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
I am so happy for you Nagi and that the batten has been passed on. Jaffle looks amazing and the name is fabulous! I will never forget Dozer, I am happy to admit I was one of the people who skipped straight to the Dozer section. We lost our 13 year old golden retriever Daisy a couple of weeks ago and miss her so much – there is nothing so wonderful as a golden retriever and the joy they bring.
So happy for you Nagi. Looking forward to watching him grow up.
So heart warming to see you both happy. Wishing you a wonderful, exciting, mysterious, fun loving long life together
So happy for you! New puppies that come after the loss of our beloved older pups are never replacements but always bring joy and help the hole left in our hearts.
No amount of time can erase the memory of a great dog…. Vale Dozer & welcome Jaffle, we welcome the puppy spam ♥️
Nagi – I am so happy for you. Jaffle and you sound like a great match, and having explosive joyous puppy energy in your house will certainly keep you busy and happy.
I was one of those people who always skipped to your Dozer update first. (How did you know???) I look forward to hearing how Jaffle is going and seeing anytime you share a post about Dozer, I will certainly read it.
Congratulations on having a woofer in your home again. xx
Enjoy . He is so cute and I am sure he will bring you many hours of joy and happiness. 🥰
Adorable. That puppy knew who to smile at!
Hi Nagi
It’s so good that you have another little 4-legged shadow to love! Nothing will ever replace Dozer but I’m so happy you have “little” Jaffle (great name)
Jaffle is very lucky to have you as his new Mum!
Congratulations on your new baby! I’m sure Dozer would approve and no doubt gave Jaffle some helpful tips as their perfect little souls crossed paths (1. always look hungry! 2. don’t eat the curly green stuff! 🐶🤢). So beautiful to see you finding room in your heart for another little love 🐶❤️
🥰🥰🥰🥰
Awww, Jaffle is so adorable, that face and those eyes. Jaffle will love being chief taste tester.
Welcome Jaffle! Dozers footsteps will be hard to follow in, but judging by the size of those puppy paws you will be up to the challenge. So happy for both of you. Another adventure begins xxxxx
Congratulations Nagi on your new fur child! He is adorable and I’m sure he will bring you much happiness and some new exciting adventures that we all look forward to hearing about and seeing! Dozer will never be forgotten. Jaffle has some big paws to fill! xxxxx
How wonderful a glorious fluffy puppy pitter patting around the home, there is nothing better, congratulations Jaffle for being welcomed into a great loving home where you will be spoilt rotten, no doubt.
Nothing better than a golden jaffle at this time of the year – or any time!!
I’m sure Dozer would approve
Nagi, Jaffle is adorable.
No one can ever take Dozer’s place, but you will love Jaffle in a different way.
I do hope he develops Dozer’s taste for good food, and also becomes a Taste Tester for recipetineats.
There will always be a special place in your heart for Dozer. xxxx
So tough losing the fur baby of the family.. never know how big a part of the family they are till they gone. I was never able to get another dog but he looks like a funny little bugger, living in a good home and will be spolled rotten Im sure. Perhaps a jaffle recipe to get things going thats a bit more fun than baked beans 😁
Jaffle is absolutely gorgeous and already showing his cheeky side! I’m sure he will bring you many many years of joy and happiness. Although the Dozer Diary is being retired, he will live on in our hearts as he does in your heart Nagi. Thank you for sharing Jaffle with us ♥️
What wonderful news Nagi. You and Jaffle look like a match made in heaven. He is absolutely adorable. I look forward to the adventures of you both. xx
So happy for you Nagy, Jaffle is beautiful & so lucky to have found such a perfect mum. No other dog could ever replace Dozer but our hearts are forever expanding & making room for yet more love to give.
He’s absolutely beautiful Nagi,
Congratulations 🥰