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
YEA that’s great.
Jaffle is so adorable., Dozer would definitely approve!!!! Wishing him a long and healthy life filled with all that is good (including all your yummy food),
Just beautiful!!!! Congrats Nagi, and good luck with the chewing phase!!!!
Just beautiful!!!! Congrats Nagi, and good luck with the chewing phase!!!! Enjoy.
So happy for you! Yes, still once & a while post a past memory of Dozer.
So happy for you! Yes, still once & a while post a past memory of Dozer.
I’m so happy for you. Finding your new fur baby is fantastic news. Not sure how his mum got to his meet dad in Scotland ! And 8 puppies to boot. Sure Jaffle will be the love of your life. He is the future not a replacement. I wish you both all the best, pee puddles included.
Simply APAWABLE!!!!
Soooo happy for you Nagi, and welcome Jaffle!!! xoxox
How wonderful you have found each other…such happy news Nagi. Welcome to the family Waffle XX
I’m thrilled for you Nagi, that you have found a new best 4 legged mate. He will one day fill the void left by the absence of Dozer from your life. You were meant to find him.
Welcome Jaffle!!!
A new employee and official taste tester!
Congratulations Nagi!
Ah nagi, I don’t know you personally but it honestly makes me happy to see you happy.
Enjoy every little bit of that tiny little puppy. Dozer wouldn’t want you to be sad for too long and he knows he has a special place in your heart.
Be happy, live life xx
My feelings have gone on a rollercoaster! I hope that Jaffle, and Dozers joyful memories, brings you the most comfort and bliss you deserve.
May you forever have the Midas touch, ever surrounded by fuzzy, happy gold 💗
OMG Nagi! I have cried tears of both sadness and joy whilst reading this post. Sadness for your loss of your beautiful Dozer, and joy that you have found your darling new boy Jaffle. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dozer had a paw in sending him your way! Enjoy your long and happy lives together x
Those paws!! That’s bitter sweet right there. My eyes watered when I saw Dozer. Jaffle, you do not know how mama is going to spoil you but I guess you will once in a while hear your brother’s spirit telling you that she means well even when being fed in kale 😜. Enjoy the ride! Congratulations Nagi
So happy for you Nagi. Like many, I understand all too well the loss of a beloved fur child – I lost two within six months! For me the pain has become less acute over time, but the love for my late lads has not shrunk at all.
I think initially I felt like I was betraying Shiva and Nero if I got any new pet family members – then had a click moment when I saw two new girls who needed a forever home. They were less in demand as they were a bit older. I realised that bringing them into our home would mean that even more fur babies would get to live in a loving and doting home. And my love for the boys was not lessened by the addition of the girls.
Adopting Clawdi and Furn really helped heal a shattered heart. I’m really glad Jaffle has done the same for you 💕💕 Give him an extra big snuggle from me!
Congratulations Nagi!! Jaffle is adorable!! 🐾 He has big shoes to fill, looks already like he has you wrapped around his paw! So happy for you x
Jaffle is beautiful. I’m so happy for you both. I’m sure he will be as spoiled rotten as Dozer. Such a lucky pup.
As described in this beautiful poem,by Ellen Bass, you grabbed life again!:
to love life, to love it even
when you have no stomach for it
and everything you’ve held dear
crumbles like burnt paper in your hands,
your throat filled with the silt of it.
When grief sits with you, its tropical heat
thickening the air, heavy as water
more fit for gills than lungs;
when grief weights you down like your own flesh
only more of it, an obesity of grief,
you think, How can a body withstand this?
Then you hold life like a face
between your palms, a plain face,
no charming smile, no violet eyes,
and you say, yes, I will take you
I will love you, again.
So happy for you 🐾 hugs to you both 🤗