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
Oh Nagi, I am so happy for you. I lost my girl around the same time you lost Dozer and this gives me hope that one day I can be brave enough to love another dog. I look forward to lots of Jaffle stories
You may have been sobbing writing this entry, I was sobbing reading it. Run free, Dozer <3
Looking forward to skipping straight to Life of Jaffle, though 😀
I am delighted for you Nagi and thank you for sharing your wonderful news! Jaffle is a beautiful little boy and I know that his life will be AMAZING! I cried so much reading your brilliant news. I can’t help it. Bless you both.
Oh my I’m wiping tears from my eyes as I’m reading this ! Your memories about Dozer just makes me realise how I miss my beautiful dogs that have passed on too. He was such a part of your life, as ours were in mine. Thank you for not being reticent in sharing your loss, thoughts and photos of his big beautiful life, and now the new chapter with Jaffle. 💕
Dear Nagi,
Awesome that you have adopted Jaffle, a new companion and fur baby, who will be a comfort. RIP Dozer. ❤️Dogs are the best company, they help keep us sane, lol
My brother has been travelling a similar route. The dog that saved his life, Iggy Pup, spent 16 years as my brother’s constant companion. A three legged Pomeranian that the vet said “should be euthanised “. Iggy thrived for another 15 years, but sadly the vet… RIP.
My brother has a new 4 legged Pomeranian, called Louis, and everyone’s happy. I’m no longer worried about my big brother, my brother is no longer worrying about Iggy’s health, and Louis doesn’t know the meaning of the word.
We will worry less about you too, Nagi, and if there is a doggy heaven, Dozer will be so happy that you have something to take your mind off him, and he can now go and join the other good boys in the big dog park in the big beyond. Much love from a complete stranger.
What a lovely ball of fur! A golden basket for this sous chef / food critique. Lots of fun and happiness for the both of you !
Hi Nagi and welcome to Jaffle 💙🐾💙. You won’t look back and Dozer wouldn’t want you to. I cried when I read your post and saw the photo of you and Jaffle too but it’s something to be happy about. My husband and I believe that doggies find us and Dozer probably sent Jaffle to make his Mummy happy again 💙🐾💙.
Remember the wonderful life you and Dozer had together and now it’s time for you and Jaffle to do the same; Dozer lives on in your heart forever and will never be forgotten or leave your heart wherever you are or whoever you are with, don’t ever forget it yet and be happy making a lovely life for Jaffle 💙🐾💙. It took me a long time to learn this but it has helped as we have had to say goodbye to our 🐾 and welcome new ones; all very different personalities but all had or having a wonderful life with us – we currently have 🐾🐾🐾 and they fill our life with love and laughter as Jaffle will for you (and him of course 😘). Enjoy every moment and look forward to hearing and seeing all about Jaffle’s new life with his new Mummy 💙❤️ xx
I am so happy for you both! This is so precious :3
Oh he is just gorgeous, so happy for you & Jaffle. Darling Dozer will be smiling at you both on your new wild ride!
Congratulations, he is gorgeous. Very happy for you Nagi
So pleased you have Jaffa.
You have provided so much joy to we wanna be cooks and your site is my go to for anything I want to try. Even Irish soda bread. Thankyou for your brilliance. It is the little things , particularly the videos and the notes. I hope you dont spoil Jaffa. All the best to you. Ian
We all miss dozer but I’m sure he’s smiling from the big play pen in the sky that you have found a new joyous furry friend
Keep posting it’s such a joy to read your work
Awww, Nagi, im so VERY happy for you 😃. Dozer will always be with you (us)…. but.. I’m sending a mighty fine hello and Welcome little Jaffle to the world of RTE. 🥰. We love your mum as much as you do ❤️
I LOVE JAFFLES, we have them regularly.. me thinks a few recipe inspirations are on the way 🥰.
I look forward to folling Life of Jaffle x
There is never a right time to get a new puppy after losing your fur baby but your heart can always be open to sharing it with a new member to your family.. Jaffle is so cute and am looking forward to getting to know your new taste tester.!
What a lucky little man is Jaffle to have you as his mum! We will never forget Dozer, how could we!!?? But so happy for you Nagi that you can love another now. He is certainly a bundle of gorgeous golden fluff. All the best. And last but not least- I love your easy to follow recipes. Made the chicken and sweet corn soup last week and today your orange almond cake- tastes better than what you’d pay lots for at an upmarket cafe!!
Oh Nagi you are so brave taking this plunge! Well done!! I’m super happy for you. Jaffle is just gorgeous 😍
Oh Nagi Im so delighted for you & what a gorgeous wee boy he is….this just brings tears of joy & you look so happy with your new little bundle.
So glad that Dozer can still be talked about because I don’t ever want to forget about him, I just loved Dozer. ❤️ RIP sweet Dozer boy.
But Im looking forward to all the stories about cute little Jaffle & pretty sure I’ll embrace him 💯!
All the best with the training Nagi….. it may even be the other way around lol!
Love Karen
from New Zealand xx
Oh Nagi, I am sooooo happy for you both.
I feel that Dozer will be watching over you, with enjoyment, in following his nephew, Jaffle’s antics. ❤️💙
Ah..Nagi! Your new little pupper is gorgeous! Juffle sure got himself a wonderful new mommy. May you get the happiness and love that you and Dozer had. I look forward to your picture postings as well as your recipes.
Best, Theresa