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
Passing the baton onto the next generation—I love that 💜
Nagi, a new lil furry soul in your life is the most precious way to honour Dozer. All that love in your heart now lives on in Jaffle. I can’t wait to follow his cute puppy shenanigans 🥰
Hi Nagi,
I was so touched by your obvious devotion and love for Dozer.
I grew up with dogs and understand the sadness you feel when they pass. I have come to believe that we never lose them. They might have left their bodies, just like we will do one day. Their spirit however is all around us. That brings me great comfort.
I’m currently a volunteer puppy raiser for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. It’s a role I cherish with all my heart!
Wishing you much joy and love with your new puppy. I bet Dozer will be around to say hello in new and different ways. Keep your eyes peeled for the signs.
Love your recipes and much gratitude to you for sharing them so generously.
In love and light,
Suji xx
Ah, Nagi, I am so happy for you!
He is adorable! His little squishy cheek in the first picture. 🥹
Wishing you two all the best and a lovely bonding time. 😘
I’m loving your recipes! So happy for you and your new adorable fluff ball! Dozer will be missed.
Marcy
Love him already!
Perhaps you could rename the section, Dozer’s Brother, Jaffle
Nagi, it’s a Friday night & I’m crying reading about the beautiful Dozer & WELCOME Jaffle!! xxoo
Jaffle is just beautiful. What a lovely addition to your world. This chonky little bundle looks like being a perfect tester when he is older.
Remember Nagi, Dozer is never truly gone while he lives on in the hearts of those he touched and those who loved him.
Oh Nagi, I am on holiday in Vietnam reading this and crying too. Of course Dozer can’t be replaced but passing the baton to Jaffle is so heartwarming. While I am in Hanoi I am loving the Bun Cha do you have a recipe for it?
Oh Nagi, I am so happy to see you smiling again! I admit shedding tears reading your post (GRs are my favourite breed, too and my boy – a labradoodle – is my life. My childhood dog was a gentle GR called Dexter). Jaffle is soooo cute. He has no idea what a lucky pup he is! Jaffles are also made in South Africa – always over a campfire or a braai (coal BBQ). When we moved to the UK 18 years ago, we made sure our jaffle iron came with us! Nothing quite like a bacon and egg jaffle toasty for breakfast when camping :-). Lots of love to you and Jaffle (and Dozer, who will always remain a key part of RecipeTin Eats) xxx
I felt like I had Dozer in my heart, and after having lived with Labradors (one of each “flavor”) I miss having them in my daily life. I’m older now and can’t really chase after 75-80 lbs of rambunctious doggie. They all loved the water, and enjoyed swimming in ponds and lakes. Now that I’m missing my boys, I have Dozer’s stories to re-watch, and look forward to watching Jaffle grow and train to be your taste tester! As an American living in SoCal (and who adores your country and the people I met there), I had never heard of a jaffle before and look forward to you posting a recipe!
xo
Ohhh Jaffle, you have some big paws to fill and you will never replace Dozer you will just help to heal the gaping hole in Nagi’s heart and find your own way into all our hearts too. Very happy for you Nagi.
Welcome Jaffle! My Cocker Spaniel Waffles already wants to play with you (even though we live in Melbourne…).
Imagine a Jaffle recipe collection – sweet and savoury!
We miss Dozer, Nagi, and he will live on in you and your beautiful Jaffle.
Nagi, it is so lovely to see such joy back on your face! What a gorgeous puppy, good to see that he has big feet as he has big shoes to fill:)
Wishing you and Jaffle much pleasure with each other and I forgive you for bringing me to tears with this post xo
I am SO happy for you Nagi. This is the post I secretly wanted to hear.
The heart doesn’t shut old doors to open new ones and Dozer will always be part of you. Your memories of him will only be sweeter with a new puppy to discover and love.
I always would hit the Dozer button – then go back to the recipe! I know from bitter experience that saying goodbye to a dog is a loss like no other… but I still had enough love in my heart to rescue 3 goldens in the last 2 years. So I know how you feel and you will live Jaffle just as much. He’s not a replacement – he’s just another beautiful boy to love💛
So very happy for you Nagi. Dozer would want you to spread your dog love to another. Jaffle has found a wonderful home and lifestyle to come. Dozer’s love lives on far and wide xx
Jaffle is such a beautiful boy😍I’m so pleased you found each other. He looks so happy wrapped up in his Mum’s arms. You will bring so much joy to each other.
I look forward to seeing Jaffle grow and gaining lots of experience as your Chief Taste Tester for your wonderful recipes. ♥️🐾🐾♥️
We will never forget the joy Dozer brought you and all your readers but so happy you have Jaffle to give all your love, (and treats) to. He is one very lucky puppy to be chosen by you. Much love to both of you and we’ll all look forward to your future adventures together. 🦮😘
Soooo delighted for you Nagi! A dog brings so much joy and makes your house feel like a home. I’m sure Jaffle has already made his way into your heart. Dozer will be there forever but Jaffle will now give you a new lease on life after your heartbreak. (Speaking from experience)
Love your website. Cooking your coconut rice as I type this. Thanks for all you give us.