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
Given his Scottish ancestry I really think you need to tweak his name to McJaffle!!
I’m so pleased for you, Nagi. There is never any ‘right time’. You just have to trust your instincts. Jaffle is a delight, and I reckon Dozer would approve. Of course we expect Dozer memories along with Jaffle ones. Twice the joy.
How to make a grown woman cry in under 5 mins !!! I am Over the Moon for you Nagi ! How exciting to have the pitter patter of paws and your new family member Jaffle in your life. Enjoy every second and OF COURSE we will always have Dozer in our hearts and thoughts because he is part of you. Thankyou for such a heartfelt post. LOVE the name Jaffle – so poignant for an Aussie dog!
I am so pleased to see you are in a place to allow a new companion, without losing the memories and joy Dozer provided (to all of us). Welcome Jaffle, I look forward to the next 14 years or more.
And for those unfamiliar with a jaffle, it is eminently Australian in its ability to engulf almost anything edible (except kale!); just like a Golden Retriever…
Omg welcome Jaffle! Kim is such a well respected breeder – you’ve made a fabulous choice! Cannot wait to see him grow!
Welcome Jaffle! You have big shoes to fill now so be a good boy for Nagi. Loved the Dozer pics xox
Congratulations on your new fur baby.
After 14 years with a seasoned professional, you now have a new apprentice. Unfortunately, this one isn’t kitchen trained yet, ignores instructions, will steals ingredients, works odd hours, and gets the zoomies in the middle of kitchen.
On the bright side, at least this kitchen assistant works for treats and cuddles.
Look forward to many more Jaffle updates 💙
Given time, we can all find love in another animal. Nothing can replace the beautiful friend that we had – that’s locked in our heart forever. A new life, brings new love., a new beginning. Here’s to the many years of the wonderful journey, just for the two of you. xx
What a cutie, as with all Goldies obsessed with food he will be the perfect food taster 😁
Welcome Jaffle, we won’t forgot your brother Dozer ❤️
I am thrilled for you. I know how hard it has been Losing Dozer but he would have sent you this new baby to love. Life should change. I’m looking forward to enjoying the fun.
Congratulations Nagi! Such a beautiful puppy. I wish all the best for you two and I can’t wait to see more beautiful doggy photos on your recipe pages ♥️
– Tom
Awww such a cutie pie 🙂 All of that puppiness will surely keep your home and life full of happiness. It will help fill the immense loss a family member like Dozer can have on your daily life. Each family member is so special and holds a very special place in your heart. You deserve it all! Enjoy and have fun 🙂 All the very best to you and your family there!
Super cute Jaffle! 🐾
Dear Nagi, what a lovely surprise to meet Jaffle, well named!
PS: Thanks for your rissole recipe. I love rissoles and will surprise the family soon. For my own plate, my share will include GF ingredients but that’s no big deal. Thank you & team. xx Irene
Hi Nagi. Yet again another cutie. It please don’t retire the Dozer Chronicles. Am thoroughly loving them. Did nothing like that for my baby girl & it’s like now out of sight. The little will be none the wiser. Consider xx
Why did the photos get blurry all of a sudden 🥹😭🥹😭
Such a special post. I’m very excited to see more adventures with Jaffle- he is darling. I’m so happy for you to have him around!
This made me cry happy tears for you Nagi, I thought your post was about some great new way to do a toasted sandwich and instead here was the most wonderful news about Jaffle your new puppy. Congratulations, so happy to see you smiling again xx
Welcome Jaffle!!
AHHHHH!!!!! Hi Jaffle!!! Congratulations Nagi and a big warm huggy welcome to dear little Jaffle!!!! I’m so happy for the both of you! Nagi, you have so much love to give and Dozer is very proud of his mum knowing that little Jaffle will feel and have the love and joy that you had and always will have for him.
God bless you and little Jaffle dear Nagi. We will all remember Dozer and always keep him in our hearts and look forward to hearing of the adventures of your little bubby! Hugs and love, Sev. 🥰
Aaawwww, so happy for you – and for little Jaffle, lucky pup to have found such a loving mom and adoring global audience. Great name!! BTW, I always thought waffles were uniquely South African lol. A great fave here with savoury mince filling (and cheese of course!).