Farewell to Cookie, 2008 – 2023
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 6, 2024
I don’t want to tell you this because I don’t want it to be true, but we said goodbye to my beloved Cookie last week. Her smile and spunk lit up my days for over thirteen years and I miss her terribly. Thirteen years! I am the luckiest, and what I would give for more.
Cookie was my sidekick, my frontman, my best friend, my real-life teddy bear, my soul pup. As long as Cookie was there, I was never alone. I can almost feel her snuggled up by my side now. Cookie got me through the darkest of days and brightened the best. She kept me company through countless long days and long nights as we built this website from scratch. She taste tested nearly every recipe, too, whether I wanted her to or not.
In her earlier years, Cookie had a terrifying tendency to shoot out the front door like a rocket, which inspired immense gratitude for every day that we got together. Then she received a terminal cancer diagnosis, lymphoma, and defied the odds by living another two-and-a-half years. I always dreamed of taking care of her in her old age, and that’s what I got to do. Over the past year, she lost her hearing and her health declined, which felt more difficult and complicated than I ever anticipated. She died of old age, and while I’ll always wonder if I made the right decisions every step of the way, I am finding some peace and comfort in knowing that we spent all of her best days together. A dog could not have been more loved.
Cookie came into my life at the perfect moment, when I was fresh out of college and learning to live on my own. She walked with me all the way to marriage and motherhood. She left me exactly where I want to be in my upper thirties, with my loving husband and our baby girl. My heart is so full and so broken at the same time.
Cookie was extraordinary and so was our bond. I spent much of our time together wishing for what I have now, yet I’m feeling so sentimental about our special time together as Cookie and Kate. May this be your gentle reminder to appreciate what you have when you have it.
Thank you for cooking along with us and for finding joy in her antics. I’ll be back soon to share more photos and some of my favorite Cookie memories with you. She was truly the greatest.
Rest in peace dear Cookie. So sorry for your loss. Time heals but your grief is healthy and indicative of the love you both shared.
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie! What a beautiful tribute to her and your life together – my heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing the news and letting us mourn with you.
Losing a pup is one of the hardest things to go through. They leave the biggest paw prints on our hearts!! What an amazing journey you two shared! Sending loving support from one dog mom to another.
Oh no. My heart is breaking. So sorry for your loss. Your wonderful sidekick Cookie was the best. I lost my pup Roxy last year, she was 13 years years and 8 months. The best that ever happened to me. I hope Cookie and Roxy are playing in doggie heaven
I am so sorry Kate. Wishing your and your family peace during this difficult time
Hugs! That’s such a difficult time. My boxer had lymphoma as well, and it was hard to watch the decline after that.
Cookie was clearly very loved! What a joy that you were able to have such a sweet dog to walk with you through so many life transitions.
I’m very sorry for your loss of Cookie. It doesn’t matter how old our pets are, it’s never enough time. I just lost one of my dogs in January and still miss him every day. Cookie had a great life with you, so you did good by her!
So sorry for your loss, Kate. I always loved when Cookie popped in to your posts and recipes. I hope her trip over the rainbow bridge is full of snuggles and snacks. You loved her well <3
I’m so sorry for the loss of your best friend. I’ve enjoyed your posts, and seeing cookie with you. I feel your pain.
It’s hard to lose a pet that you consider to be a family member. Condolences and God’s blessings to you.
Very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.
So sorry about Cookie! It sounds like you were a great dog Mom. The dog life cycle really stinks.
Oh NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so very sorry for your loss. The loss of a pet is just so heart breaking. When you’re ready, there will be a new fur ball waiting for your love!
My heart breaks for you. I know how much love we give and receive from our blessed four-legged family members. Peace to you and your family❤️
♥️♥️ Our fur babies are our family. Thank you for sharing and take comfort in knowing you provided as much joy for Cookie as Cookie did for you. May Cookie’s memory be a blessing.
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and I have had and lost beloved pets…it is truly difficult to say goodbye to our animal friends who become part of our lives and our families. I believe we will see them again. In the meantime, please know that Cookie has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is enjoying a happy afterlife while she waits to be reunited with you!
So sorry for the loss of your precious Cookie. May your memories of her bring you much joy and comfort.
