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 happy for you!
Jafle looks gorgeous! Also so glad for you that you found him. Maybe Dozer had a helping paw in that! Having had to put our two fur friends down 2 years ago, I still miss the ‘putter patter’ of little paws following me around the house. Such a lovely happy sound. Look forward to getting to know Jafle and seeing lots of mischievous photos!! So so glad for you.
Awww, welcome to the family, Jaffle! It looks like he’s made himself right at home, in your house and in your heart 😍 So happy for you to have found new puppy love, Nagi. And you’re absolutely right, you can do whatever you like on your very own website, not that I reckon there’d be a great deal of opposition to pop up Dozer posts anyway 🥰
I’m thrilled for you Nagi. There’s nothing like puppy love to cure a broken heart. Jaffle is a delight and I know Dozer would thoroughly approve. 💓
Congrats! He is adorable. I would sure love to see your dog food recipes some day as I have been looking for a new one. Again- Jaffe is beautiful.
I’m so happy for you. I’m also tearing up as I write this. Nothing eases the heartache of losing a Golden (or any beloved furry friend) like finding a new one who needs your love.) Our Haley who we adopted at age 4 a year ago will never replace our Henry, we lost at age 13. But she has brought much joy into our home. I like to think that she enjoys hearing me tell her stories about Henry from time to time. She certainly listens intently, especially if I’m cooking!
Dear Nagi, You are so blessed to have this new little man in your life, Jaffle is just gorgeous, I really wish I could have his double. My old boy is only 10 but he is slowing down so much I am not sure how much longer we will have him for. Jaffle will have a wonderful life with you – thank you for sharing such a loving boy with us. Sending love, Sue
Congrats, Nagi! What a beauty!!! Thank you for sharing Jaffle with us. I’ll be eagerly waiting for post filled with golden puppy stories. There’s nothing like a furry golden 🙂
I lost my boy Benson on Christmas Day 2025, reading about Dozer has broken my heart as I sit here sobbing uncontrollably I wonder if I could ever have the courage to have another doggie pal. Good Luck with Jaffle he is adorable xxx
He will certainly be loved 💞
So glad you have the adorable Jaffle to help heal your heart and fill your home with puppy love. Good for you Nagi to love someone new and who needs love too.
So incredibly happy for you! (as I have tears streaming down my face!) I also have two goldens, one that is so much like your sweet Dozer. In fact, his daddy’s name was Dozer! I hope that I can have as much time with our two as you did with your sweet Dozer. Here’s to Jaffle! Can’t wait to see all of his happenings as the new Chief Taste Tester. 🥰
So happy for you Nagi and being a Giltedge Golden, he can’t be anything but a delight (we have one too – Stanley who is 8). Love the name too! Can’t wait to follow his adventures. Xx
Oh my goodness! Jaffle is just so adorable. 💞💞💞 My heart is so happy for you and your lovely little companion.
Jaffle is a handsome baby and he looks very attached to you. Dozer is never forgotten and am looking forward to the journey. Xx
I have followed you for years. Love your recipes. Heartfelt condolences on Dozer. Our dogs are always in our hearts. A Big Hello to Jaffle. When Bailey our Golden passed suddenly our family was devastated. I stumbled onto an unexpected litter of puppies and along came Darcy. He’s been with us 11 years. Bailey sends him messages from heaven.
Nagi, the smile on your face warms my heart and says it all. Jaffle is a great name for a cute boy!
Dozer earned his forever place in your heart but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow more room for Jaffle. A new puppy is a joy to offset the pain, and don’t think that Dozer doesn’t know that!
Welcome to darling Jaffle. What a little darling. What a fabulous life Dozer lived and he has returned to being star dust but his lovely personality will always be remembered. The joy of a puppy will help mend your heart. ♥️
So glad you have your new baby Jaffle to be your sidekick!
Will look forward to seeing his progress.
Love your recipes.
Incredibly happy for you with the arrival of your pup. He’s an amazing gift to you!! That is so clear from the photographs.
Jaffle just couldn’t be cuter…and will surely grow into a lovely dog with such personality.
All the love you have for Dozer can spill over onto Jaffle.
Beautiful!!