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
Every one is entitled to have a new family member when the time is right. I remember seeing the photos of Dozer and his friends at the beach thinking, what a great life Dozer has! I am sure that Jaffle will also live a wonderful life, spoilt with treats here & there, just like his big brother Dozer. To welcome Jaffle, I’m making a ,jaffle for breakfast, creamed corn my favourite (Kiwi girl here). I’m also making a coconut curry of yours for dinner. Looking forward to photos & updates of Jaffle. To new beginnings! 💐🍾🎊
Congrats to you and your new boy Jaffle! He’s so gorgeous. Dozer will be smiling in doggy heaven that his mum is happy again 😁
Oh my goodness, he’s so gorgeous. I’m really happy for you and pleased that we will be able to follow Jaffle’s adventures as he grows. I’m glad you’re keeping the Dozer sections for all of us to look back on.
Sending you our love with your new puppy. I have had goldens for fifty years, Tel Aviv, Washington DC, Islamabad, Tunis, Damascus, Jerusalem, The Hague, Ottawa and Brasilia and have loved all of them dearly. And so painful.when they left us, like Dozer. Our sweet Abby is now twelve and we hope she will be with us for several more years. Lots of love to your puppy and to you.
I am so excited to see you have a new future cook in the kitchen! I know Dozer will always be in your heart. Enjoy your new baby just as much. Hi Jaffle🥰🐕
Very happy for you, Nagi. Jaffle looks as gorgeous as Dozer did, and he will make a new place in your life and heart, alongside your wonderful memories of Dozer.
Congrats on the new pup! He has found the best mums in the world!
Awwww Nagi Jaffle is gorgeous
Lots of love and happiness wrapped up in a little bundle of fur
Nice to meet, Jaffle! My heart melted. I am so happy for you, Nagi. I am looking to Jaffle’s input and creativity.
I am so happy for you! We lost our beloved boy Jack, and thought we could never have another. But along came Henry, another boxer and, as you say, the house changes with those feet scampering around. I wish you many many happy years with Jaffle and may he bring you as much happiness as darling Dozer xx
Congratulations Nagi, he’s beautiful!
When I saw the title in my email ‘Introducing Jaffle’ I thought it was a new recipe:) But the photo soon put me right. I looked up the meaning of the word Jaffle and part of the description said ‘a crispy, golden exterior with melted fillings inside.’ Fits him very well – I’m sure he’s melted thousands of hearts already!
Happy puppy training 😉
Losing your first fur baby is the hardest and saddest part of owning a dog. But a puppy reminds you why we love these creatures so much.
Congratulations!
Here’s to life and the joy this little one will bring you.
I became interested in your page because of Dozer. I feel he approves 🙂
Hi Nagi – I am so happy for you and reading about little Jaffle, he sounds and looks like a bundle of cuteness – there will be a lot of love and joy, for both of you and us too..
As I read on, I too cried a little thinking back about Dozer. He’ll be looking down and thrilled to see you happy and full of love for Jaffle xx
Just 5 words…I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
I am a grief counselor. And I understand how painful grief work feels like. When you lost Dozer, I understand your loss and my heart hurt alongside yours. You loved dozer deeply, therefore you felt the pain of losing Dozer deeply as well.
But now it’s the beginning of a new season! The loving memory and experience you shared with Dozer will forever be kept in your treasure box which stays in your heart. Now you are starting a new treasure box and you’re beginning to collect new memories and new experiences with Jaffle. I pray for the best for you and Jaffle. My heart is filled with joy and hope for you both. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. I deeply appreciate your hard work, your wonderful recipes, and most importantly, I am grateful for your transparency of sharing so much of yourself with us. My heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation for you. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! So very happy for you!
Ya Know Nagi, I think if Dozer was here, he would take Jaffle to raise. I think he will think you made a great choice. I am happy you will continue to share photos and memories of Dozer, but there is definitely room for little Jaffle fur ball! I am so, so happy for you to now have that warm little soft soul to snug with now. He doesn’t have any idea how lucky he is that you chose him, but he will soon find out. Much Love and Light. God bless.
Oh Nagi, it’s so bitter sweet. Dozer may be a tad jealous but he will be so happy that Jaffle is there with you. I’m so happy to know that you’ve a new baby and a cheeky one which is into cheese and not veggies. 🤣 enjoy the new adventures with Jaffle. I’m sure it’s going to be quite an adventure. 🙌🏻 you’ve got this! Big love from Bern, Switzerland. X
So glad to see you so happy & at peace. Welcome Jaffie!! We are all blessed by seeing you blessed with joy and genuine happiness!!!
So glad to see you so happy & at peace. Welcome Jaffie!! We are all blessed by seeing you blessed with joy and genuine happiness!!!
No doubt Jaffle will bring you laughter, companionship, messy toys EVERYWHERE and so much joy and LOVE LOVE LOVE! So Happy for you both! Can’t wait to see his journey!