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
Jaffle looks so cute, what a great name. I hope he brings you as much joy as you had with Dozer. 🥰🥰
He’s absolutely adorable!! I’m glad you’ve found a new pal. I hope he continues to bring as much happiness as Dozer did 💕
Dozer was very special and Jaffle will be too, the love just grows. I am so glad you have felt the time is right for a new love, he is gorgeous❤️❤️
Hi Nagi,
I am so please for you, that your heart has healed enough to let you move on to a new stage in your life! Jaffle! What a joy, he looks like a bundle of fun & to cute for words! We all know, he will be adored! Dozer will never be forgotten, he lives on in all our hearts! 🐾 enjoy all the fun you will have have with your bundle of joy! ❤️❌️
That is so pawesome that you have Jaffle. I’m so happy for you and I admit I miss the greeting I used to get when I walked in the door. Have fun and happy times 💝🌸🐶
I’m so happy you have a gorgeous new fluffy friend to ‘help’ you with your recipe adventures🥰
Hi Nagi,
I am so please for you, that your heart has healed enough to let you move on to a new stage in your life! Jaffle! What a joy, he looks like a bundle of fun & to cute for words! We all know, he will be adored! Dozer will never be forgotten, he lives on in all our hearts! 🐾 enjoy all the fun you will have have with your bundle of joy! ❤️❌️
Hi Nagi – I was thinking about your webpage and not wanting to supplant Dozer on it but also now having Jaffle – why not keep Dozer’s picture and change his status to “Official taste tester retired” – this way he remains, as he should, a part of TinEats, then underneathe have a pic of Jaffle with “Official taste tester in training” and when he’s ready, you remove “in training”. Just a thought.
Aww so beautiful. Hello Jaffle. Can’t wait to hear your daily triumphs x
I’m so happy you’ve found a new puppy! But I’m with you and crying now too, on still loving the life with Dozer. I’ve been blessed with several wonderful dog companions and it’s so hard when they pass. You’ll probably call him Dozer many times and that’s okay. Have fun with your new pup! ❤️❤️❤️
Fantastic news ! I’m so happy for you and Jaffle !
I am so happy for you Nagi. Jaffle is just beautiful. He is going to be a big boy!!! Looking forward to following his progress with many photos. Dozer will be looking down on him with approval I am certain ❤️❤️❤️
Dozer and his stories that accompanied your recipes were an enjoyable time spent after I received your emails. Dozer will be missed.
Jaffle is a cutie, but I think you’re right in saying that he is going to be a large dog. His large paws reflect what we experienced with our chocolate lab who decided he would turn out to be 120 pounds of love. Best wishes for you and Jaffle.
Jaffle looks so nice, I hope that you and he bond well. Doug
Dear Nagi, so happy that you finally feel ok to have a furry baby again. Not goodbye to Dozer he will always be in your heart and ours ,like you said pass the baton on. Who knew you could smile and cry at the same time as I am. Much love, joy, laughter and puddles on their way. The RTE will rejoice once again in their new recruit.Xxxxx
I believe there is always one special dog in your life. This does not in any way diminish the love for any other dogs that come along. So proud of you getting another dog to pour all that love you had for Dozer into Jaffle. Look forward to Jaffle updates and the times Dozer appears.
So happy for you. Jaffle fabulous name and adorable. Enjoy puppy chewing and ❤️
Oh my goodness, look at this fluffy potato, welcome little man, you just got yourself the best mama and can’t wait to read about all your shenanigans and see you grow into a strong gorgeous boy just like your older brother Dozer who will always be in our heart 🙂
Oh Nagi. We who have lost our beautiful furry friends feel your pain. It’s a heart wrenching feeling not see or cuddling them every day. I know Jaffle will bring so much love and happiness to your world. He’s absolutely adorable 💕💕
I’m so happy for you Nagi! Welcome Jaffle to the recipe tin family. I look forward to your puppy adventures, and still seeing memories of beautiful Dozer. X