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 was sobbing too as I read this. No one misses Dozer more than you, but he was loved by so many. We welcome Jaffle with open arms and look forward to reading about his journey with you Nagi. Love and congratulations to you both.
Congratulations Nagi, Jaffle is gorgeous
Jaffle has no idea at this point how he lucked out having chosen you as his person! He won the jackpot. He’ll soon know it. 🙂 The joy he already brings you is evident. Cheers to a wonderful partnership in the kitchen and everywhere you go together.
Am so so happy for you and Jaffle
PS : I also love that you are both sitting on Dozer’s Door Mat – such a legacy xx
There’s more room in a broken heart, right? Congrats on finding a patch! We still love Dozer and we’ll love Jaffle because clearly we’re dog people. It would be very interesting to learn about your dog food recipes. Xoxo
Wonderful news, Nagi. Jaffle looks absolutely scrumptious! Reminds me so much of my goldie boy at the same age….he was also a ‘chunky chunderbum’ 🙂
I can’t wait to follow his antics. Enjoy every moment.
I am excited for you and Jaffle and also know Dozer will remain in your heart and mind forever. A blessing for sure!
Congratulations, Nagi! Jaffle is a verrrry charming boy! I’m happy that you’ve found a new buddy to share your days and kitchen with! My little Emma passed in March and I am just beginning to think about another dog. Seeing the cute Jaffle photos is really making me want that doggie joy again. Looking forward to seeing the new adventures of Nagi and Jaffle!
I’M IN LOVE, again! Welcome beautiful baby Jaffle xx. And always in my heart Dozer xx
Oh Nagi! He’s beautiful! I am SO happy for you! I don’t believe there is any right or wrong timing as to when it comes to bringing love into your life. Dozer wants you to be happy! When I lost my corgi that I had for 12 years, my little soulmate, I got another corgi a year later. As you said, he will never replace my sweet boy that I lost, but I need a dog in my life. It certainly does make the house feel like a home! I’m truly happy for you and little Jaffle!! I look forward to lots of happy posts about him. Oh and please can you give us dog food recipes? 🙂
Nagi! Im so happy to read your post this morning!!!! I have a big lump in my throat and am on the verge of tears with happiness and sadness. It’s such a beautiful bittersweet time for you! I wish you all the very best with Jaffle! And please always share Dozer stories and pics with us!!! You are the best and we love you xoxox
You were sobbing writing this post, and we were sobbing reading it … with joy and sadness all mixed up. Can’t wait to watch Jaffle’s adventures.
Jaffle is just gorgeous! So looking forward to seeing him grow and be part of your recipe life.
I truly teared up at this. 😭😭❤️❤️ What a beautiful baby boy!! I’m so happy for you, there’s nothing more healing and more therapeutic than bringing home a new fur baby. He is insanely adorable!!
I am so happy for you♥️
I hope Jaffle brings you much joy and fun for years to come, An unplanned dog is always the best 🙂
❤️🐕 you will always hold Dozer deep in your heart and yet there is room for a new little /big boy. Jaffa’s is so lucky to have found the best Momma.
Dozer will forever be in your heart! Also mine.
This new guy, Jaffle, will help fill the hole left by Dozer’s loss, and carry on his legacy. He’s a handsome guy too!
Dear Nagi – one can only love if you have been taught – so blessings and such thanks for dear, adorable Dozer – who allows with his love of you that you can envolop your new love.
Yeah Dozer – and Nagi you have been well trained in love !! Welcome dear little Jaffle – I look forward to your voyage but also,, Nagi – I still want to see Dozer as we ALL love hime still. Happy beginnings – much love