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: OMG, he is adorable! I am so happy for you! I am holding back the tears. Rest in peace Dozer. Welcome Jaffle, the little rascal! 🙂
Awwww nagi…. We are so excited for you… a big welcome cuddle to Jaffle!!! I’m writing this as i wait the last 30 minutes for your delishush beef brisket to finish in the slow cooker!!!! Thankyou for all you share and your absolutely amazing recipes…confession time.. I’ve never been a recipe follower until yours… I’ve always had to add more spice do something different.. but you’ve coined it every time!!!! Thankyou… big hugs
I’m so happy for you Nagi. Jaffle will not replace Dozer, but he will be just as loving and faithful and Happy. Dozer would have wanted this for you to share your love as he knew how lucky he was to have such a good home with you x
Sooo happy for you Nagi! Jaffle looks absolutely gorgeous and I know he will bring you countless hours of joy. I lost my gorgeous black Lab over 2 years ago now and I can’t wait to take delivery of our new puppy in a few weeks time – choosing one on Monday!! 😀 I wouldn’t have waited so long by choice, but life got in the way.
It is very much passing the baton on, not a replacement. They will be in our hearts forever, but our hearts can always expand to allow another furry bundle in to enrich our lives. ❤️
I’m sobbing. But I’m at work, it’s the middle of the night and I’m hiding in the kitchen in case a guest comes down and wonders what I’m crying about 😊 I can’t wait to get to know Jaffle, I’m sure he’s going to be the bestest of boys 💕
Congratulation on Jaffa. I lost my 6 year old Charlie (lab staghound X) first week of March this year to cancer. Decided recently the house is too quiet so picked up a little 15 week old rescue bernedoodle. Pups don’t replace the dogs … they just just bring happiness back to an empty house.
Congratulations on your new fur baby, Jaffle is absolutely adorable. Like you when my little Della passed, I didn’t intend to get another dog but one came into my life and the rest is history. I wish you many happy new memories together with Jaffle. Bless Dozer❤️🌈
Oh my goodness! Jaffle is absolutely gorgeous. Dozer will certainly be looking down on him, and sending him lots of 8ve. Dozer would be so happy that you have found happiness with another Chief Food Taster. Looking forward to hearing about “Jaffles Journey” with you and Recipe Tin Eats xx
Crying my eyes out as I`m reading your post, but so happy for you Nagi. I love your recipes, I love your stories about Dozer and I`m looking forward to new adventures of Jaffle. He is adorable! xoxo
Nigo, we love you so much. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. We love Dozer and we will love Jaffle. It is never an either/or scenario – Jaffles arrival is not a replacement, just an addition to the love and memories.
Nagi my heart goes out to you. We lost both our beautiful fur babies some time ago and it is the worst loss, pain ever. I called them my bears asa they were the biggest cuddliest loving loyal creatures. Alaskan Malamutes. I love all animals yet I can’t bring myself to get another as losing one is too painful. Love Jaffle. Now You’ve explained what a Jaffle is, I don’t think any other name could suit him better. I could just eat him up with love.
We lost our Oscar (13 year old red Kelpie) and Mercy (2 year old Labrador/Kelpie cross in our house fire last month. But a little 7 month old Molly with a Staffy head and a very small Kelpie body has rescued us. Dozer, Oscar and Mercy live amongst us, rest assured. xox
So glad you found Jaffle- I can see already that he will follow easily in Dozers paw steps
Aaaawwwww Jadfle is gorgeous and I’m so happy for you. He definitely isn’t a replacement for the wonderful Dozer, Jaffle will stamp is own paw prints (and pee) on your heart and floors in his own way. Congratulations to you and welcome to the Recipe Tin family Jaffle.
Didn’t think it would take you long to succumb. A home is not the same without the patter of paws! Enjoy Jaffle. He will not replace Dozer. He will just find a space in a different corner of your heart.
Ahh, yes a home is very empty with out the litter patter of paws, enjoy your new adventure with Jaffle 💕🐕
So glad you have another baby – we need somewhere for all the love to go! Beautiful words you wrote re Dozer. Our hearts are big enough for several dogs during our lifetime xx
He looks adorable. Homes are so much nicer with some scampering paws in them
Jaffle is absolutely gorgeous. Hope your lives together bring you both lots of joy, happiness and fun..
Hello there
So wonderful to meet you Jaffle! It’s going to be a wild ride with your new family especially mama Nagi. She’s a bit crazy, but you will be loved and her treats are the BEST!
Squeeeeee!!!! Oh my goodness, Jaffle is gorgeous! And what a brilliant name. He has made me laugh (the kale….dont we all spit it out?) and smile (such absolutely adorable photos!). Dozer will absolutely live on in our hearts, and I hope you do keep sharing memories and stories of him now and again, but our hearts are all big enough to love both Jaffle and Dozer in equal measure ❤️