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
Dearest Nagi, I’m THRILLED for you. I don’t believe a single one of us will ever forget Dozer – we will carry him along in our hearts as we do with our own pups that have passed. I am so excited to get to know Jaffle! What a darling! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing Jaffle with us! It helps us to heal, too. Hugs and ear rubs!
Nagi he is such a beautiful little boy and good to know that he’s part Scottish. 🏴 You will always hold Dozer close to your heart ❤️ he knew that you loved him and nothing could replace him but your giving a wee munchkin a home and loads of love and I look forward to seeing him grow up and his quirky ways. Sending love ❤️ from Bonny Scotland in a hospital bed xxx
Welcome Jaffle! I’m glad another dog found you. I’m looking forward to seeing his adventures. ❤️
ahhhhh,,,,, they are literally little angels sent from above , they bring humanity to humans,.
So so nice to see you shine again Nagi!!
It’s what Dozer would want for you 💞💫
Aww I’m so happy for you! Jaffle looks adorable and I’m sure he’ll get into loads of trouble keeping you on your toes but in a good way 🥰 Of course I’m still sad about Dozer, we’re a golden retriever family as well and have had to say goodbye to 5 precious pups through the years and also just added “Winnie the Pooh” to our family. The love is endless with these special babies❤️ Wishing you lots of love and laughs with the new addition to your family ☺️
Nagi,
Congrats! Jaffle is just what you needed, and you look amazingly happy and content!
There’s a huge personality in that dog, and some major big paws! But you are equal to the task of Jaffle!
Enjoy!
Mike~
I’m so happy for you. I felt so bad when you lost Dozer. Now I can watch your “little one” grow up with you and wish I could have one just like him. I love the pics. and look forward to many more.
Quelle bonne décision! Nous ne sommes jamais seule avec un ami si fidèle.
Je suis plus qu’heureuse pour vous deux.
I am crying tears of joy for you and this beautiful soul Jaffle. He was sent by Dozer!! He is beautiful and I am so happy you have another fluff ball to lavish with your love on!!! Congratulations!!!
I am so glad to hear that a new furry mate has come into your life. He is not Dozer but Jaffle will be a great mate and confidante in all matters of the kitchen and the heart.
Aww, Jaffle is such a beautiful boy. Happy cooking you two
Jaffle is gorgeous Navi! He already looks right at home 🙂
Jaffle is a gorgeous young fella, and has already stolen a piece of my heart right beside where Dozer will always reside. I can’t wait to read the stories and see the photos of both of those beautiful puppers of yours. It’s also wonderful to see your beautiful beaming smile! xx
Hi Nagi, so pleased you have a new pup. Losing lovely dozer was so heartbreaking.
As a dog lover I have loved and lost, so painful to go through but giving another pup can build a new relationship and new love. Xx
So beautiful Nagi he will be the love of your life – they are so trusting. He will fill your heart with love as Dozer did.
Aww, Jaffle is so adorable & I’m looking forward to many cheeky moments as with Dozer! The thing with pets, they always have a part of your heart & there is always room to love more! xx
Hi Nagi,
We will love Jaffle as much as we all LOVED the adorable Dozer. Please do sometimes post some of the great moments with the lovely Dozer (my favs were actually on the beach playing with his golden pals)
As we are also Scottish and just an hour’s drive from Fife, we hope Jaffle will be supporting Scotland along with Australia in the Football World Cup
Also hoping from you for some great football ‘TV Dinners/Snacks’ to make
Love to you and all at RTE/RTM x x x
I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t think about all the dogs I’ve shared my life with. First was Pennie, then came the sisters, Della and Tilly and now I share my life with Sweetie. All different breeds. Dozer will always be with you Nagi. You will never forget him because you love dogs.
Oww Nagi, I’m so happy for you and Jaffle. Hello little fur baby. Welcome home! You’re so cute and I bet will be very spoilt and very much loved by all of us. Of course Dozer will never be forgotten. He’s always going to be watching you both. ❤️❤️