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 happy for you! Jaffle has big paws to fill, but you know Dozer is looking down from heaven smiling!
I think Dozer would be happy t0 know you have someone new to love. The pictures show an obvious love match. Wishing both of you the very best.
Biggest congrats on your precious Jaffle!!!! Many happy cuddles and taste tests, and long stares in those warm eyes BLESS ❤️…… For those that have never had a jaffle, you have to get yourself a jaffle iron and give it a go. Especially when camping!
Bless you!
I am crying Nagi, so happy that you found the courage to love a new dog. He is absolutely adorable. We will never forget Dozer. I can’t wait to see your beautiful puppy on future posts.
Nice choice, Much happiness to you guys. Thank You
So happy you found a new dog to love!
In the heart of a kitchen where flavour dance and gleam,
Recipe Tin Eats weaves magic from the everyday dream.
Nagi stirs compassion into pots that overflow,
Turning humble ingredients into hope that helps them grow.
For the homeless she builds bridges, meal by meal she gives,
Recipe Tin Meals feeds hundreds—warmth in every dish that lives.
A thousand plates of kindness, born from recipes tried and true,
Her hands create abundance for those who need it too.
But shadows fell upon her home, a golden light grew dim,
Dozer, loyal Chief Taste Tester, with his wagging tail and grin.
Thirteen years of joy he brought, through photos, laughs, and licks,
Now silent paws leave echoes where his spirit fondly sticks.
She held his paw through weary nights, whispered love into the fight,
Yet recipes and boundless care couldn’t keep him in the light.
A heart once full of golden fur now aches with empty space,
Where Dozer’s bark once filled the air, now quiet takes its place.
Yet in the grief, a bright new spark—Meet Jaffle bounds ahead!
Future Chief Taste Tester, with a fluffy golden head.
Son of a Dozer friend, a little bundle full of joy,
Fluffy joy with wagging tail and playful, cheeky boy!
Like Dozer before him, Jaffle knows what he likes best—
He gives the kale a thorough chew… then spits it with protest!
A tiny heir to Dozer’s throne, with opinions loud and clear,
He’ll chase the crumbs and buttered toast, but greens will disappear.
Oh Nagi, queen of Recipe Tin, your gifts both feed and mend,
From hungry souls to broken hearts, new life begins again.
Through loss and love and ladles full, your legacy will shine—
With Jaffle by your side, the recipes will taste divine.
Stuart, that was beautifully written. Brought tears to my eyes. You have the gift of poetry. That makes you a very special person. ❤️
Congratulations! So happy you have a new cooking companion!
Gosh! What a lovely surprise! Jaffel is gorgeous! Dozer will be watching to see what his brother does. So happy for you and Jaffel 🐕❤️
Dozer would give his blessing, he wouldn’t want you to be sad. You have a beautiful puppy now. We will never forget Dozer. I haven’t come back to your site since Dozer’s passing as it seemed a bit empty without him but I’m glad now that you have another doggy 🙂
I am in love! Can’t wait to see pics of Jaffle testing out the recipes!!
Welcome beautiful boy! This brought a tear to my eyes. It is always hard to step into the next chapter when the last meant so much.
I thought maybe his middle name can be grater, keeping with the Jaffle theme and also the construction theme Dozer & Grater but thought i better google the spelling and it is actually a grader (shows how much i know about machinery)
I look forward to watching you grow x
Dear Nagi, congratulations on your beautiful new family member Jaffle! I’m so happy for you, a new puppy helps to heal almost all wounds! We will never forget Dozer but this puppy will make you life full again. May he have a long and loving life with you!
So nice to see you so happy again. Jaffle has your beautiful smile. Love and hugs to you both !
Jaffle is adorable! 💚🐾💚 I’m so happy for you. I just know Jaffle will be an awesome taste taster and friend. Be happy.
I am so happy for you! We will never forget Dozer (I am one of those who skipped to the end to see him 1st) I cried when he left and I am crying now that you have found your new partner!
Good morning Nagi. Like many others, I read today’s post with tears, both happy and sad, and I am not a dog lover but have adored Dozer from the first day I found your site. I look forward to watching Jaffle grow and become as much a part of our lives as Dozer.
Funny – after finishing the post, I immediately went to Google to search out Jaffle sandwiches. You’ll be pleased to know (I hope) that the Google AI has you top and centre for Jaffle. I look forward to your recipe. A lot of the sandwiches posted under Jaffle appear to be just plain grilled sandwiches but the ones made with the Jaffle iron are definitely calling my name so I hope you won’t keep us waiting too long.
Next stop will be to Amazon to see if they sell them in Canada – even though the temperatures are steaming here in Toronto today the A/C is working well~!
All the best.
Adorable & welcome to your forever home little Jaffle. No pressure but you have big shoes to fill in 🙂. Out of curiosity, do you have some recipes for homemade dog food? I cannot be the only who read it with ‘oh wow, tell me more’ 🙂.
Nagy, I am so happy for you.