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
Nagi, That’s wonderful news. I’m sure Jaffle will bring lots of excitement and joy.
My life has been shared with many special dogs over the last 60 years.
All fondly remembered. Just like Dozer.
Congrats.
Dear Nagi and welcome to Jaffle, he is gorgeous!!! Congratulations ❤️
Welcome Jaffle, what a bundle of fun he’ll be. I’m sure Dozer would be a fan of your new companion, congratulations!
LOVE LOVE your news, welcome home Jaffle, so excited to watch your adventures together. Keep sharing Dozer’s memories, that’s how I landed up following you!
Oh so gorgeous! Such fantastic news & rushed to show my big sis who is over from NZ. Now it will be straight to Jaffle update before the recipe 😀 Already looking forward to all the pics
Deffo will not forget Dozer – how could we. He will always be No. 1 in our hearts ❤️
He’s just perfect & what an amazing name.
Dozer has left his footprint in your heart, there is room for Jaffle too. 💕
We have just rediscovered our jaffle maker & been doing winter soups with a jaffle – plenty of food options however would love some of your inspo 😋
I can imagine how hard it has been for you Nagi. So Jaffle will help to heal you.A beautiful boy
Oh Nagi I’m so happy for you and Jaffle. The silence after losing a best friend is what is the saddest. I read a post on insta that said when a dog dies, they whisper to another dog “go find my human, they need you now”. This happened to me and I can’t help but think Dozer sent Jaffle your way xx
Congratulations Nagi.. and a huge welcome to Jaffle. I am sure Dozer is happy with your lovely new Goldie, you never loose them, they live forever in our hearts. Look forward to hearing all about his antics!
So happy for you Nagi. It is so hard losing your best friend fur baby. Jaffle seems like a bundle of joy! I’m sure he’ll live up to Dozer’s reputation and be a great taste tester and wonderful companion.
Nagi so happy you have a new fur baby. When we lost Millie we were devastated but our beautiful Emma did not replace her but brought something new to our life so much love and fun a very different puppy. Love you
So happy for you. Handing over the Baton is such a great description.
Welcome to the family Jaffle. You’re one big fluffy cutie pie ❤️🥰
Seeing pics of Dozer set me off 😢.
He’ll always be here in our thoughts and here in spirit RIP Dozer 😇 🙏❤️ xx
and there I was thinking this was going to be special jaffle recipe – just in time for these cooler days! But a Jaffle intro – even better. Congratulations. All my previous pets live on in my heart, mind and memory keeping great company with my living ones.
Welcome to Jaffle. Dogs are like family.I know you both will be happy together ✌️❤️🦴
Hi Nagi. Yet again I’m in tears but really happy tears that Jaffle has found you. What a life he will have and I bet Dozer will be very happy that you have another bestie. Xx
That is the best news I’ve seen for a week, if not a month. None of us will ever forget Dozer, but I suspect that I am not the only one to have fallen instantly for Jaffle. Congratulations.
Young Jaffle is perfect in every way, and I know he’ll be the love of our lives, just like Dozer.
Like you, my wife and I were traumatised when our first dog passed. When we got our second, we estimated his half life, and got another pup, and have done the same ever since.
The pups reinvigorate the older ones, and it’s game on. Then as the older dog slows, the younger one takes care of him.
When the older one passes, it still hurts, but the beautiful memories get revisited every day, through the younger one.
I hope this helps you and others.
Love from South Australia. ❤️🐾
Just lovely! Nagi this made me smile 😊
I am so happy for you, Nagi…best news ever. I have so many happy tears reading your post. Jaffle is gorgeous and I cannot wait to see regular updates and Jaffle spam. ♥️
Nagi – I am so happy that you have found a place in your life for a new pup. I loved the Dozer stories and felt your pain as he grew older and had health complications. Our pets and companions are never replaced – we just find space in our lives for a new relationship. I look forward to hearing all the exploits if this cheeky young fella. Good luck with the toilet training!!