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
Dozer will be forever loved & remembered by the enormous RTI family. He will be making sure that Jaffle is looking after you and creating wonderful memories with you. He is a very lucky and smart puppy to have stolen your heart & so he can live his life with you. Can’t wait to hear updates on what this cute bundle of fur gets up to with you & the team ❤️
Wonderful news… The spirit of Dozer will live on through Jaffle. Wishing you all the best Nagi x
I just came across your post of Jaffle. After losing my pup in March, I swore I would never get another dog as my girl is irreplaceable but your words of not replacing Dozer resonated with me and now feel I can move forward too. Hope to get another loyal friend soon too.
OMG Jaffle is sooo blinking cuuute, look forward to watching his antics, I’m sure he will be just as good a food tester as Dozer was.
While Dozer will forever be here…..little Jaffle is a golden lump of scrumptiousness! So happy for you
Dear Nagi,
It’s always a complex feeling getting a new puppy. Mixed feelings of loss of your previous dog and joy at having a new one. I think you are dead right about thinking of Jaffle as being the batton holder following Dozer’s paw prints. Dogs are beautiful things. They ask for little and give so much.
Crying along with you Nagi!!
Proud that you have been able to open your heart to Jaffle. Dozer would be so pleased someone is making his Mama smile. Thank you for all your recipes and being such a beacon of kindness.
Oh Nagi, Jafle is absolutely gorgeous 😍 He won’t replace your beautiful Dozer but he will plug a little bit of the hole in your heart.
Enjoy the puppies training, I’m sure he will be a fabulous taste tester 💙💙
Ohhhhh, Jaffle is soooo cute! So happy for you & Jaffle. I’m sure everyone on your team will (if not already) fall deeply for him ❤️
😍😍😍 so adorable! I’m not sure I could go through a “puppy phase” again! So good luck and I look forward to all the entertaining stories 😘
Congratulations.
Remember, every dog is special and I am sure Jaffle will bring as much joy but in different ways.
As they say, dogs take after their owners. Goodluck and have lots of fun.
Judy
Can we do a Jaffle meet and greet? Asking for a friend (aka all of your fans)
Pure joy! I was smiling for you and your new bundle of joy. The smile on your face showed a joyful heart with a bright future for you and Jaffle. Hugs to both of you!
I’m sobbing with you Nagi 😢 Dozer will forever be a part of RTE!
Welcome Jaffle, you have big paws to fill!
Look forward to your adventures in and out of the kitchen ❤️❤️❤️🦮
Nagi, I am so happy for you. Enjoy your little cuddle buddy. I look forward to reading about his antics. You make us all feel a part of RecipeTinEats.
Every time I read or think about Dozer I get so emotional. I am not ashamed to admit like probably everyone else, I did go straight to the Dozer section before the recipe.
I wish you well with your puppy training and I continue to look forward to seeing your emails.
Dozer will always be part of our lives and those of the RecipeTin members.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Welcome, welcome, welcome Jaffle. Losing a golden is “the worst”. Welcoming a new golden into the family is sheer joy. Thank you for sharing. We cried with you and now, we will smile with you. Ain’t life grand!!
Jaffle sure is a lucky boy to have found you! I am thrilled that you found each other. Personally, I don’t think a house is a home without a dog. Enjoy the new adventure that awaits you both!
You have me sobbing as well. I love your memories of Dozer. Our pets are so much part of our family and the next one cannot replace the one that came before. They are all individuals with their own personalities and are loved for who they are. So Dozer cannot be replaced but welcome Jaffle and I look forward to hearing all about your antics.
It’s wonderful to know that you found that special someone. Dozier will never be replaced and I’m sure he is watching all the mischief with a smile.
Awww, awesome to have a fur baby in the house again, I bet he can smell Dozer everywhere and knows he has a big brother – somewhere other than in your heart. Delighted for you, we need a furry someone to love. Dozer would be soo pleased for you – his most favourite person in the world!
OMG Nagi what an absolute cutie Jaffle is. There’s never a replacement for our 4 legged friends, each dog is unique and has its own personality. Can perfectly relate to being hesitant to get another dog after losing Dozer. That’s how we felt about our Goldie Buddy. The photos and memories you have of Dozer can never be replaced. Wishing you all the best with the new pup, I forgot how much work they can be when we got our Black & tan cavalier.