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
So very happy for you !!
Jaffle is just adorable … Enjoy !!!
I do miss Dozer and his antics– but perhaps Dozer steered Jaffle into your life..
A match made in heaven !!
Nagi, I have followed you for years. I especially enjoyed reading about Dozer regularly. It broke my heart when he passed but I am thrilled to hear about little Jaffle and I couldn’t be happier for you. Dozer would be proud, knowing that Jaffle will be by your side as he wouldn’t want you to be sad. He will guide Jaffle from above and help him along. They are both beauties and I look forward to seeing him grow along with the tasty recipes that you put out.
God bless. Much love to you and lil guy Jaffle xo hugs to you both!
Well, I think we are all blubbering here too, reading this. First of all, Welcome to Jaffle! And second, couldn’t you keep the Dozer section up? just so we can still all go back and re-read some of his posts? I will miss him so much if I can’t. Love from Dallas, TX.
I am sooooooo happy for you❤️❤️❤️
Good for you!
Many congratulations. Jaffle is the best medicine to get you out of the doldrums 🐾
Awww Jaffle is so precious. I am sure Dozer is happy because you are happy. I’m looking forward to seeing many pictures on you new journey. Life with Jaffle. Blessings
Here’s good wishes from a Cat Lady in the USA. I’ll be 81 in a couple of days and have always had a cat since I was a kid. As each passed and eventually was replaced by a new one, love only grew. Not one replaced another. As we all go to He!! in a handbasket over here, please know that you and Dozer and your wonderful recipes and antics brightened my day. Thank you both for that! Puppy antics here we come…
How wonderful! Little bundles of joy to keep you busy…looking forward to seeing what mischief he gets into!
Nagi how pleased I am for you. Jaffle is gorgeous. I miss Dozer and I admit I always went to see what he was up to before looking at the recipe. Please send photos of him occasionally. Xx
So happy for you!
So happy for you; it’s good that your heart is open to new joy! We will all miss Dozer but surely look forward to seeing what Jaffle gets into!
Waffle is adorable and no doubt will be as wonderful as Dozer. Congratulations, Waffle, on finding your very special Momma!🥰
I’m so happy and pleased for you, dozer will never be forgotten, always in our hearts. 💕. Once again I shed a few tears, but how lucky is Jaffle to have you. Enjoy your fun times together.
So happy that you will be giving another unique creature your special brand of love!
I cried tears of joy and sorrow reading this. I was one that went right to the Dozer update and I’m sure I will enjoy Jaffle also. He’s so handsome! Thank you for keeping Dozer updates.
Loved reading about dozer for many years. I am crying as I write this. But so happy that you have Jaffle. Can’t wait to see how Jaffle grows with you.
Omg, Jaffle is such a handsome boy. His name is perfect. He is a Golden Little Pocket of love with a Big Heart. I’m so happy you took the leap to add this little nugget of love to your life. ❣️
Dear Nagi, I have followed yours and Dozer’s story for years. Recipe Tin Eats is unique because you’ve been equally passionate about the four-footed love of your life as you have been about wonderful food. You have been a friend to so many and we feel as if we know you personally. It hurt us all when we shared your sorrow, so how wonderful to see you happy again!!! God bless you, little (!) golden puffball Jaffle. Be a good boy for our Nagi. You will love her as much as we do, I know.
Oh Nagi he’s beautiful ❤️ when Dozer crossed the rainbow I wanted to say , you have so much love to give and there are plenty of doggies out there that need someone and now you have found one to spoil ,
Look at those eyes they would melt butter , but I think you have a real cheeky one there and I’m sure he will bring us all a lot of Joy ❤️ Dozer will be having a chuckle too