy to know your not alone anymore 💜
Dozer and Jaffle can share your heart and this page. We will all happily love that! Thank you for sharing them, and you! ❤️
So, so adorable. Best of times with him! ♥️♥️