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
Dozer will be missed and still loved by so many but never forgotten x So glad Jaffle has Scottish roots, bonnie wee laddie x
Hi Nagi
So pleased for you as you start a new chapter in your life with Jaffle.. He looks adorable. Here’s to many happy memories for you both. I’m sure Dozer will be watching over you both. Look forward to the updates. 🐾🐾 ❤️
I’m so happy for you! Please do continue to have pop-ups of Dozer. And looking forward to seeing more of Jaffle.🐾
All the very best Nagi, with your new pup…so happy for you… I recently also got a new pup, after my beautiful dog , Seb passed away 18 months ago… Lotsie the labradoodle is a delight, but must admit, also its “a lot ” ,especially that first few months…
Anyway its all so.. worth it.
Welcome little Jaffle. How beautiful are you!! and how fortunate are you to have Nagi as your carer and Mum!!.Dozer will no doubt be that guardian angel looking out for both of you
Congratulations XX
Iam really sorry to hear of you great loss of your beloved Dozer he will always be in your heart ❤️
And please give your new bundle of joy Jaffle a big hug from me
PS you are the most amazing person and cook Thankyou for sharing your recipes and life 😘
What do you mean, ” come to love Jaffle too”! I fell in love with him the second I set eyes on him. What a gorgeous little chonk. Hard to say who is the biggest winner from your coming together, you or Jaffle. Best wishes to you both always.
Welcome Jaffle! How to pronounce it, what is the meaning of his name?🤗🤗
Read the full article from Nagi. A Jaffle makes sealed toasties.
Presume it is pronounced like Raffle (an Australian thing).
JAFFLE is pronounced Jaffull!
Its easy, like the jaffle toaster
Jaffles is beautiful. Congratulations.
Welcome Jaffle! Nagi you are such a beautiful soul… and i keep meaning to message to say thank you for tour awesome recipes! Always foolproof and yummy!
I’m sure Dozer is close by always, may he rest in peace…
Enjoy this new adventure with your new golden fur baby… I’m excited for you and a just bit envious! 💐
So sooooo happy for you Nagi, little Jaffle is Devine ❤️
So glad you have another little Bubb in your life. nothing will replace Dozer, but Jaffle will make lots of new memories. Looking forward to going straight to the Jaffle chief taste tester section now
Nagi,
Thank you for sharing your story. This post really hits me in the feels.
3 months ago, we lost our beloved dog, Bronte. Our hearts were completely broken. I had been following your journey with Dozer for many years, when he passed, we were also on a downhill slope with our girl and my heart was hurting right along side you.
I also didn’t think we would welcome another puppy into our family so soon, but in a similar situation to you, the breeder of our beautiful old girl reached out to me. They had recently had a litter of puppies that were 8 weeks old and a little girl suddenly became available when a family had a change of circumstances. They offered her to us. She stole our hearts and we felt like it was meant to be. We named her Tilly and she joined our family 2 days later. Now 13 weeks old, she’s brought so much joy back into our home and we are so grateful.
Sometimes a special little soul comes along at just the right time to help heal your heart, and I’m so glad you’ve found that special little someone to bring you joy again too.
Loving Jaffe with you.
Always remember Dozer.
We’ll always remember our first fur friend Aslan who got sick too early w kitty leukaemia. 💔
New fur friend Rocket, not as wise as Aslan, but brings his own crazy human dependant madness to the house. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Never a replacement, more a new fur season.😺
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