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 am so glad for you. But please get him off that processed dog food that is full of grains. It’s the food you eat in the early years that determines your long term gut and other health especially their teeth. Dogs guts are not made for grains. You are right to give him real ‘dog’ food not human or bird food.
Hi Nagi,
I loved your dear Dozer too. I am sitting here crying over that wonderful dog. So glad you found another to love too.
Best always,
Cynthia
Awww welcome to your forever home, Jaffle!
I’m so glad you found a dog for you. A new dog is not a replacement — 100% agree there. They are a descendant? Perhaps another fluffy member of the family. In the regard, I’m sure Jaffle would love to get to know more about Dozer 🩷
I’m so pleased you have found your special boy, Jaffle.
Life goes on with Jaffle, while Dozer’s memories live on.
Love to you and the Team
OMG Nagi, I don’t usually post, but this one got me right in the feels! What a beautifully written post, and what a beautiful puppy.
Oh my heart 💓 This is the best email to wake up to! I think Dozer had a part to play up there finding the perfect puppy for you . Enjoy enjoy enjoy 😍
I’m so happy to hear that Dozer will continue to live on here forever but mostly I’m glad you’ve found a new fur baby to love on. Whilst we’re never really ready for a new puppy, they tend to find us regardless, so a big loving Welcome to Jaffle.
Hi Nagi
Thank you for introducing Jaffle to us, your readers. What a little bundle of pure delight you have and so nice to see and hear how happy you are again. As you said, Dozer is always going to be in your heart and I think he will be loving seeing you love again. So happy for you and adorable puppy Jaffle. All the best 💞
Your story about your pups brought tears to my eyes.. They truely are wonderful friends and bring so much love and joy as I’m sure you do for them.
Congratulations on finding a new little baby boy to be a part of your life. He is adorable. Dozer will never be forgotten, he was a very special boy. I have no doubt that Jaffle will( if he hasn’t already!) steal your heart the same way.
Dear Nagi,
So pleased for you to have found your new fur baby!!!
He looks delightful!
Am sure Dozer would be pleased with your new partner in crime!!
😜
It’s so nice that you have a wonderful new companion. When you loose your best friend it’s so hard to open your heart to another one but, he choose you and with Dozer’s blessing. That’s why it feels so right. I am so so happy for you both. Here come the fun learning times for you both.
I am so happy for you! We have a now 4 yr old golden Border Collie “Fisher”, who fills our home with love, we are in our 70’s and he keeps us on , or at least ‘near’ our toes(: I look forward to Jafle’s stories (a Jafle iron was one of the treats of my youth)
OMG! So cute!
Wonderful news!
So so happy for you!
xxx
I’m soo happy you have Jaffle. Haven’t words. Can’t wait for next update.
Dear Nagi,
Jaffle is sooo gorgeous!
Dozer will live on in all the beautiful memories and photos of him. But I know you have so much love to give and Jaffle is the lucky recipient. I look forward to all the fun and frolick he will bring our way.
I’m so happy for you and all of us. Lots of love to you and the team.
Hi Nagi – just a note to say I am so happy for you. One of my dogs died just recently and it was absolutely devastating. I still Lilly who is 16 and not in good health but is maintaining. Then a little over a week ago i heard about a 4 month old puppy that needed to be rehomed. I wasn’t ready I wasn’t looking. I saw her and brought her home, her owner was broken hearted having to let her go, but she trusted me to give her a good life. It happens when it is meant to happen. Again so happy for you. Xoxo
Oh my goodness, it is meant to happen! When they’re brought to a beautiful soul.
I’m so pleased you have found such a beautiful boy, losing your best friend is hard but I’m sure Waffle will bring so much joy to you. Xx
Congratulations to you and Jaffle. Sometimes a friend just finds you. BTW sandwich makers like you describe are used in the US. They are called “pie irons” and are used over open fire – a camping favorite.
Oh Nagi, Jaffle is beautiful, I absolutely adore Goldens! 🩷💙