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
For Dozer and Jaffle
Dozer the Golden, loyal and true,
Left pawprints of love in all that he knew.
Though he’s no longer here by our side,
His memory remains, a source of great pride.
Then came young Jaffle, playful and bright,
Bringing new laughter and joy to each night.
With a wagging tail and a curious way,
He fills the house with fun every day.
Jaffle can never take Dozer’s place,
For each dog leaves a bond none can replace.
But in every adventure, each cuddle and smile,
Dozer’s love seems to linger a little while.
So here’s to dear Dozer, remembered with love,
And to sweet Jaffle, fitting like a glove.
One lives in our memories, treasured and dear,
The other brings comfort and happiness here. 🐾❤️
He is soooo cute. Really looking forward to watching your journey together and thankx for sharing in advance.
So happy for you and he looks adorable. I have a 14year old lagotto and dread the day he’s no longer annoying me for food. I think Jaffa’s is a very lucky dog.
Jaffle is glorious. Dozer will always be in your heart, but you have a huge heart, lots of room in there for a new love.
Oh my gosh! He is precious. Welcome home, Jaffle! You have such big paw steps to follow in. We can’t wait to see more of you!
Hi Nagi, Jaffle will never replace Dozer , he will always be remembered, loved, and missed. He is always never far from your mind and those paw prints and sloppy kisses will remain in your heart.
Jaffle isn’t a replacement for Dozer— he’s the start of a new chapter, a new generation of memories, adventures, and unconditional love.
Our hearts don’t replace; they expand.
Congratulations, Nagi, on welcoming little Jaffle into your life. 🐾❤️
I like many others look forward to your many adventures together.
Jo x
Very big paws to fill but Jagfle has instantly won my heart. I was in love with Dozer and hope that the life of Jaffle is a long and loving relationship.
Jaffle is adorable! Love his huge paws and smile. Looking forward to hearing about all the new adventures to come xx
What a beautiful soul and how lucky he is to be joining your family! Welcome Jaffle! Enjoy all the puppy cuddles 🥰
I relate to your Dozer farewell very much, as I still miss Tyler, our adored blue healer after 1o years
Just remember all those happy times & make new memories with the gorgeous Jaffle. Much love to you both!Xx
He is absolutely gorgeous and it’s lovey to see the light back in your eyes. Much love to you both xx
It’s so nice to see you genuinely smile again. Both you and Dozer have made me laugh and cry. Glad Jaffle is in your life.
Hi Nagi
Just have to tell you how devastated I was for you over the loss of Dozer
I use your cookbooks and your webpage every day … they truly are my “Bible “ I have found a new enthusiasm in cooking as everything I cook of yours is amazing and I never have had a disaster …. A huge thank you as I am not the bestest cook in the world … far from it
As a true dog lover (we have 5 dogs) I have been so emotional for you using my cookbooks so just now reading that you have Jaffle in your life makes me even more emotional but in the good sense
Like the dogs that I have said goodbye to I know Dozer will be looking over you both and I wish you both all the happiness in the world
Keep up the good work … and you have BIG PAWS to fill Jaffle but I am sure that you are up for the job ahead of you and I look forward to following you
Cheers Luvie Chewie Johnny Howard Bobbie Princess Sunshine and Violet Margot 💝💖💝💖
Oh Nagi he’s adorable and so big already!!! It’s so lovely to see you happy 😃 Looking forward to many of Jaffle’s taste testing opinions (can’t wait for all the photos) 🥰
Beautiful! So glad you’ve adopted another fur baby Nagi! Not only for your happiness, but for the lucky pup. You clearly have so much love to give a dog that it would be a shame that a puppy out there doesn’t get to experience it (and all of the tasty treats that go along with it!)
Yup! Dozer handed the duties over to this lovely little one. And I’d love to have Dozer popping in and out as you tell us how Jaffle is at his new role as Chief Taster. Happy for you, Nagi.
I’m so happy for you Nagi. Welcome to the world Jaffle. I’m so happy to hear that Dozer memories will continue to be part of Recipetineats. You’re a great food blogger and doggie mommy. 💕
Oh Nagi, your dear Dozer will never be replaced & always will be part of “your “ story. Jaffle looks a beautiful boy. Enjoy the snuggles.. & pass the tissues ❤️
So happy you have a lovely new puppy to ❤️ Dozzer will always be in your heart they’re all so different and special.Thank you for sharing.x
Your post/email was a wonderful start to the day. At first I thought you were sharing jaffle recipes with your readers (my faves are baked beans or leftover spag bol, both with cheese of course). So happy you have another best friend to travel through life with you. Dogs are so special, Dozer was amazing and I’m sure Jaffle will grow into a wonderful boy. Love your “chunky chunderbum” description. Enjoy his journey from a puppy to your bestest friend.