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 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.
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) 🥰
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.
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 ❤️
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.
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!
Dozer nudged yr new pup towards you, with full blessings. How beautiful ❤️
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!
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!
Dozer is smiling down on you.
He is SO CUTE. Congratulations Mama. I hope we get lots of puppy spam for a while.
Just remember that Dozer was the king of not one but two bestselling cookbooks that I use almost daily. So I and many thousands of others flick through photos of dozer every single day and remember him and we all love him. What a gift you gave the world when you decided to share him with us and include him in the books. Thank you! (More puppy spam! We insist)
Oh Nagi; he’s divine
Enjoy every mischievous trick he comes up with – I’m thrilled for you.
You will never ‘get over’ Dozer; he would want you to be happy and share your life with a new puppy XOXO
Delighted to meet and welcome you Jaffle. Mum didn’t exactly say why she named you ‘Jaffle’. Something about golden squishy cheese.
I am very thankful that you are happy with your bundle of joy Jazzle. You look happy as I am happy with your recipes.
Hi Nagi, so pleased for you to have Jaffle now. He looks like such a bundle already. And thanks for sharing your Dozer, he was so handsome and a wonderful fun loving foodie. The best.
Nagi, so pleased for you and what a lucky boy Jaffle is to come and be with you.
You will carry Dozer with you always and nothing will take that away.
Enjoy your puppy play days and snuggle nights
😍
Congratulations! Jaffle is a lucky boy. While he will never replace Dozer, he will bring you many new reasons to smile. Dozer would be happy to see you happy again. Pets bring us so much joy. Each one of them is unique, they are family. Jaffle is lucky to have been adopted by you. Enjoy each other’s company.
What a gorgeous, chonky little butterball! Jaffle is not a replacement for your dear boy Dozer, who will forever be one of a kind, but his own one a kind top taster and all-around good boy! xx