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
OMG, Jaffle is darling. You will always love and miss Dozer (we will too) but this new puppy will bring you much joy. I am coming to Sydney, Australia for 3 months in 2027 and maybe well get a chance to meet. You are by far my favorite food blogger!
Hi Nagi… so happy for you. I am sure Jaffle will bring you as much joy as Dozer did. Jaffle is so fortunate to have you as his mum. Welcome Jaffle! Looking forward to seeing and reading about you.
Here’s wishing Jaffle, your entire Crew & last but never least, Yourself, nothing shy of the very best that this new chapter in your lives will offer! 🙂
Wow, Jaffle hit the jackpot finding you. Dozer will be in your heart forever xo
Congratulations on welcoming Jaffle into your life. He will be forever grateful, just as Dozer was, and he’ll show it with pure love. Enjoy every moment.
Oh my god!! I cannot believe it! I’ve been following you for years, cooking lots of your recipes and crying my eyes out when you lost Dozer. And now reading about Jaffle coming into your life to discover that his dad is from Falkirk!! It is where I was living until last year and where I work!!! Sure he will be a brave half Scottish boy. I’m so so happy for you. Lots of love to you and the wee boy xx
Congratulations on your new best friend! What a beauty!
WELCOME Jaffle…you are too cute.
We have the wonderful capacity to love more than once,🐥
Congratulations! Wishing you years of fun and friendship.
He is the CUTEST! SO, SO happy for you Nagi! Although he will never replace Dozer, Jaffle must just fill your heart. They are truly magical! Plus, I’m a little jealous- LOL!
Dear Nagi, I am sitting here with tears escaping my eyes, one for Dozer because I do miss him also and in grateful that you found Jaffle. All I can say is thank the powers that be ( for me God the universe). Dozer will always be a part of you and recipetineats and us your followers, who trust you completely. Thank you for your great recipes, thank you for sharing Dozer and thank you for the hope you give us with Jaffle. So glad to hear Jaffle’s mother was a friend to Dozer. Thank you and Bless you always
Jaffle is a gift from Dozer…
Nagi you are a beautiful soul, I am so happy for you. We have to do what makes us happy in this life and you look happy again! Thank you for sharing your story which brought me to tears and oh BTW Jaffle is adorable, I’m sure he’s going to make a great assistant
Congratulations on your new addition to the family xx
When making your carrot cake which is so lovely how do we get rid of the taste of bicarb that occasionally hits you
So very happy for you Nagi, that is one lucky little pup. He’s going to have the life of Riley, so looking forward to reading about all his adventures!
So cute. Enjoy that new pup!
It’s wonderful hearing you have a beautiful little fella. I know he will bring you much joy. I cried as I read this, so much emotion when we lose our best friends> Nagi, I hope you do continue to share the life of Dozer with us. Much happiness to you.
I am so happy happiness has found you again Nagi!
Jaffle is a stunning boy and I have no doubt Dozer sent him to you.
I, along with many others, look forward to hearing and watching Jaffle make his mark on RTE.
YAY, Nagi! What a very lucky pup—he has no idea yet. When it’s right you just KNOW. We’ve had a different timeframe each time anywhere from waiting 2 years to only waiting 5 weeks. The joy that fills the house immediately is unmatched. I will always think of Dozer. Your sharing of him helped me get through losing our Jetta girl until we were ready to welcome our boy Otis. Thank you and congrats. I can hardly wait to see the antics of Jaffle! (And of course I will go straight to the Jaffle button!!)
What a beautiful post to wake up to. Such joy and love and I can’t wait to see little Jaffle growing up. I’m happy for you Nagi!! Xxx