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
Hi Nagi,
We are big fans of yours in our house and are absolutely delighted to meet Jaffle! He is incredibly adorable. Dozer was such a beautiful dog. It is so hard to say goodbye, especially to a soulmate of a pup, but when you know, you know. Sending you and Jaffle so much love as you start this next chapter.
I am BEYOND HAPPY for you Nagi. I know how heartbreaking it is when you lose your ‘soul dog’. Welcome gorgeous Jaffle, you’re one lucky little puppy!!. xxx
CONGRATULATIONS! .. so happy for you and Jaffle– so many adventures ahead!
Congratulations Nagi!
Yep, I was same. Even though I was so broken hearted over losing my beautiful girl , I got a puppy only three months later.
I then felt normal again. A new dog fills that hole in your heart that was left by your previous dog.❤️
Nagi, your post made me weep tears of joy, for you and isn’t Jaffle a star in the making? As you said thathis father was from Scotland I researched him and guess that Clem was impregnated across the globe via frozen semen? Anyway good luck with the golden puddles and training!
I am BEYOND HAPPY for you Nagi. I know how heartbreaking it is when you ;ose your ‘soul dog’ Welcome gorgeous Jaffle, you’re one lucky little puppy!!. xxx
Congratulations Nagi! Jaffle is absolutely adorable 😍❤️ Dozer would undoubtedly be happy to know you have someone to share your love and recipes with again xx
O Nagi he is gorgeous I wish you many happy years with Jaffle. Just love your recipes regards Lynette
How lovely Nagi!
Jaffle will definitely keep you on your toes! ❤️
Nagi I feel special sad for you losing g your beloved Dozer. He was a special boy H e is up on rainbow Bridge healthy happy watching you with your new baby Jaffle. I went through the same loss as you, Dozer is happy you are not alone,I love your recipes.and comments.god bless you and Jaffle as you embark on a new journey. Margaret
Yay!!! So happy for you Nagi. Jaffle is a fantastic name and such a cutie!
🎉 congratulations! 🎉. he’s adorable. I’m so happy for you.
So so happy for you Dozer would be so proud you’ve got Jaffle it’s amazing how your heart can just get bigger to include another dog xx
Nagi, I am so happy for you! I know that when we love pets and we share our lives with them, there is no ending! We need them in the same way they need us! I can only wish you all the happiest of times with dear Jaffle! Looking forward to reading about him in the next emails!
Great work, girl!❤️
I am so happy for you!! Pets that come into your life whether or not you are ready are the best animals. My cat chose me and I certainly wasn’t looking to get a cat at that time.
We are so happy for you and gorgeous little Jaffle Nagi, as is your dear beloved Dozer, who is watching over you both from the stars, helping to guide Jaffle’s paw steps!
Welcome Jaffle 💕I am so pleased for you Nagi. I’m sure he will fill your heart with joy just as Dozer did, just in a slightly different way.
After losing my beautiful Lab at 14 years, I thought I would never be ready for another dog. I only managed 6 months before our house was filled with the sound of 4 little paws and nose art on the sliding doors.
I strongly believe the saying that your old dog finds your next one for you. Dozer will be watching over you both. 💕💕
Nagi, I’m overjoyed for you. Jaffle can never replace Dozer though you will love him equally as much, just differently.
He is absolutely gorgeous and I’m sure is already channelling Dozer for tips on how to totally enslave you and JB… Jaffles Kitchen Rules🥰
Jaffle is truly an adorable puppy who will bring you as much love and joy as your beautiful Dozer did.
Aaaw he’s beautiful, no dog can replace Dozer but I’m so happy you got Jaffle, he looks like he’s going to melt your heart ❤️