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
Dear Nagi – I truly believe that it was Dozer who chose Jaffle for you, knowing that you all needed to begin a new chapter. The bond of love and joy that you and Dozer shared has now expanded to encompass Jaffle. May it remain so.
I’m absolutely thrilled for you, Jaffle is adorable and of course you will never forget your first love but your heart is big enough to love both boys, Goldie’s teach us to love hard just as they do! 💛
OMG why did I decide to read this post at the office, in huge puddle of happy and sad tears, praying that no one sees me crying ‘snot en trane’ as we say in Cape Town. We are going to love your baby just as much as we loved your Big Boy! Thank you for sharing him and you with us ❤️
Nagi, Jaffle is a very lucky little puppy to have found such a loving home with you. While Jaffle begins this new chapter, Dozer will always hold a special place in your heart and will never be forgotten. ❤️🐾
Wow, he is just so bloody beautiful. Good on you Nagi for moving forward. I’m 2 1/2 out from the loss of my fur baby and still not ready to take on another ..looking forward to Jaffles’ escapades as he grows into those huge paws
I’m so happy to read this! Jaffle is a delight, just perfect! Surely Dozer had a paw in all this! Congratulations! Very thrilled for you!
So happy for you. They are so much more than a pet. May you have many happy years with Jaffle. I remember the old Jaffle iron you could use on an open fire.
Your post welcoming Jaffle makes me so happy for you. He is gorgeous!
I’m so completely happy that you have a new doggy companion! May he bring you at least as much joy as Dozer.
Nagi, my heart is so full for you and little Jaffle. We all know the loss of losing a dog and the dog shaped hole that is left in your heart. Nothing can replace the love you had for Dozer and he for you. This is a different chapter and what adventures await you both ❤️ lots of love leonie and dog pipi xx
Jaffle looks good enough to eat. I’m sure dozer would be proud to see you are happy and that dozer will live in your heart for a long time to come.
Thank you for introducing Jaffle to us. I am sure Dozer would be very happy to see you sharing your love with this little fellow.
Ohhhhhh Nagi !!!! Jaffle is so beautiful. I nearly didn’t look at your post because I’m not that interested in making jaffles. Soooo glad I had a look xxxxxxx
Had to laugh at your comment because I thought it was about food as well, albeit a strange title!
So happy for you, Nagi. Rest assured we won’t forget Dozer – he was a part of our lives too, and no doubt we will all look forward to reading about Jaffle and his antics in the years to come x
Im so happy for you.
So thrilled for you Nagi and for Jaffle ! What a gift from Heaven they are. And I’m sure Dozer had a paw in this …sending Jaffle to you 💙💙🙏🥰
Lucky Jaffle 😍 Happy & sad tears are rolling down my face as I read this with Bailey, my Cavalier King Charles, asleep on my lap. I believe Bailey is a re-incarnation of my Kody (2004 – 2018) 🐶💜
Oh, Nagi. Your farewell to Dozer and welcome to Jaffle left me in tears and smiles – both at the same time. Bless and thank you.
#jafflejaunts
Well hasnt Jaffle has hit the Mumma jackpot! Lucky boy to have landed with you and your team at RTE. Big shoes to fill but it looks like he’s already on his way! Go Jaffle!
Blessings mumma Nagi! Jaffles is beautiful <3
I’m so happy you have Jaffle and that he firmly rejected kale! He’s a worthy successor to Dozer. You’ll have to write another book soon so he can develop his media skills.