My heart bleeds for you! I lost my furbaby of almost 14 years last year and I feel every word word of what you said about your beloved Cookie. Not a day goes by I don’t ugly cry over him. May knowing she’s now healthy again give you some peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was so sad to read about your Cookie. I loved having her smiley face sprinkled throughout your cook book and recipes. No matter how old or sick or ready we are it is always shocking how terribly sad it is when they suddenly are not there. You have honoured her all through your cooking voyage that is for sure. Take Care.
So so sorry about Cookie, they never live long enough. So glad she had such a loving life with you!
My sincerest condolences to you Kate. I know what it’s like to lose a pet who was a very integral part of the family. That is a certain special kind of heartache. I’m so glad you had 13 years with her, what a treasure. My heart goes out to you.
My heart goes out to you at the loss of your Cookie. She’s romping in Puppy Heaven with Scottie, Kibbles, and Bits, waiting for us to join them in our heavenly futures.
I am so sorry, Kate. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Cookie with us. Your recipes are wonderful – but your love for your Cookie tops everything. We lost our wonderful kitten Ghee in May 2022. I loved this article in today’s NYT. Big hug to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. You were the best fur baby mother. She was lucky to have you guys!
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a long-time furry companion, but I’m glad you had her as long as you did. Sending hugs!
I’m so sorry!! ❤️
So very sorry to hear about Cookie. There is noting like the love of a dog. You will be sad but remember you gave her a good life and she knew she was well loved. Hugs, Sheila
Cookie was one special pup. She will live forever in your heart. Sorry you are grieving her crossing…
My heart is broken for you and warmed all at the same time. May your beloved Cookie’s memory always bring you a smile. Cookie had a beautiful life because of you.
Dear Kate,
My sincere condolences. Your love for Cookie came through your written word. What a gift had by both of you! Thank you for sharing her with us while keeping us healthy (and in love with good food and cooking) with your amazing recipes and blog!
Julie
So sorry for your loss. ♥
It is heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. A piece of you goes with them.
My sincerest sympathy to you!
Thank you so much for sharing your special recipes that were inspired with your special
Side kick and companion.
There is nothing like that kind of bond between you Cookie it will last you your lifetime.
Hugs to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I think Cookie had the very best life possible. You truly enriched her life. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
SO sad to hear about Cookie. We understand the feeling of absolute loss when you lose your canine soulmate… We didn’t even know her and we are sad.
So sorry for your loss.it is horrible to lose a beloved pet.
Dearest Kate,
I am WITH you heart and soul in this moment and moments to come. Such an empty space in your heart and house. I have been there so many times :( I understand at age 82………
HUG your husband and daughter.
Be well, love from here.
Susan
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. I know your heart is breaking.
This news breaks my heart. You and Cookie were so fortunate to have those 13 wonderful years together. Treasure every memory.
I am so sorry you have lost your precious Cookie. When we adopt a pet we know we will have to say goodbye someday, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I am sorry that time has come for you. I hope can you take comfort in knowing who gave her love and her best life.
Oh Kate!!! I’m so, so sorry for your loss. You gave Cookie a wonderful, long life… and some celebrity too. Thank you for sharing her with all of us.
I am so sorry Kate..Cookie was loved by all and will live on in our hearts. ♥️
Your post about Cookie brought tears to my eyes! So sorry for your loss. It’s incredible how an animal can fill our hearts with love and break them when we lose them.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Cookie. She was so cute. Hugs to you.
Bless you, we have been there, and my dear friend was just there last week. I just gave my little chiweenie Penny a bigger hug than usual with a tear in my eye. Beautifully written, i can feel the empty space in your life. It does pass…thank you for sharing.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is so difficult saying good bye to our furry family members. The two of you certainly came up with some wonderful recipes. You always have those memories. RIP cookie!
I am very sorry for the loss of your soul mate doggie. The bond with these dogs is deeper than words can express. My deepest sympathies.
Kate, so sorry for the loss of Cookie. I feel your loss and sadness, as we have had two dogs who also spent 13 years with us. We are so blessed to have had the experience, and to be with them every step of the way. Their souls are now singing, as I’m sure Cookie’s is.
Hope your cooking is helping ease the pain – your recipes are so good. One that I make all,of the time is your Southwest Corn Chowder – yum!
Pat H
Thank you, Pat. I appreciate your kind words.
Good morning Kate,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have really enjoyed reading about Cookie (and your expanding family!) for several years now. It seems fitting that I read your email as your wonderful blueberry cake recipe is baking in my oven.
Best regards,
Maura
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful, loving dog. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.