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
Such a good email, Nagi. Love it. 🙂
I always say you can never replace a departed beloved animal, but you can definitely love another. You are both lucky to have each other.
I am so so happy for you. I know he will help heal your heart and bring you much love. He’s just adorable.
So many of us have been where you are now.
Jaffle will be his own man.
Hardly a replacement, more an extention of your loving family.
May you have many happy years together.
So happy to see you happy. Gorgeous wee pup.
Welcome Jaffle! He is adorable – Goldens are the cutest puppies…. well after beagle puppies anyway. Looking forward to seeing him grow up.
Beautiful! So lovely to read about, both your introduction of Jaffles and your memories of special Dozer. A smile on my face and a tear in my eyes.
Jaffle! Such a great recipe tin eats name. In time young Jaffle may snaffle a real Jaffle filled with yummy runny cheese. Teary eyed to ‘see’ Dozer yet pleased for you with a Jaffle to pitter patter following you.
It is part of life that we lose the ones we love. Dozer had a blessed life, and Jaffle will too.
It is part of a life journey.
Congratulations on the new pup, He is simply gorgeous, but plenty of mischief in that boy.
I look forward to hearing more about him. Jaffle welcome to the recipe tin eats family.
I’m very happy for you Nagi. Love the pics of Jaffle. Dozer could never be replaced. Both beautiful dogs who love you very much. Looking forward to seeing more pics and tales of adventure. 🩵
I’m so happy for you! Hoping beautiful little Jaffle helps to heal your heart ❤️🩹 xxx
I too lost my best friend recently, and after about a week, I found the next puppy that took the baton. The best thing I’ve done. Hope it’s the same for you Nagi as well.
Cheers to you
Greg Salmon
You are a true “dog person” as am I… so I really get where you are at….good on you…my dog (a Moodle) is 15yo…so every day is a blessing..not sure how I will handle his passing…you are an inspiration…PS…I love your recipes
With paws like that, he is going to be a BIG bouncy boy!
I am so glad you have found someone like him, to “pass the baton on” so to speak – what a lovely boy :
We had to put our lovely Ginge (cat) to sleep before we had notice to move house and I have found it very hard to deal with the huge gap he has left. We are not allowed to have pets here, but the neighbour is happy to have their tabby boy come over and gave facetime with me. I don’t think they realise just how much he is helping me settle in here…. so glad you now have someone to help you!
Hi Nagi,
It’s not often that I comment but I have been following your recipes since I stumbled across your pasta salmon Alfredo recipe about 8 years ago. I fell in love with Dozer back then as well and was heartbroken when he finally passed. I understand the companionship and how much Dozer was a part of your life. I also understand the kismet of finding a new companion at just the right time.
I’m so glad that you are able to continue the succession of Chief Taste Tester and you created such a gorgeous send off for Dozer. I’m looking forward to Dozer popping up every now and again.
I hope you’re feeling better and I look forward to your next adventure 🙂
Lots of love!
I’m so happy for you Nagi.
I know that moving on can be difficult, but I know Dozer would totally approve of Jaffle!
He’s going to live the best life with you and bring you much joy and unconditional love.
Soooooo happy for you! xx
I’m so happy for you Nagai!!!!! Dozer was clearly a path to this little guy/girl (missed that bit) and what fun you will have !!!!! xxXxx
Oh Nagi! Congratulations! Jaffle is gorgeous and what a wonderful life he will have with you! ❤️
Nagi, I have always enjoyed your delightful stories of life with Dozer, so I am so glad that you now have another doggie to love. Our faithful friends never leave us but pad along with us always. Jaffle looks gorgeous. By the way I have a jaffle iron that we used to shove into the fire to cook our baffles when I was a child. I remember that burnt edges and the runny egg inside. xo
Oh my goodness Nagi! I’m so happy for you!
And nothing will replace beautiful Dozer🥰
Jaffle will be his own little person (dog person)