For the first time ever, Dozer has agreed to sit down with me for a candid interview to share an insight into his life.
In this explosive interview that took place in his very own home, he spills the beans on what it’s really like to live the Life of Dozer!
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Dozer, it’s been a tumultuous year. What’s your take on COVID and how it’s affected your life in 2020?
COVID? What is that, a new snack? I don’t recall getting any.
Errr, no. It’s that world-devastating-virus, the reason your mum has been at home with you 99% of this year. You didn’t notice?
Oh. I thought that was just because she wanted to hang with me. I really was not complaining that she didn’t travel overseas this year.
Though having said that, I do miss my own vacations at the golden retriever boarders’ place…
OK. Well, let’s move onto a topic you are more knowledgable about. I’m fascinated by this job you do – Official Taste Tester. What are your key responsibilities?
My job is to taste food made by my mum that she is considering sharing on this website, and to give honest, objective feedback.
What an interesting job! Do you have any formal qualifications?
No, it’s something I have a natural talent for, and a field that I have always been very interested in.
I do work hard on self education every day, seeking every opportunity to hone my skills and expand my palette, from breakfast, lunch to dinner, from anyone, anywhere. See?
And do you consider yourself a high performer employee?
[Chest puffs with pride] I’ve been told by my mum that my eagerness is commendable and that my passion for food is unrivalled.
She has also praised me for the speed at which I do my job ie. eating the food I am sampling. I am fast!
Your mum cooks a LOT. Do you get to taste test a lot?
Not as much as I am willing to do, that’s for sure. I feel like my mum is suppressing my ability to do my job to the fullest of my abilities.
I’m not sure what you mean. Can you expand on this?
For example, she makes a roast beef. I am the RecipeTin Eats Official Taste Tester. My job is to TASTE IT. Yet, I get nothing more than a tiny sliver. How am I to determine if it is a good recipe or not without a sufficient quantity to sample??
Well Dozer, word on the grapevine is that you think EVERYTHING tastes good…
Tabloid lies! I have a very sophisticated palette. Like – kale. YUCK! Pork crackling. YUM! See?
Err, yes. Excellent examples. So – moving on.
Low point of 2020?
The Mystery Tummy Pain of 2020. Ooooh, that was so painful, I was hiding in far corners of the house curled up in pain. I’m so lucky my mum got me to the emergency hospital so quickly. They thought it was something scary when they started doing tests on me. It turned out to be….well, just gastro.
Wait – so everyone was super stressed about you being seriously sick and it was just gastro? Sounds like a case of Tummy Man Flu, if you ask me…..
[Sulking tone] It was BAD, I’m telling you. Even the vet thought I was like DYING of something nasty! I even turned down roast chicken. Everybody knows that’s my all time favourite food!
Plus, they shaved me to do scans. My privates were exposed for all the world to see. My mum had to use the Modesty Flowers on my photos for weeks!!
High point of 2020?
That Perfect Day, when I bounded out of bed at 6 am, my mum prepared my home cooked meal straight away, then we went off to the dog beach to play with my friends. Came home to a warm shower, snoozed in the sun to dry off.
Chased birds in the backyard, chatted to my neighbours’ dog through a hole in the fence, rolled around on the grass, played with my toys.
Finished off the day with a swim in the pool followed by a big juicy bone, homemade dinner then off to bed.
Sounds delightful Dozer. And when was this Perfect Day?
Yesterday! And the day before. Wait, and the day before that, and the day before that….. 😇
So basically you mean every day is a Perfect Day. That is Life of Dozer!!
What would you say your greatest asset is?
My looks. I’ve been known to make grown men give up an entire drumstick using just my looks.
And finally, I think it’s fitting to finish with this question: Best food memory of 2020?
That time mum was teasing me, showing me a Custard Tart she made with no intention of sharing it with me. Then she dropped it. #Karma
Ha ha! You certainly seem to live a charmed life Dozer!
Thank you for taking the time to chat to me. We look forward to seeing what 2021 holds for Life of Dozer!
Happy New Year everyone! Usually, I’d see out a year with a post filled with party foods to celebrate New Years’ Eve. But given this year will be (very!) quiet for many of us, I thought I’d do something a little different.
Hopefully it gave you a bit of a laugh!
I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I won’t miss 2020. We’ve got more challenges ahead in 2021, but surely things can only go one way – UP!
Here’s to better times ahead! Keep smiling, stay safe, and sending big (virtual) hugs to you all!
– Nagi & Dozer xx
Liz says
Nagi, you’re one very talented and funny lady! With an amazingly handsome and talented Dozer 🙂 I laughed all the way through Dozer’s interview. Thank you for all you’ve done for your blog readers this year. You’ve kept us sane and nurtured our spirits and our waistlines. All happiness to you and Dozer in 2021.
