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 saw the email and just the word Jaffle and I skipped passed thinking what can you do with a toasted sandwich, then I thought, it could be a really good toasted sandwich, so I clicked on. Congratulations on your new fur baby, I am sure Dozer is looking down and is so happy for you.
Haha! I thought the exact same thing!
We should always remember those we love who have passed on. The joy, the sorrow, are a part of who we are. But, the thing about love it is a need like breathing, food, water, and needs to be nourished. You honor Dozer by bringing Jaffa’s into sharing your life and all of us friends of yours are with you on this journey.💗
I am so happy for you. Being 73 years old, I have lost many furry lovies and have had so much love to give. Though none replaced each loss, they gave me a heart for the love to nestle again. Best of love to you and Jaffle. Always remembering Dozer
I am so happy that you’ve found another pup to love! 💗 Jaffle seems like a bundle of joy!
But it only gets better when there’s more than one!! 😅 I hope there’s room for you to rescue too!!
I have followed you for years. Love your recipes. Heartfelt condolences on Dozer. Our dogs are always in our hearts.
I’m crying again! I know what losing your best friend is like.
I loved your Dozer posts (and Dozer!) and look forward to seeing him from time to time. Jaffle is adorable! I’m so happy for you Nagi xx
Wow – Nagi you made me get the tissues out but so pleased to say welcome Jaffle ……
We look forward to sharing and watching Jaffle mischievous moments with you.
I get strong vibes Dozer is smiling down on us right now 🙏🙏
Nagi we welcome little Jaffle but that doesn’t mean we have forgotten beautiful Dozer. So happy for you ❤️
Congratulations! Jaffles is a very lucky pup! Of course none of us will forget Dozer. It is lovely to see that big smile on your face and see a new love in your life. How brave you are to go through another puppy phase! I swore never again! 🤣
I am crying to. I will always remember the wonderful stories and pictures of Dozer. I am very happy you have Jaffle. He is beautiful. I cannot wait to follow along with you and Jaffle. I am so looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Welcome little Jaffle! You are one lucky little puppy…
He will certainly be loved 💞
I am so happy for you AND him. He was sent by Dozer 😹 Last September my Otis died and I never had a home without a pet. I don’t believe in “replacement pets” but I was so sad and lonely. I always rescue but I decided to get a lilac point kitten. I called a breeder who said he’d have one ready at 4 months old- 2 months away. I said that’s perfect and now I’ve had Monte ( Montecore) for 5 months. I think of Otis every day but I’m so happy.
You’re both so lucky 💕
Loved the inquisitive peek in drawer, like having sweets at the checkout to tempt you. You are welcome to the pees!
I’m so happy you were able to bring Jaffle into your heart and home. Dozer won’t be replaced. Jaffle will only add to his magic for you. I stumbled across this essay years ago after losing a furry child and it still brings me solace.
It came to me
That every time
I lose a dog
They take a piece
Of my heart with them,
And every new dog
Who comes into my life
Gifts me with a piece
Of their heart.
If I live long enough
All the components
Of my heart
Will be dog, and
I will become
As generous and
Loving as they are.
—-anonymous
I find myself still mentioning stories from dogs I loved sixty years ago. I look forward to following along with the story of Jaffle, budding taste tester, sprinkled with tales of Dozer. 🐾
Proxy auntie Deb x
I’m so happy for you!
Just Luv luv Jaffle, he is adorable. Dozer will be smiling down at you both xx
💛Sending love and hugs as this new chapter unfolds!❤️❤️❤️😘
so happy for you. I checked the dozer section every post. He will never be forgotten, but jaffle is a whole separate fun chapter
Awww! You made my day Nagi! We’ll love Jaffle as much as we love Dozer! Thank you! – ❤️🇨🇦
This absolutely warms my heart. I so loved reading about beautiful Dozer and was so sad by his passing. So happy to hear about your cute new taste tester and can’t wait for more posts xx