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
Congratulations Nagi, what a handsome pup. We lost our gorgeous German Shepherd two years ago and our hearts ache still. I am sure you are already creating lasting memories with little Jaffle
Thank you for sharing your most precious times with Dozer. He will live on in all our hearts.
Jaffle has brought back the sparkle to your lovely smile, Dozer will be very happy about that 🥰
Awesome, awesome lady! Lucky guy!
Awwwwww he’s soooo cute!!💖💖💖💖
I will always miss Dozer, but little Jaffle is adorable, I hope you have fun with him!🥰🥰
Trying not to cry, but so pleased little Jaffle is taking up the baton from Dozer and bringing joy to your heart. And no one would ever want Dozer to be forgotten, may he rest in peace.
The joy I have from seeing our new internet nephew Jaffle! He’s absolutely beautiful! Then I started crying at the end seeing the tribute of our beloved Dozer. Whewww it was a happy moment and a tearjerker at the end lol. I think Dozer approves of you passing on the baton. Welcome to the family our littlest one Jaffle
You definitely summed it up how I was feeling too 💛🧡
Awww welcome jaffle, you little bundle of sunshine ☀️
Hi Nagi, I’m so happy for you! I know that the loss of Dozer broke your heart, however, I truly believe the only way you truly stop grieving the loss of your dog is when you start loving a new one. it means you stop grieving and remember all the good times. Dozer would want you to be happy and loving another dog? now your house will feel like a home again. Plus puppy energy is so different to older dog energy that you never feel like you are cheating. Congratulations x
I’m so happy for you and also in tears as I think about dozer but happy tears this time. Enjoy that beautiful puppy time
🥹🐶
What a gorgeous bundle of fur, he’s so cute and just what you need, look forward to watching his antics and grow. He has a wonderful future ahead of him and whether you post pictures of Dozer or not he will never be forgotten. Good luck to you and Jaffle 🤗xx
I’m so happy for you Nagi! You never know when the right one will find you, and it looks like it just happened sooner than you’d planned. Jaffle is so precious! Congratulations on finding love again, and I’m looking forward to following your life with him. And I will revisit the Dozer pages now and then because I can’t let go of him entirely lol.
What a beautiful little Jaffle you have Nagi. He won’t replace Dozer but will help with the healing. After reading some of the posts there is nothing I can add,
Its all been said,
I will confess I went straight to the Dozer section. I try to cook as little possible these days.
I like to look and drool but not cook. Enjoy life with your new little companion.
Gorgeous 😍
HelloJaffle What a cute big baby you are ❤️I live in Falkirk and will be watching from Scotland how you are behaving and hoping you are not too naughty Nagi you have another wee bundle of fun to enjoy and share your life with Dozer will always be in your heart and you have many great memories to remember He had the best life and so will Bonnie Jaffle I’m sure 😍❤️
I sure Jaffle will be so happy he picked you 🤣
Enjoy the new paw prints in your heart💙
Congratulations on your new puppy. It’s a great name and I can see how he has stolen your heart already. He’s adorable!
Beautiful boy. Dozer would have loved him. Glad your heart is healing.
So much love yet to enjoy. Dozer would be so happy to see you happy. Much love
That’s awesome news Nagi, as Dozer will always be in your heart.
But Jaffle will take you on your next journey. To which you both will give each other so much love and joy.
Paul Hodgson.
Dozer would be happy that you are happy lovely lady. xo