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
I’m so happy for you Nagi . Jaffle has the best Mum ever and precious moments together in the next chapters of your lives together.
House full of happiness is all that matters 💯💜🎉
Congratulations on your new golden ball of joy 🥰 he looks gorgeous! You’ll never forget Dozer, he will always be in your heart
God bless all three of you Nagi.
Today’s post brought both laughter and tears to my eyes.
And I really think that this is a perfect time for you to take on Jaffle. What a gorgeous looking boy!
Oh my goodness, I am going down the same road, lost my little treasure the same time you lost Dozer, perhaps I need to follow you.
Welcome Jaffle!
Just gorgeous. Love Jaffle’s name. We wish you many years of love, joy, and happiness. We will never forget Dozer.
so happy for you and thrilled to meet Jaffle. must admit my first instinct on reading Jaffle was the Australian sealed toastie snack… wishing you both long and happy lives. we’ll never forgot Dozer but as you said, passing the baton (bacon?) but not kale on!
Nagi, Jaffle is just gorgeous. Congratulations on your new fur baby and I hope he brings you as much joy as Dozer.
We look forward to reading about his growth and adventures.
PS. I never skipped your recipe just to read about Dozer. Maybe rushed through it a bit, but never skipped 😆
He is adorable. So happy for you Nagi. We will never forget Dozer but this little bundle will help you xx
Awww Nagi reading your post brought a sweet tear to my eye. Dozer will always hold a special place in so many of our hearts, and it’s wonderful to see Jaffle joining your family and beginning a new chapter. He’s sooo adorable!!!
As someone who’s also bringing home a new puppy this Sunday, I’m sharing in the excitement (and nerves!) of a new chapter.
Wishing you and Jaffle many happy adventures together and look forward to seeing him take on his new role 😉 Love you Nagi and thank you for everything you do for us xxx
so pleased you have found another taster he looks adorable so i am looking forward to seeing more of him and seeing Dozer popups
Oh Jaffle, my heart melts just like cheese lol I am thrilled for you Nagi, Jaffle will bring back the joy in your kitchen, cheese an all xo
Oh Nagi! I’m so happy for you! I know what Dozer meant to you and I love that Jaffle is taking up the baton! He is going to fill your life with his beautiful goofiness and clumsiness.
Congratulations on getting Gorgeous Jaffle.
I know he is going to bring you many years of love and Happiness.
I was sobbing reading your Beautiful words about Dozer. He will always be special to all that loved him. but there is room in our hearts for the Adorable Jaffle. x
Congratulations on the arrival of Jaffle!! He will definetly fill the void. Jaffle looks very cheeky and at home with his new family. I can wait to see him grow into a taste tester in your kitchen.
No fur baby will ever replace Dozer but he will definetly fill yuor heart with lots of love and kisses.
Tears of joy welled up Nagi as I read your wonderful news. Congratulations on your new arrival 😘
I’m so happy for you. Dozer sent him to you, so it was meant to be. I’ve learned to never put a period out timeline to grieving. Just because you have Jaffle now doesn’t mean that you forgotten or even grief Dozer. That also doesn’t mean you need to retire Dozer section of your recipe, Jaffle section can either go below or under Dozer. Just a thought.
Nagi I’m so delighted for you and can only imagine how instantly Jaffle filled your heart and home. Looking forward to all your future adventures, taste testing and watching Jaffle grow 🥰😘
Jaffle is a lovely dog and I am sure Dozer will approve of him being the Chief Taste Tester in no time. It’s funny, but I believe in our animals still guiding us as we continue to travel our life journey – and I think Dozer made sure you found Jaffle right when you needed him most.
awwww 🥹 we are all as much in love as you are!
My current fixation food is actually a ham & cheese jaffle, made using my late grandma’s vintage jaffle maker.