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
It’s so heartbreaking that dogs only get to spend such a short time with us. Less than two decades is not nearly enough! It’s wonderful to meet Jaffle but just as important, I’m really looking forward to your jaffle recipe!
I am thrilled that you have found your Jaffie. There is joy in your village again.
Very happy for you! I’m sure that Jaffle is ”Dozer approved” since he makes you happy!
I am thrilled that you have found your Jaffie. I truly believe that each passing sweetheart will lead you to your next love, and so it has happened here. There is joy in your village again.
Jaffle is perfect! He had my heart at the kale rejection.
Maybe Dozer found him for you and is saying, “you’re welcome, Mom!”
Wow, how unexpectedly, I am sobbing. So many feels in this one. I can; be happier or sadder all in one. We are going through the same thing, right now…looking for another dog, after losing our heart. There are so many feelings in doing this, and guilt is one of them. I think we have found our new dog, but we are still in process. I already love your new pup! I understand the emotions here. Congratulations! Love all around! All dogs need a good and loving home. Dozer understands that for sure.
What’s wonderful is you will always have Dozer’s antics to compare with Jaffle. I imagine this fluffball will be as mischievous and fun as Dozer was. So thrilled you are happy again. Looking forward to seeing your kitchen adventures!
so happy for you…that is one lucky puppy to get such a special loving mum….congratulations. We will be looking forward to
your adventures….cheers
I am so delighted for you and Jaffle to have found each other.
I think it’s wonderful that you will continue to share the Dozer moments!
Best wishes for you and Jaffe! He’s a cutie, and will never replace Dozer, am wishing you and him a long and loving new relationship!!
Your smile says it all! So happy for you Nagi & what a darling “Jaffle” is. Im sure he Dozer will be giving him a ✅ of approval🥰
I know I’m not the only one who had tears streaming down their face reading this. I’m sure Dozer is wagging his big, fluffy tail with excitement that you will bring so much joy and love into another little Golden’s life. Jaffle is adorable!! I look forward to every story and picture of his wonderful life with you… oh, and your recipes too, of course.
Oh Nagi, big hugs. I know there has to be tons of emotions in bringing a new addition to the home and you deserve to be happy again, or walk toward that path. We miss Dozer with and for you! He will always live on, especially because you were kind enough to share him with so many. Much dog mom love to you and Jaffle.
On a cold, wet day in the UK, my heart is lifted by Jaffle’s arrival in your life. Dozer would be happy too!
Jackie xx
Hi Nagi, Im so happy that youve found Jaffle. I hope he brings you years of fun and is as good a taster as Dozer. He’s from good Scottish stock and Im also Scottish xx
I find it so funny that we are not capable of feeding a dog but it is assumed we know how to feed babies. I wouldn’t feed my dog food because I think home food is better and I want my dog to have a variety of food.
I loved your announcement of new puppy Jaffle! Once upon a time, I had a beloved golden and I miss her every day. Joining you in the joy of a new chapter with Jaffle😊
Do you know how many thousands of smiles there are right now all over the world! Welcome Jaffle – lucky boy.
Oh that is beautiful Nagi!!! So incredibly happy for you. I lost my beautiful Poppy in November and cheeky Chico came into our lives in April. You are ready when you know it feels right and whilst a new pup is never a replacement, it definitely helps you heal. xx
It’s so wonderful to see your big beautiful smile again! Jaffle is precious. I know he’ll create so many wonderful memories with you and I can’t wait for you to share them. Much love to you and Jaffle!