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, 50/50 whole food and kibble. 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. 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), something even the best food diet couldn’t reduce the risk of, or prevent.💔
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
Oh Nagi I am so happy you’ve taken a huge step. When my Jet (a very large black Afghan hound) died it broke me to pieces and saying goodbye to Dozer was just as awful for you. It took me 6 very long years to open my heart again, when I was given the wonderful opportunity to just meet a young relative who was also black and totally magnificent. I was smitten and we called him Jett with 2 t’s. I wish we had found him sooner. You are so sensible to have room in your heart to love Dozer and also Jaffle. Dozer will be looking down and smiling. Some of the sadness will ease as every day Jaffle will surprise you and offer you a ton of puppy love. Dozer is happy for you. He didn’t like you being so sad. I’m happy for you too!!! xxx
I am so very sorry for your loss of Dozer but congratulations on your new baby boy! Goldens are a blessing. Mine is my chief taste tester too.
Nagi,
When Dozer passed we all grieved with you. He was truly special. I sobbed at his passing.
But guess what? I sobbed again, with joy this time(!), when you got Jaffle.
Enjoy Jaffle, too. Dozer would want you to!
Much love to you and the new taste tester, Memories of Dozer will live on in your heart and ours.
Valerie
Now you have some where to put all your love!
Nagi, I’m so happy for you! I’m betting Dozer had a paw (or two) in bringing you and Jaffle together… Now the circle is complete!
Have been away and just caught up on your emails. Like everyone I was very teary but so happy for you. He will be loved by everyone
I’m so sorry to hear about Dozer – I cried while reading your post 😢. So glad you have Jaffle – he will bring so much joy.
Your website is my favourite for online recipes – always so delicious! Other websites can disappoint but yours never do! Thanks for sharing!
Same here your website is the only one I use. Sorry for your loss. He will be missed. 🐕
I feel your pain. It’s been just under a year since I lost my Dalmatian at 15; there is no replacing her. I am so glad you have brought another little pup into your life. Reading your story made me cry, but it also gave me hope that someday I will fill the void with another little spotted jumping puppy.
I truly believe that you never really lose your special friend as they will always be with you in your heart and soul. I also believe that your beautiful Dozer chose Jaffle for you and knew he would be your perfect one. You are truly a blessing and incredible person inside and out. 💕
Teary but so happy for you Nagi. He will be just as loved as Dozer.
Jaffle is so adorable 🐶
Hi Nagi…your little Jaffle is an adorable puppy! He will never replace Dozer but Dozer lives on in your heart ❤️ forever. I do believe that Dozer led you to Jaffle and that you have his approval to be Jaffle’s mom. Enjoy and love Jaffle, he will give you much love and new experiences 💕💕💕
Hi Nagi, I was off line after you lost your beautiful Dozer. He will never be replaced but forever in our hearts. Your little Jaffle, (Hi Jaffle, so so cute ) is a gift from Dozer, he knew you needed him. So happy for you. I look forward to our next chapter and new adventures with Jaffle xxx
Hello Nagi,
While I miss Dozer greatly, I am so happy that you have found a new furry friend.
“Little” Jaffle is so adorable! I’m looking forward to new stories about his antics as he grows. What a joy for you! Congratulations on your new baby!
Beautiful, cheeky, Dozer! Rest in peace, Gorgeous One. Thank you for sharing him with us, Nagi. My condolences.
That was such a beautiful tribute to Dozer 🥹. He will definitely be missed.
I’m so happy you found Jaffle – or did Jaffle find you… 🤔. I was told that the dogs choose their owners. And that makes Jaffle a very wise fluffball. He is absolutely adorable!
I’m so happy you found another furbaby to shower with love and I can’t wait to hear all about his adventures!
Thank you for sharing and for all you do 🙂
so cute, Sorry for your loss of dozer i know how hard that is.
Dozer lived a wonderful life because of your love for him! I believe he smiles with approving love on Jaffle and you. Be well.
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I was so sad to hear of Dozers passing, I know how hard it is; I’ve been there a few times. In that sad story, I’ve always found that new puppy can help put a bandaid on the hole in your heart, it will never fill it, but it will help it heal and then soon you can remember with mostly happiness. I’m so happy for you that you have your new happy friend, can’t wait to watch him grown.