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
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.
I’m so happy for you Nagi … and all your followers as well. Although we will always miss Dozer I’m sure he would be pleased that his mummy is loving again. Your heart can always expand to accommodate a new love without replacing the old. Can’t wait to see all the mischieve Jaffle will bring to Recipetineats. We’re in love already.
Dozer was the reason I became a follower! He was the best.
And I understood & grieved right along with you, having lost my beloved BF & companion of 16 years. But life pulls us forward & we carry on. Sounds like Jaffle comes at the right time & I know Dozer would want you happy again. We will love to follow along for your new & latest chapter: The Jaffle edition❤️ hugs
So glad you have another dog. It really helps the healing process. Digger will always be in your heart. I remember every dog I ever had in my life and guess what- I grew up just down the road from Falkirk!
Delighted to see a new four-legged person to fill the Dozer shaped hole in your heart.
I hope we continue to see lots of Dozer – comparisons and milestones which may or may not be shared with Jaffle!
Dozer nudged yr new pup towards you, with full blessings. How beautiful ❤️
So happy to hear/see your news to welcome Mr Jaffle. We recently adopted Lachie at 9 weeks in March, now 21 weeks after sadly losing Flynn at 13 years in November last year. Jaffle will help mend your broken heart 💔, part of it will always be Dozers. Enjoy ☺️
He is just precious! I lost my bestie friend 2 years ago and was intending to take some time to grieve and then welcome another dog into my heart. But plans change and I soon found the most precocious AussieDoodle. I should have known b/c I have always had dogs in my life. My best friend gave me a plaque that says “Dogs welcome – people tolerated”. He claimed a place in my heart immediately sharing that space with all the others I have loved and lost. Congratulations!! I’m looking forward to a lot of Jaffle pix!
Couldn’t be happier for you Nagi🥰 Sending prayer for Dozer🙏 and lots of hugs for Jaffle 🤗
This is just the BEST!!! Welcome Jaffle, you will be so very loved! xxx
I’m just so happy that this post was the first thing I saw this morning! My 11 yo daughter and I were just talking about Dozer last night when we saw your book on my bookshelf. Surely Jaffle will do a good job picking up the baton from Dozer. And it’s such a delightful surprise to see that Jaffle shares the same birthday as my daughter!
❤️❤️❤️
So happy for you 😊
I’m happy that you could open your heart to a new puppy, Nagi! It’s never replacing our old dogs, instead our hearts expand to fit in the new pup!
Fabulous news about your new puppy Jaffle but brought me to tears reading about Dozer Don’t they just worm into our hearts
Enjoy this new era Navi
Cheers
Loved your shares of Dozer and look forward to seeing your new little friend and watch him grow and get into mischief too.
Dozer is smiling down on you.
What a gorgeous boy – you both look so happy x