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
Dear Nagi
Jaffle has been picked by Dozer to heal your broken heart after his passing
Dozer will always be your darling boy
Jaffle will help you “to play on” a beautiful phrase by Neale Daniher who was laid to rest today
We will embrace Jaffle while always remembering your darling boy Dozer
Love Joanne
I am so glad for you, a good loved companion, and also glad for him
Dear Nagi I’m your super mega Fan , loved your pics with the new dog , I’m sure he found a place already in your big heart . I have your books and follow you from Spain, sending you many hugs and a bunch of love , Kássima Karina Finardi
How wonderful! Not a great idea to be reading this at work… tissues at the ready!! So very happy for you and looking forward to reading all the new posts – and of course all the great recipes as well 😂
This has all the feels Nagi. ❤️🐾 Dozer was sooo loved as you are, but Jaffle is absolutely divine and we are thrilled for you. Our 11 year old Labrador Ellie May sends Jaffle lots of love and puppy kisses. xx
Well done Dozer was such a great furry family member he’s looking down from Puppy heaven thrilled you have a new Puppy Joy
So nice to hear you happy again Nagi.
Jaffle is one lucky boy and I look forward to all the updates.
I am delighted for you and Jaffle. Your article did bring a tear to my eye. Beautiful Dozer will never be forgotten. I am looking forward to hearing about Jaffle’s antics.
your face has lit up again …you look so happy may you both be happy for a very long time his is so cute love the name by the way xox
Today’s newsletter saved my day! Congratulations Nagi with your new adorable family member Jaffle, i’m sure he’s gonna be a king in your kitchen, helping you out and doing shenanigans. He will give you so much love and pleasure for many many years.
Good on you to get another puppy.I totally understand you.I know what’s it like to lose a best friend ( Dozer).You will never forget Dozer,having another dog will help you.Jaffle is adorable.
OMG!! So happy for you it must be hard but puppies make the world go round! Yay!!!!!
Love, love, love Jaffle! He will be a wonderful food taster! I look forward to seeing his antics 🙂
Wowww, I am sooo happy for you Nagi!!! Jaffle is simply adorable and is already following darling Dozer’s steps in starting his job as taster and tester 🙂 Well done!!
My Dear Nagi
I am really delighted that you have found your new sidekick in Jaffle Nothing can compare with the unconditional love, fulfilment & loyalty a wee dog brings into your life & Dozer, knowing the depth of love in your heart, would be truly happy with your decision. He would know that you are not replacing him just building on what you both gained from each other during the life you shared. Jaffle, (love the name), just as Dozer had, will enjoy a love filled life with you as his Mum
Vicki (just a few miles along the road from Falkirk, Bonnie Scotland
Jaffles is adorable,good on you, I said goodbye to my fur baby a couple months ago ,and I’m just waiting a bit. Can’t wait for jaffles storiesxxx
So happy for you to have a new canine pal. No one will ever replace dozer but let’s start a new chapter with Jaffle. I’m sure he will make Dozer proud!!
Much love to you Nagi ❤️❤️
Dozer would be happy to
See you smiling. He’d be thrilled to know you can lavish your giant heart on a new boy.
We look forward to watching him grow…. And steal food
Well done Nagi and welcome Jaffle. May you both have a long and happy life together. Dozer would be proud of you
Congrats on adopting Jaffle! He is a real cutie 🥰 Enjoy him, sure it won’t be very long before he will be filling Dozer’s shoes as chief taster 😋😉
So very happy for you both – what a preciously fluffy boy! Enjoy all the minutes – no explanations necessary – EVER.