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
Anyone that loves cheese and rejects kale is a winner. Jaffle is lovely and I am sure you both will be creating many happy memories together as you did with Dozer. xxx
Hi Nagi. I’m so thrilled for you and Jaffle.
Dogs are companions for the heart and mind. Love and enjoy this new journey.🩷🐶 Dozer won’t be forgotten. Share your pics anytime you feel like it. I love it.💕
😍
Jaffa is adorable and I’m so happy you have found your new soulmate and Chief Tester. I’m sure Dozer would be so happy for you too!
Just lots of love to you and your new puppy.
I felt your pain Nagi and I was crying too when u lost Dozer. U are not replacing him u are giving the same wonderful life to a new dog like he had. He knows how much u miss him. I send my blessing for both of u
Dear Nagi-
I was weeping with your post- I am so happy for you, Jaffle and Dozer- what a beautiful circle of happiness and love.
I feel so much more confident with my three Nagi cookbooks in the kitchen.
You have done so much for the real values we allow to slide- home, hearth and family. Thank you for sharing what you do so generously- for allowing us to cry with you when Dozer passed, and I am looking forward to giggles with Jaffle. You are absolutely my all-time best-favourite one-in ten-billion creators on this network we call the internet.
Thank you.
Much love,
Caroline
I would be really interested in real food dog recipes. It is such a minefield looking on Google. Perhaps Recipetin Dog would be an idea?
I’m so happy for you Nagi. Jaffle is a lucky boy to have you! Dozer will always be in our hearts and it’s surprising how much love one has for more of our paw padded buddies. xx
Oh that made me cry a little as I lost my beloved kitten to the road a month ago and life just isn’t the same without him.
Looking forward to the jaffle sections while remembering the dozer sections too.
Welcome to the world of great recipes Jaffle ❤️💜
Hi Nagi
Im not one to usually comment but just wanted to let you know that reading about Dozer again and seeing the joy on your face with beautiful Jaffle has made me smile but melancholy.
My english staffy Noot is almost 15 and is coming into her last weeks, I am not sure how Im going to cope when she finally goes, she is my world.
I watched and read all your posts when Dozer was in his final days and although it was heartbreaking, it did bring me a quiet comfort that getting through such a sad time is possible.
Im so happy you have found Jaffle to bring joy to your life again. Im hoping that I too can find another fur baby when the time is right.
Regards
Julianne
Oh gosh that made me cry.
So happy for you Nagi.
Jaffle is absolutely stunningly beautiful and I’m super happy you have two puppy soulmates in your life, Dozer and Jaffle!
I’ve quietly got wet eyes and beautiful memories of Dozer. You will have your hands full with Jaffle, he’s adorable and will have his own special character. Good luck Nagi. ❤️
Nagi,
I like that you knew as soon as you met J. that he was the one.
My 14 year old Spoodle’s favourite story is always the one about how when the pet shop said, “Would you like to pick up another puppy”, I replied, “No, this is my puppy” and off we went in my red sports convertible, with the wind in our hair and our heels (smiley icon!).
I’m glad that you felt that in your heart and bones immediately.
Much love, Anne Marie X
Nagi,
I like that you knew as soon as you met J. that he was the one.
My 14 year old Spoodle’s favourite story is always the one about how when the pet shop said, “Would you like to pick up another puppy”, I replied, “No, this is my puppy” and off we went in my red sports convertible, with the wind in our hair and at our heels.
I’m glad that you felt that in your heart and bones immediately.
Much love, Anne Marie X
I am so happy you have a “new man”in your life. Dozer would want his momma to be happy. I fell in love with your new pup when I looked at his sweet face.Who knows…he might even eat kale!! Looking forward to watching him grow
Omg, I saw Jaffle on your Facebook stories and had to run here just to confirm. He’s SO cute. Here’s to making many memories with Jaffle in the kitchen (and in life!). It doesn’t mean you love Dozer less, it’s just taken a new shape. Congratulations!
Hi Nagi, cry each time I read about Dozer, I know how it feels to lose a beloved furbaby. Welcome to the very cute Jaffle. I know he will bring you many years of joy. Maybe you could add a section to your website for healthy homemade dog food recipes. I’m sure my senior girl would love to try them.
Oh em gee! He’s soo cute. I am so happy that you and Jaffle have each other!
Peace and love,
Sonya