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, I’m so happy that you have a new beautiful boy. I love dogs too and at the moment have a teenage bordercollie spaniel. You and your team are doing wonderful work for the homeless and hungry. May God bless you
So pleased Jaffle found you. Dozer will be pleased too as he wouldn’t want you to be sad or lonely. Welcome to the team Jaffle. You’ll fit right in.
Oh Nagi, I so feel your pain & your joy. We just lost our 13 y/o Dachshund. It’s been the worst 12 days of our lives. I hope that we too can find another darling dog to love, somewhere down the track. Wishing you & Jaffle all the best ❤️
Tears are streaming down my face as I read this. Losing a beloved fur baby is torture. It takes a long time to be able to look back over their life and remember their little quirks and personality without the sadness. Jaffle, you’ve hit the jackpot in the Mumma selection and Dozer has left you mighty big paws to fill, but I’m sure you’re up for it. You will be your own special kind of dawg in your own unique way, and we will all love you for it.
Awwww…Nagi…. What an adorable little bundle of love !
Little Jaffle is going to keep you on your toes for a few months and you will love every bit of it ! 😂. I have no doubt that your beautiful Dozer chose Jaffle for you and He will look after his little brother from wherever He is. Welcome to your new home sweet Jaffle. Wishing you a long life of happiness with your Mummy.
Jaffle is gorgeous and Dozer will never be forgotten. You deserve all the happiness Jaffle is giving you. Can’t wait for the regular updates on Jaffle. He is so chubby and I bet he smells divine.
So very happy for you! I know you will enjoy a lifetime of love. X
Btw I just got a whiff of puppy breath! Ain’t nothing like it! Lol
My heartfelt congratulations to you Nagi.♥️ I loved Dozer, but know he’s in a happy place now, running in the meadow of flowers over the rainbow 🌈.
Introducing Jaffle to us, makes me so happy to see how happy you are. He’s absolutely gorgeous and will look forward to watching him grow.♥️🐾
I was so sad when you lost Dozer, but Jaffle will fill the empty hole left by him. I lost my dog 10 years ago and still miss him every day, he was a rescue that was with me for 12 years.
My heartfelt congratulations to you Nagi.♥️ I loved Dozer, but know he’s in a happy place now, running in the meadow of flowers over the rainbow 🌈.
Introducing Jaffle to us, makes me so happy to see how happy you are. He’s absolutely gorgeous and will look forward to to watching him grow.♥️🐾
I had the same experience of loosing a really lovely cheeky dog who also loved food. I feel your pain from the loss of Dozer. I loved hearing about Dozer. Laugh, cry, remember, miss and love Dozer and we will to.
Jaffle is also a lovely dog sent to you from heaven , I believe.
He’s beautiful what a blessing, my daughter has got a 5 month old chocolate lab who has just stole our hearts, have fun both 💙
Omg Jaffle is gorgeous just as Dozer was. Hearts are built to love again and Dozer would be barking at you in approval to fill your heart and life with your new little man. Xx
Absolutely delighted to see you so happy again. It was always clear how much Dozer loved you and he’s sent Jaffle as his emissary. A little furry ‘love bomb’ from Dozer. I look forward to seeing gorgeous Jaffle grow up. Thank you for sharing him.
Bless you both and good luck. X
Dearest Nagi,
I’m thrilled that you are ready to fill your life with your new pup. I found your site about 3 years ago. I love your recipes and I was instantly hooked on Dozer and his antics. I felt very guilty when I started jumping to life of Dozer first that I made myself read all the recipe before I would read about Dozer. But when I realized many others went to Dozer first I lost the guilt and was excited to see what he had been up to first. You are an exceptional person. You selflessly give your all to the world. You are much loved and respected. Dozer is happy you found a fur ball to fill your life with. All the best wishes to you my dear. God Bless,
Sue
Absolutely delighted to see you so happy again. It was always clear how much Dozer loved you and he’s sent Jaffle as his emissary. A little furry ‘love bomb’ from Dozer. I look forward to seeing gorgeous Jaffle grow up. Thank you for sharing him.
Bless you both and good luck. X💕
Isn’t he beautiful and I’m sure he will take the baton with pride. I’m very happy for you Nagi. Jaffle looks right at home already 💜
What a lovely post to start the day! Simply gorgeous cute puppy and a very happy looking Nagi. To me, you look made for each other x
Congratulations Nagi Jaffle is ADORABLE. So looking forward to seeing and reading about his new adventures that await. No doubt that Dozer played a big part in choosing the right puppy for you. Expect to see a lot of that beautiful boy Dozer in Jaffle just to show you he is always around. XO