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
Hi Nagi
I can’t lie I wasn’t able to read about the loss of Dozer as I knew I’d cry. But now seeing your new gorgeous bundle of fluff, Jaffle I had to scroll through – and yep I’m crying! 😢
Congratulations he is absolutely adorable 😍
Oh and BTW as a family we LOVE your recipes – they appear on the table at least 2/3 times a week. Thank you ❤️
Hayley xxx
Hi Nagi,
Been there, done that, with four Goldies over 30 years!
You’re right – you can never replace, just pass the baton!
We all miss Dozer, but we were so lucky that you shared your love for your companion!
So to Jaffle! How gorgeous is he, and how damn lucky he is to have you as his new friend! As I use to say “he’s landed on his paws”. Bless you both! Sandra
I was so sad to hear about the loss of your dear Dozer. Our friends sent their Dozer over the rainbow bridge just yesterday, 7/3… (We also had a goldie, Curry, our spice girl and it took us eight long years before we could think about another dog so we did dog sitting! But we finally (five years ago now) got Jessie…from Puerto Rico! Our Black Gold…a border collie looking girl. Wish I could send you a pic…but my heart grieves for the Dozer boys. Please read Dog Heaven. Your new Jaffle is adorable! (I thought at first Jaffie, but love that name!) and want to make one of those sandwiches now. Will be awaiting the recipe! Will be making the bbq sauce to go over pulled pork I made yesterday. Looking forward to seeing Jaffles growing and cooking along with you! (There is nothing like a golden puppy butter muffin!!!) Hugs to you both. Caryn / Seattle /// Oh my gosh…I’m seeing your Dozer left the same day as our Curry girl (2/5 – four days before my bday 2/9!!…my sister died that day last year too…my bday!!) Then we got Jessie on 2/5/21… wild! Such a connection! xoxo
I was so sad to hear about the loss of your dear Dozer. Our friends sent their Dozer over the rainbow bridge just yesterday! We had a goldie, Curry, our spice girl and it took us eight long years before we could think about another dog so we did dog sitting! But we finally (five years ago now) got Jessie…from Puerto Rico! Our Black Gold…a border collie looking girl. Wish I could send you a pic…but my heart grieves for the Dozer boys. Please read Dog Heaven. Your new Jaffle is adorable! (I thought at first Jaffie, but love that name!) and want to make one of those sandwiches now. Will be awaiting the recipe! Will be making the bbq sauce to go over pulled pork I made yesterday. Looking forward to seeing Jaffles growing and cooking along with you! (There is nothing like a golden puppy butter muffin!!!) Hugs to you both. Caryn / Seattle
Love your quick recipes and love seeing dozer look forward to seeing a lot of jaffle
Hi Nagi, we will all enjoy seeing Jaffle and continue to remember Dozer. Good luck on this new adventure!
The devastation of their loss is the small price you pay for all the love they give. Special dogs like Dozer steal a piece of your heart that you never get back and they can never be replaced. But a house feels empty without the clickety clack and I’m glad Jaffle has joined the crew. We will keep looking back to our favourite Dozer memories, but we look forward to the exploits of Jaffle too!
I have just read life of Dozer and the tears are pouring down my cheeks. Even when you adopt another pet, you never forget the ones that came before. They are all loved. Welcome to little Jaffle. Be happy Nagi.
So pleased for you
Congratulations on your beautiful new “shadow”. Looking forward to many stories of this little one.,
Dear Nagi, A new puppy is a delight, and a headache sometimes. Im delighted to see you happy!
Im so happy for you! Your new buddy is the perfect match. Honouring Dozer in the best way. Happier days ahead.
I am very happy for you that you got Jaffle. He is very handsome. I can’t wait to hear what kind of trouble he get’s into since our fur babies always find a way of keeping us busy, lol. Keep the recipes coming with “Jaffle” seal of approval. By the way, thanks for telling me what a Jaffle is.
I’m not supposed to cry from a recipe site but that Dozer got me sobbing along with you Nagi, he’s locked in your heart forever.
I’m very happy you have a new kitchen companion, life is too short to pick up everything you drop.
Luv your recipes and that vegetable soup OMG so good.
Lots of luv to Jaffle who is super adorable and you x
Very happy for you, Nagi.
Sitting here crying reading your update. So happy for you! After losing two darling Golden boys I’m almost ready. Maybe you should do a dog food recipe section!
I agree! Dog food recipes would be a great section!
He’s just as adorable as Dozer, he’s a dozer 2.0 with his little Jaffie twist. 😉
Losing a pet is hard, and anytime you have Dozer memories share them and let Jackie know he’s got special Sous Chef training coming up! 🤣
Beautiful. I am so happy for you Nagi! ❤️
While I miss Dozer and his loveable nature I feel like I am already in love with this super cute furball already! So looking forward to all the new recipes and furbaby updates will continue!
So glad for you that Jaffle has come into your life! We know that Dozer can never be replaced, but I’m sure he would approve of a small golden taste-tester (apprentice as yet) keeping you company in the kitchen. Sending you both love