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
Welcome to the pack, Jaffle! You have some great paws to fill, but you sure look like you are up to the task.
Nagi, enjoy the chaos and silliness that comes with puppyhood. It passes so quickly. I am looking forward to hearing about Jaffle’s adventures.
Bless You Nagi – What a beautifully written post. It has been a joy to follow you and the travereses of Dozer, and I look forward to the same with Jaffle. (And the wonderful recipes, of course.). Typing through tears is a bit difficult, yet the huge smile on my face tells me how important it was to read every one of your lovely words. Wishing you much happiness and joy in your Jaffle Years!
So happy for you Nagi ! Jaffle is a wonderful puppy , he will grow up in no time and he will be your best friend !
So happy for you!
Great news!
How did you come up with the name Jaffle??? Jam and waffle 🤔
He is adorable and you look so happy 😀🤗
Oh Nagi no I’m so happy that you habe a new dog. I loved so mucho Dozer and cry to much when know the lose of him.
But now Is better for you a new baby. This is the new history of your chapter. Congrats!!!!!
Thank you for sharing, I loved reading about Dozer and look forward to reading about Jaffle. I too am a pet lover. Have you ever considered making a Dozer calendar? I would buy one.
Nagi, Best Wishes to you and Jaffle. He is adorable, a furry bundle of joy.
Congratulations on your new puppy. He’s a beauty! May you have many years of joy and laughter with Jaffle! I will miss those memories of Dozer, but I know Jaffle will fill your heart with love.
Hello, this is really heart-warming news. A puppy is such a great joy & Jaffle is one very lucky puppy, and we are all cheered up to know you have your canine cooking companion ; there has been much rejoicing in this household to see you so happy. We adored Dozer from afar, so it’s not surprising that we too shed a few tears.
Wishing you many happy years together. Leonie & family.ily
Congratulations! So happy for you. He will help heal your ❤️
U and your puppies melt my heart….keep up the delish recipes and posts about Jaffle…love both…
Oh Nagi, Jaffle is so gorgeous! So happy for both of you.
we will all miss Dozer dearly! How lucky Jaffle is to pickup the baton! All the best to you and your great team!
I know all too well we hat it’s like to lose a cherished friend like Dozer. When my baby girl Molly X Jack Russell ( rescued at around 18 mths) died at 12 last July, my heart was broken. A friend offered me a little King Charles cav female who was being retired from breeding only 2 months later and I could hear Molly whispering “love her like you loved me” and I knew it was right. I hope that you will never forget Dozer but love this little rascal with all your heart Nagi. Bless youi
Hello Nagi,
I have shed so many tears every time I have read a Dozer post since his passing. Having been there 8 times during my life in Australia all from natural causes.
..From the sadness eventually comes joy as you welcome a new fur baby into your home and heart.
Nagi I am so happy for you may you and Jaffle share many happy years and adventures together. You will always love Dozer, and he will be watching over you.
Love and God Bless
happy training and puddle days ahead. xxxxk
Jaffle is adorable and his connection to Dozer makes his place beside you all the more special.
You look and sound so happy, which is wonderful. Jaffle is one lucky pup! X
Oh my gosh, Jaffie is adorable. I just lost my 15 year old boy on June 5th, and know the pain you have been through. Good for you to bring home another sweet boy. In a way, it is because of your love for Dozer that you can stretch your heart to add a new boy. I am sure Dozer had a hand in helping you find him.
What a beautiful retriever!
You lucky girl!
I’ll never get over the death of our beloved Hugo. A gorgeous bichon.
But his replacement, Rosie, while different, has become the most fussed over girl in Bowral.
Love that you and Jaffle found each other!! ❤️🥰Dozer is still with you everyday!