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
awww hes gorgeous, it took me 12 months to be brave enough but a rescue popped up on my facebook and that was that, sure he was sent by my previous girl. The heartbreak is worth the years of unconditional love.
Baffle looks like a gorgeous pup. All us dog people understand the remorse of losing one dog and then getting another. Every dog is so different, your memories of Dozer will always stay with you and a new adventure begins with Jaffle. Enjoy him to bits.
So delighted for you both, especially as Jaffle is half Scottish! He has really landed on his paws having you as his mum, what a lucky boy! Can’t wait to see all the photos of his puppy mischief. Love him already.
Wishing you much joy and happiness with your new fur baby. I share your comment that Dozer will always hold a special place in your heart. Whilst I love my current fur baby , my previous boy was the one that I will always remember and have that special place for. 😻
Yes, I am guilty of, a ‘straight to Dozer’ girl lol but although he’s gone, but NEVER forgotten, I look forward to your new chapter of Jaffle. Hope he brings you as much joy as Dozer did and he will have a fantastic life with you and the team 🥰
Oh nagi im soo happy for you and little jaffle is a lucky boy. Dozer does live on forever in our hearts. Looking forward to jaffles jolly adventures Cxx
So happy for you Nagi. I’ve lost a dog before, so I understand your feelings.
Sometimes, it’s not whether you are ready or not. When the right dog appears and you are destined together, you will know that it’s time.
Looking forward to reading about Jaffle.
Dear Nagi when i opened this email i was brought to tears(happy tears) for your new chapter and a life full of adventures for you both.He is adorable and im sure Dozer would approve.After all hes walking in big steps left behind.Lots of love to you both.WelcomeJaffle.Cant wait to read about all your upcoming adventure with your lovely fur mummyxxxxxxx 😍🥰
Best decision ever! I did the same thing when I lost my Noah…never thought I’d be ready….but Gods plan is better than mine and now I have two, brother and sister Winnie dogs
Oh l am so happy for you . Jaffle is so cute. Omg going to be watching his journey as a taste tester. No complaints from him I am sure.
What a lucky puppy you are Jaffle! I’m sure you’ll bring each other much joy. He’s gorgeous, and I bet Dozer wouldn’t mind a bit, would happily pass that half chewed stick.
OMG he is just totes adorbs, so happy for you & Jaffle. Darling Dozer will be smiling at you both on your new wild ride!
I wonder do you have a recipe for the home made dog food you mentioned. Good luck with the new puppy. Anne i. DUBLIN
This makes my heart sing your smile says it all. , welcome Jaffle, you are adorable Looking forward to watching you grow 🥰
Oh Nagi, I am so happy for you. I lost my girl around the same time you lost Dozer and this gives me hope that one day I can be brave enough to love another dog. I look forward to lots of Jaffle stories
Dear Nagi,
Awesome that you have adopted Jaffle, a new companion and fur baby, who will be a comfort. RIP Dozer. ❤️Dogs are the best company, they help keep us sane, lol
My brother has been travelling a similar route. The dog that saved his life, Iggy Pup, spent 16 years as my brother’s constant companion. A three legged Pomeranian that the vet said “should be euthanised “. Iggy thrived for another 15 years, but sadly the vet… RIP.
My brother has a new 4 legged Pomeranian, called Louis, and everyone’s happy. I’m no longer worried about my big brother, my brother is no longer worrying about Iggy’s health, and Louis doesn’t know the meaning of the word.
We will worry less about you too, Nagi, and if there is a doggy heaven, Dozer will be so happy that you have something to take your mind off him, and he can now go and join the other good boys in the big dog park in the big beyond. Much love from a complete stranger.
What a lovely ball of fur! A golden basket for this sous chef / food critique. Lots of fun and happiness for the both of you !
Hi Nagi and welcome to Jaffle 💙🐾💙. You won’t look back and Dozer wouldn’t want you to. I cried when I read your post and saw the photo of you and Jaffle too but it’s something to be happy about. My husband and I believe that doggies find us and Dozer probably sent Jaffle to make his Mummy happy again 💙🐾💙.
Remember the wonderful life you and Dozer had together and now it’s time for you and Jaffle to do the same; Dozer lives on in your heart forever and will never be forgotten or leave your heart wherever you are or whoever you are with, don’t ever forget it yet and be happy making a lovely life for Jaffle 💙🐾💙. It took me a long time to learn this but it has helped as we have had to say goodbye to our 🐾 and welcome new ones; all very different personalities but all had or having a wonderful life with us – we currently have 🐾🐾🐾 and they fill our life with love and laughter as Jaffle will for you (and him of course 😘). Enjoy every moment and look forward to hearing and seeing all about Jaffle’s new life with his new Mummy 💙❤️ xx
Oh he is just gorgeous, so happy for you & Jaffle. Darling Dozer will be smiling at you both on your new wild ride!