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
Congratulations on your new bundle of fluff love. I’m so happy for you 💓 I’m sure Dozer approves
Love never dies!
Sobbing tears of joy for you here in Washington, USA! Nagi, you have such a deep capacity to love & this little chunker is 1 lucky boy having you as the best mom ever. Sweet Dozer will always live on in our hearts and we look forward to Jaffle capturing our hearts in the same way. Congrats! ❤️❤️❤️
Oh Nagi, soooo happy for you, I was hoping you’d get a puppy sooner rather than later, and he is just simply beautiful, just like Dozer just like you.
Dearest Nagi, I adore you and have been a lurker for years, admiring you from the background. You should have see my face today, I couldn’t stop smiling – seeing you and Jaffle. You are over the moon happy and I’m so happy for you both!
I lost both of my dogs (sister & brother) this past year. I sure know the pain. There are never replacements for our cherished woofers, only new chapters. Dozer will always be in our hearts. 💕
So happy for you!!! He is cuteness overload!
I am glad you have opened a new chapter. Dozer would say ARF, it’s ok Mom. The pup is a cutie and your smile is beautiful. Be happy.
I am so thrilled you are the proud owner of a new puppy. Jaffle looks like the perfect match for you.
Can’t wait to hear about all his puppy antics as I’m sure there will be plenty of them!
So happy for both of you. ❤️
I am so happy for you! Jaffle has big paws to fill, but you know Dozer is looking down from heaven smiling!
I think Dozer would be happy t0 know you have someone new to love. The pictures show an obvious love match. Wishing both of you the very best.
Biggest congrats on your precious Jaffle!!!! Many happy cuddles and taste tests, and long stares in those warm eyes BLESS ❤️…… For those that have never had a jaffle, you have to get yourself a jaffle iron and give it a go. Especially when camping!
Bless you!
I am crying Nagi, so happy that you found the courage to love a new dog. He is absolutely adorable. We will never forget Dozer. I can’t wait to see your beautiful puppy on future posts.
Nice choice, Much happiness to you guys. Thank You
So happy you found a new dog to love!
In the heart of a kitchen where flavour dance and gleam,
Recipe Tin Eats weaves magic from the everyday dream.
Nagi stirs compassion into pots that overflow,
Turning humble ingredients into hope that helps them grow.
For the homeless she builds bridges, meal by meal she gives,
Recipe Tin Meals feeds hundreds—warmth in every dish that lives.
A thousand plates of kindness, born from recipes tried and true,
Her hands create abundance for those who need it too.
But shadows fell upon her home, a golden light grew dim,
Dozer, loyal Chief Taste Tester, with his wagging tail and grin.
Thirteen years of joy he brought, through photos, laughs, and licks,
Now silent paws leave echoes where his spirit fondly sticks.
She held his paw through weary nights, whispered love into the fight,
Yet recipes and boundless care couldn’t keep him in the light.
A heart once full of golden fur now aches with empty space,
Where Dozer’s bark once filled the air, now quiet takes its place.
Yet in the grief, a bright new spark—Meet Jaffle bounds ahead!
Future Chief Taste Tester, with a fluffy golden head.
Son of a Dozer friend, a little bundle full of joy,
Fluffy joy with wagging tail and playful, cheeky boy!
Like Dozer before him, Jaffle knows what he likes best—
He gives the kale a thorough chew… then spits it with protest!
A tiny heir to Dozer’s throne, with opinions loud and clear,
He’ll chase the crumbs and buttered toast, but greens will disappear.
Oh Nagi, queen of Recipe Tin, your gifts both feed and mend,
From hungry souls to broken hearts, new life begins again.
Through loss and love and ladles full, your legacy will shine—
With Jaffle by your side, the recipes will taste divine.
Stuart, that was beautifully written. Brought tears to my eyes. You have the gift of poetry. That makes you a very special person. ❤️
Congratulations! So happy you have a new cooking companion!
Gosh! What a lovely surprise! Jaffel is gorgeous! Dozer will be watching to see what his brother does. So happy for you and Jaffel 🐕❤️
Dozer would give his blessing, he wouldn’t want you to be sad. You have a beautiful puppy now. We will never forget Dozer. I haven’t come back to your site since Dozer’s passing as it seemed a bit empty without him but I’m glad now that you have another doggy 🙂
I am in love! Can’t wait to see pics of Jaffle testing out the recipes!!