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
Congratulations Nagi! Jaffle is a beautiful bundle of golden fluff.
No one could ever replace your Dozer but fortunately we have huge hearts and endless places for love.
I cried a little as I read you post. I am really looking forward to reading about your new little food taster! And… I often read your posts about Dozer so I’m very glad they will still be there. (Of course I love your recipes too!)
Mr. Vader (Dog #9 in my life and no, I am not 130) and I were reading this while having breakfast. We both approve 🙂 While I was hoping you would consider adopting, I completly understand. I would have fallen for him, too. Jaffle is adorable, and yes, he will keep you busy for a while. I knew Dozer had turned you into a lost human being, meaning you feel lost without a dog in your life. That’s what they do to us.
I wish you both wonderful moments. The puppy stage goes by so fast. As for Dozer, I visited him yesterday while looking up an older recipe, so he will always be around.
I am (we are) very happy for you.
Congratulations on your new golden fur baby Jaffle! He is so cute! It really warms my heart to see you with another pup in your life.
I am so happy for you Nagi!!!! What a cutie!
Nagi I am so happy for you and I must get myself a Kleenex to wipe my eyes.
It’s hard to cross that bridge to close the page too that chapter it feels like one is doing a disservice but we must go forward because that’s what we need to do. If we could bring our loved ones back we all know we would,but because that isn’t the option. I’m so happy for you. It was like saying goodbye again but this goodbye has a hello. I just put my sidekick of 15 years down last week. It’s hard to go forward, but these baby steps will get bigger perhaps I’ll be doing what you were doing is filling that heavy heart back up with air, love and laughter.
He’s a lucky boy and so are you thank you for being so open and thank you for you. You are an amazing person and if ever I was to come back in life and choose to be a dog, I would want to be your dog.❤️
So glad you have a wonderful new companion fur baby. I couldn’t survive without my 3 angels. Bless them all .
I’m so happy for you! Jaffle is absolutely adorable and I know (from my own experience) that puppies require lots of attention which will help you to smile when you think about Dozer, Please give Jaffle a big hug from me.
Oh Nagi I am also crying when I read this n I miss Dozer too. I am a lurker more than a contributor but I felt I had to tell you how much I enjoy your articles and words of wisdom. I am glad you decided to take on Jaffle, he’s so cute.
So happy for you to have the joy of a new 4 legged companion. I had tears reading about Dozer but don’t stop sharing, this is definitely my favourite page!
After all these years, you’d think I’d know to grab a box of tissues before reading your posts. So happy that you and Jaffle have found each other. There is nothing that makes a house feel more like a home than a dog!
Very happy for you Nagi. And a big hello to Jaffle. A new chapter begins. The Dozer chapter was, and always will be, wonderfully heart-warming.
Oh, Nagi! How wonderful!! Thank you for sharing the news!
OMG he is just utterly adorable, what a smooshy, kissable face. He’s going to be a stunner and huge! You’ll never replace Dozer in your heart, you’re simply making room for another precious soul alongside him.
Hopelessly sobbing with you, Nagi.
We will never forget Dozer. 💕
So happy for you, Jaffle, and Recipetineats!
Bring back that joie de vivre that we know so well! 😘🤗
Forever in our hearts 🥰
Hi Nagi and cute little Jaffle, you have made the right decision to take another bundle of joy. I know it’s very painful to lose those faithful companions (I prefer to call them family, because they are indeed)
I can’t wait to follow Jaffle story, I know he couldn’t hope for a better mum than you, because you’re like me, I ADORE my little girls Macey.
Take care
Yves and Angèle xoxox
Oh Nagi, this is heartwarming and while Dozer is irreplacable, Jaffle sure does bring a new comforting feel. those pictures are adorable and hope you enjoy the new pup…love from Zimbabwe
What an adorable golden ball of love. Your heart told you he was the one ♥️ I feel I’ll be facing this soon as my standard poodle is almost 15.
Oh Nagi, this is heartwarming and while Dozr is irreplacable, Jaffle sure does bring a new comforting feel. those pictures are adorable and hope you enjoy the new pup…love from Zimbabwe
Congratulations on your new baby taste tester!
What wonderful news. While I considered suggesting a puppy, I know too well that it’s something that must happen in it’s own time. After living with Goldens for over 40 years, I know that all of your best buddies will stay with your heart throughout your life. Thoughts of my first Golden can still bring tears to my eyes, but as time has gone by, more often those thoughts bring laughter and smiles.