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
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.
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.
So happy that you have a new companion. Jaffle if so beautiful and I’m sure Dozer would have liked him. Thanks for your recipes, kindness and sharing Naji
Nagi, you are a legend and when in doubt with a recipe check how Nagi makes it and immediately all other recipes are abandoned. Jaffle is beyond divine. A bundle of joy. Thank you.
I’m so very happy for you that you have found little Jaffle, he’s just adorable. We will never forget Dozer (crying too!) and would love to see him pop up again now the door on his section is officially (almost) closed. They just take a piece of your heart with you don’t they? ❤️ Looking forward to Jaffle adventures 😀
I’m on the tram trying not to cry whilst reading your tribute to Dozer and also reading all about the beautiful little Jaffle! Can’t wait to see the next chapter unfold with the memories of Dozer and watching Jaffle blossom 🥰
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So happy thzt you have another squishball to help you in the kitchen. Happy days.
I didn’t think I could ever replace my Myer but Daisy sneaked into my heart and has been there for 12 years now. So glad you have this new bundle oh joy.
So happy for you!
Nagi I’m so happy for you he looks gorgeous. I understand how sad you were as I’ve been there many times. Finally decided not to replace my Scottish Fold after a 20 year love affair as I just couldn’t go through it again. Good luck with the training C
Soooooo happy for you both.RIP Dozer
I am so happy you found a new boy to love. I’m almost ready to do the same after I lost mine in March. Our boys will never be forgotten or replaced.
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I am so glad that you could find a new puppy soon. And one that was kinda connected to Dozer makes it special.
I’m so thrilled for you, Nagi! I know how hard it is to open your heart to another soul after having lost one. Jaffle is sooooooo cute! I love the oversized puppy paws!
Having raised a puppy recently (he’s about to turn two), I do vividly recall how much you have to take them out to toilet because of their little bodies. I can assure you it’ll be totally worth it!
I look forward to Jaffle being your Chief Taste Tester, but I will definitely not forget Dozer ❤️
When you know, you know. Congrats, Nagi and welcome Jaffle! What a cutie.
Awwwwww he’s such a big moosh!!!!! That squishy tummy!! 😍