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
Well that one about Dozer, had me in tears!! Great photos and memories. Yes keep him in your heart and blog. Now about Jaffle, What can I say. He’s absolutely adorable. Yes he looks like a promising taste tester. 🤣🤣🤣 Definetley will fit in with you and the kitchen. Haha! He’s a beautiful looking boy. ( I’ve got a corgi after my lab passed).
I have 2 of your cookbooks and love them, especially the photos of Dozier.
So incredibly happy your have a new dog to love. You look so happy again.
Dear Nagi- have you ever thought about selling packaged meals? I’ve recently started buying some. Great menu, excellent packaging and delicious. I’d basically stopped eating because I’m old and tired and unwell. Doing the food shopping was exhausting and I often refroze food or threw it out. 🙄
Dear Nagi- I was so sad you lost mr gorgeous Dozer. Very, very happy to meet Jaffle. Smile. 3 months ago I lost my gorgeous Alfred. A cavilear spaniel. He was everything to me. My nieces are buying me a new puppy soon. Like you, Alfred spent a lot of time at the vet. He had wonderful care. Anyway, Nagi, I’m so happy to meet Jaffle. He’s gorgeous. ❤️
C’mon Nagi, what have you done to me. I’m a bloke and blokes don’t cry! I had to hold it back while reading about Dozer at work (hey, I’m the boss and am allowed to search for recipes during work time hehe). Glad you found Jaffle and love your recipes. Thank you for all your content, I have your excellent cookbook.
Hi Nagi, when you lost Dozer it was like I was losing a part of me also… I have been following you for a long time and as you said I run to his section before looking at the recipes, now, I’m looking forward to see Jaffle growing and I’m so glad that he will and it is already making you happy.
As a dog owner myself I am very interested to know what home food do you make and I wonder if you would share some of the recipes, Dozer lived until he was 14 and that it is a very respectable age for a golden Labrador!! I keep wondering if the food on top of the love did make a difference! Looking forward to see Jaggle adventures, I know that he will still our hearts just like Dozer did ❤️
Nagie, Jaffle was meant for you, maybe he is Dozer come back in a small happy wriggling body.
Maybe not. There are adventures you and Jaffle will have that remind you of other adventures you had with Dozer, it is not being unfaithful to either, it is honouring them both.
Bless you and happy days.
Very Dear Nagi, NEVER apologize for posting memories and images of Dozer through the coming years as Jaffle assumes the role of Chief Taster. Dozer is in thousands of our loving hearts and we will always welcome memories of him . Years ago when I broke up with long-distance Charles, I went to bed that night and said aloud, “What IS it that you’re looking for in a man?” Then I answered the dark: “I want a man who will take long walks and swims, go camping with me, be a good listener, and give me unconditional love.” Suddenly, I sat bolt upright in bed and shouted, “Wait a minute! That’s not a man–that’s a dog!” The very next day, I, my son, and my daughter found Bentley at our local shelter, where he’d been waiting for a whole month for us to show up. At 2, he was 109 pounds of Golden Retriever reddish-gold gorgeousness, fully trained, and schedule to be put to sleep the next day. Bentley thanked us each and every day for the next 13 years for saving his life, and we thanked him right back. Time passed. My daughter left for college, and my son graduated University and joined the U.S. Air Force. Suddenly I realized that death comes in threes, and my eyes and heart filled with tears. Three months later, my beloved Bentley was gone. As news spread, the whole town wept. One late night as I sat grading papers, I got a sudden craving for ham that wouldn’t quit, so I went into the kitchen, cut a tjin slice, and was just about to take a bite when I happened to look down. There was the Spirit of Bentley, wagging his elegant tail as he drew a bead on his favorite snack. One day you, too will see the flick of a tail or hear the click of ghostly nails on the bare floor, Nagi, and be comforted knowing that Dozer is nearby, watching over you and Jaffle both.
Jaffle is an adorable little fellow and one who has really fallen on all four paws (as every dog should)!
Oh Nagi! I have followed your for years and sadly report that this Sunday gone (9.8.2026) I also lost my 11 year old Black and Tan English cocker spaniel called ‘Samson’. The pain is immense! It’s the emptiness and complete disruption of a companionship and a routine you hadn’t realised was so intricate to your life, until it stopped. I’m still closing the side gate to stop him running down the driveway and I can’t help looking for his little head popping up whenever I open the fridge door. Every new day brings pain, that here comes another day without my Samson. Although I can’t even contemplate another dog right now, I smiled with joy at your picture with Jaffle!
Hello beautiful boy! 🙂
Luv luv luv yr pups! Pure joy, happiness
I’m not crying at 7 in the morning. I just got a kale chip in my eye
OMG what a cute little punkin. I am sure Dozer is smiling down. 🥰
“Our fur babies come to us for all sorts of reasons. They transform not only our lives, but us. Their presence on this earth seems to uplift and bring so much joy to us and others. We think we choose them, but I think they choose us—giving us love, lessons, and the kind of purpose of the heart we seek. It’s an honor to be with them in this life, and I thank my lucky stars I have had the privilege to be a mum to a few of them. I thank them all for being such incredible teachers… Thanks for sharing yours and Dozer’s heart.”
Congratulations on your new love Jaffles! So cute! 😍Wishing you many healthy, happy, years together!
Hey Nagi! I’m medical house manager so I came here for a couple of recipes for my clients. Not only did I get some great options to try this week, but I also got to learn a little about you and your Dozer (name rocks). I had to make the hardest decision of my life by saying goodbye to Rocky, my 15 yo black lab who raised me for 14.5 years. Although Rocky was not a fan of the water. Go figure, a lab who hates the water. His kitchen etiquette echoed Dozer’s. Reading your story put a smile on my face and some great ideas for dinners this week. Thank you for sharing and please continue to do so.
Reading your beautiful memories of Dozer… sobbing!
Ooh im sooo soo happy for u.He will b soo loved.Happy. times ahead.xxx
Love love love your recipes but more so your love for your furry soulmate I completely understand that bond. Here’s to a new chapter of joy with Jaffie.
Hi Nagi, our dear gal, Bella, also left us in February after 12 wonderful years. We had gotten her from Sheshatshiu, a reserve in Labrador. We said no more dogs because we are in our mid 70s but it turns out we really can’t live properly without a canine pal. We adopted another Sheshatshiu dog – this one three years old, maybe, and she had ten pups recently, that the SPCA found homes for. We love her to bits already. She is maybe shepherd, a bit husky and Innu native dog. The third bit is what keeps us wanting dogs from Labrador as they have been around for thousands of years and are typically so sweet natured. Her entry in to our life was very rocky. I wrote about it in detail on my substack – Dispatches Jan Morrison. She does like to help us in the kitchen but she isn’t a vegetable fanatic like Bella.
Congrats on your gorgeous boy. I have 4 Shetland Sheepdogs at home. I lost 2 Luna and Haley, 2 years ago 5 months apart from each other. My 3 boys and 1 girl are so good. My family belongs and works with a Shetland Sheepdog rescue. All mine are rescues. Just love dogs, all breeds. Great companions to anyone who has a dog. Best of luck with your new boy, can’t wait to see how he grows up.