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
So happy for you Navi, he looks adorable and will be your best taste tester. I don’t like Kale either 😅
I had a smile and she’d tears of happiness reading about Jaffa’s. He is gorgeous and Nagi you look so happy.
Then I got to the Dozer section and had a big cry and tears are still running as I type this.
Looking forward to stories of Jaffa’s🤗
Such a joyful post Nagi!
Wow look at those paws, you’re not kidding about him being a big boy. Such a cutie, but then aren’t all dogs….
We lost our coco 3 years ago today. We got Norbert (golden cocker) 2 weeks later. Hated coming home and not having the litter patter and joyful welcome. Best decision ever. We all have our heart dog, who will have that special place, but we owe it to the fur babies to give love again. He’s bloody gorgeous!
I am SO happy for you to have a new compagnon, tester and buddy! Enjoy ❤️ Lots of love from a big fan in the Netherlands 🇳🇱
I know non-pet people don’t feel they’re missing out on anything, but there is something about having a fur baby in our lives that lifts the heart and soul. My April (a very pretty white and grey cat with beautiful emerald eyes) is nearing her time with us and I feel it is a privilege to be her mother. She will not be my last because it IS a privilege to love a pet – no, not just a “pet” – a companion and for many of us, if we’re lucky, a soulmate. Congratulations Nagi and hello Jaffle – as they said in Casablanca – this will be the start of a beautiful friendship.
So happy for you, dear. 🩷 This new baby looks so sweet. God bless you both!
Chunderbum! Great word
I love Jaffle already, he is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations to you Nagi, and wishing you so much love and happy times with Jaffle. For the record I cried with you reading and remembering Dozer. I think we all love and miss him x
I was going to say Nagi, don’t stop posting bits of the life of Dozer, everyone will be pleased to see him pop up from time to time. Then you said it ourself! And we look forward to posts on Jaffle, though for a while it won’t be as good!!
Welcome Mr Cuddlebug Jaffle.
I am crying as I read about your new puppy. may you have YEARS of happiness. You will never recover from the loss of Dozer but jaffle will steal your heart as well. It doesn’t matter how many dogs you have, and lose, you will always have so many beautiful memories of Dozer. I lost my darling in Dec 2024 and i still mis him terribly. but at 84 I cannot go through losing a dog again. Lots of love, to you both. Roberta Smith
Nagi, I am so thrilled, over the moon for you. What a beautiful little chap Jaffle is. I have fallen in love with him. I miss Dozer terribly, you had a large paw shaped hole in your life which needed to be filled, you will never stop loving Dozer. Jaffle will have the best life being with you and he is just what you need. Much love to you and Jaffle xxxxxxx
Well done Nagi
Enjoy your new found happiness
Congratulations Nagi! Jaffle is a beautiful boy. Hope he has a long and happy life with you and gives as much love and happiness as Dozer did ❤️
What a lucky dog xx
Hello Nagi, I am so glad to see you happy again. Jaffle sounds wonderful and there is nothing like the sound of the pitter patter of little paws in the house. I think everyone will be happy for you to have another companion and best mate. And I look forward to hearing more about Jaffle. Love Tricia Hilton from Freo WA.
I am so happy for you both. I remember losing our boy three years ago almost to the day, how empty the house was without him. The way a new fluffy ball of love can help to put those pieces back together is a special gift. Dozers spirit lives on in everyone of us that his story touched. Welcome to your amazing new life Jaffle!
Best day EVER!! He is one lucky puppy with you as his dog mum!
I am so happy for you Nagi!
I have found that it is the fastest way to mend a broken heart.
A new little bundle of joy and you are too busy to feel the sorrow.
No one can replace Dozer, you are just remembering him in a way and giving another pup the chance to have a great …. Very spoilt life