Dee Aubrey says
Cute & Interesting idea to interview Dozer. Something to make time go faster.. Hoping 2021 Sees better things for all of us but at the moment you & your Sydneysider mates. Thanks for the laughs and great recipes. Take Care stay safe and well x
Alicia Whitcomb says
Best interview ever!! Dozer is so photogenic and his body language was perfect for the interview. The photos just added a spark and highlighted his personality and yours. You are a Great team and consider you both Besties, BFF4Life.
Happy New Year!!!
Jane Dean says
This interview was so funny! Thanks for letting us get to know your goofy puppy. He’s got a pretty great life! Let be your recipes. Thanks!
Roshelle Harrison says
Happy New Year to you too! You have revolutionised my cooking. Now my family and friends are avid followers. I always start a food conversion with…”I made a Nagi last night…”. I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings. xo
mani says
you love dogs,may god kalabiravar bless you(in our country india kalabiravar is dog god.
Jennifer Vanzella says
Best interview ever, gave me a laugh, so love Dozer & his mum. Happy New Year to both of you. 🐕
Madelene Delgado says
In a time where a smile and heartfelt words are needed ! Thank u and Dozer for this amazing interview with reporter Nagi. May you be blessed throughout the new year and years to come 🙏❤️
Gordon Johansen says
Thanks for posting this. Even my daughters enjoyed it immensely (just like they love the food I cook when using your recipes).
Estelle says
THIS just made me smile! Dozer you are a sweetie! Keep up the good work!! *hugs*
Happy New Year to you and your mum!!!
Laura says
Dozer did very well there, and it sounds like he has had a great year in spite of everything that’s happened We look forward to meeting up again in 2021
Linda Wood says
Dozer is both hysterical and precious! Reminds me of our big black lab – LeBron James!
Make our lives worth living, don’t they! 😀
Gillian Didier Serre says
Wow Dozer were you exhausted from that very difficult interview
Big virtual hug to u
You and your mom with a wish that 2021 will be awesome.e and great
Jan says
Have a happy n healthy n safe New Year. Looking forward to seeing new adventures with you and your cute Dozer 🤗💐🍾🥂
Bunny Peters says
My two furbabies loved Dozer’s interview😀😀😀 They agree with his “Karma” observation (their “Karma” moment was when I tripped and dropped a plate of baked salmon)……
New Year’s greetings from the Peters Puppy Pack & Horse Herd🎆🎆🎆 Everyone stay safe & healthy😀😀😀
Marlene Mason says
Happy New Year Nagi & Dozer, your so cute Dozer, and Nagi your a dag. Love your recipes your my go to girl all the time. Hopefully we all have a better 2021, I lost my beautiful mum this year, just found out Ive also lost my job due to COVID. Life goes on and one door closes another door opens. Rock on 2021. Take care of each other. Love you all. Marlene xx
Nagi says
Oh no oh no Marlene. I’m so saddened to hear about the loss of your mum. My thoughts are with you. HUGS – N x
Linda says
Loved your interview with the star! I shared my life with a wonderful Golden for 16 years. I admit I check out Dozer first, then the recipes! Have a happy and safe New Year, You and Dozer have helped make 2020 bearable. But heres to a much better 2021!!
Nagi says
And what a wonderful 16 years I bet they were! I look forward to every minute I have left with Dozer 🙂 N x
Tanya says
It’s been a hard year for everyone, particularly here in Washington DC where our kids have been learning from home since February, politics were diabolical, and we’re now in the depths of winter with fleeting attempts at tiny backyard social gatherings in sub-zero temperatures. Through this all, your delicious recipes, tongue-in-cheek Aussie humour, and delightful sidekick have been a ray of sunshine that had sustained me. You should see my son’s face light up when I announce I’m making your apple crumble and the pride that was on my daughter’s face when we made the pavlova Xmas tree. I worship you at the virtual tineats shrine, Nagi. Stay safe! An Aussie far from home. xx
Maria Hannan says
You and Dozer are such a lovable duo. You have been my ‘go to’ come dinner time but before I get to the recipe for the day I have to scroll down to take a peek at Dozer☺️ Thanks a ton for sharing your amazing recipes, they’ve been a lifesaver most nights that I’m completely at a loss for a dinner entree. Have a safe and wonderful New Year and hope Dozer is cool with fireworks 😘
Carol Shaw says
Dear Nagi,
I love your recipes.
And the lovely warm way you write.
Reading this amazing interview with Dozer, it struck me that Nick Nolte may be a cousin of his.
Happy New Year from Ireland! 💜