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.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart is with your family today.
I am so sorry. Animals leave very big prints on our hearts and I know your heart hurts. Sending hugs to you
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories together bring you peace and comfort when you need it most ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Cookie will forever be part of your recipes! She was so loved!
Sorry to learn about Cookie’s demise. I am sure Cookie is in peace and had a good life thanks to you. You will miss Cookie for sure but remember you have good memories that you will treasure forever. All the best to you Kate and be strong.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved pup – great dog moms, like you, make the people/pet world a bit better (and in your case, tastier).
Thanks for sharing your journey with Cookie to us. I am sorry for your loss. The good thing is that Cookie was loved and had so many great days with you over the years.
I have a 13 yr old border collie who is struggling to get up, with vision and has a huge cancerous lump on her hind hip.
I’m expecting the end is near. Your story inspired me to focus on all the wonderful times we shared together. Thanks again.
Can’t help but shed a tear for you. Cookie was loved by all of us too. I’m so sorry for your loss and what a wonderful relationship to have had. Dogs make the most incredible friends and family members. Sending much love.
I wanted to tell you how truely sorry I am that you’ve lost Cookie. There is little worse than the heartbreak of loosing them and I’m sending you love.
Jane x
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Cookie. I had a cat named Cookie who I loved dearly too (in my childhood). Thank you very much for sharing your love of Cookie. I love to hear animal-lover stories, as my family and I are animal lovers (and owners of 3 silly cats). Sending love, hugs, and comfort and hoping that your memories of Cookie give you a sense of peace during this difficult time. Take care.
So sorry to hear your news about Cookie. So hard to lose a loved one!
Kate I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My dog is also my cooking companion and makes every day better. Cookie will be missed!
So sorry for your loss, our fur babies leave their paw prints on our hearts. Sending hugs.
Thank you for sharing, and blessings to you as you mourn for your beloved Cookie. We too have an aging pup. Thank you for the reminder not to take any moment with her for granted. Take good care.
I am so sorry…I am one of millions and millions who know loss and I know Cookie’s with you. Cold comfort, maybe, but there it is. I’ve never commented before, but this feels like a lot. So I am thinking of you and looking forward to what four legged friends will brighten our lives next…when next we are ready.
I’m sorry for your loss. We lost a couple of our best friends in the last few years. They were with us through all the lows and highs. The memories will be cherished 4ever. Plenty of photos 2 look back on. From puppies to adults. My prayers 4 Cookie and your family. Pets r the best. From the Miks Family
I am so sorry. Our beloved dogs should live forever, and yet they give us so so much during their relatively short days on Earth. Much love to both of you.
Your post was lovely and I’m so very sorry. We simply never have enough time with them, however long it may be.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can feel your deep love for Cookie in every word. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. Fur-babies have just as much space in our hearts and lives as humans, and the pain and/or feelings of loss are just as profound. Cookie may be gone in body, but her spirit will live on within you forever. You are correct that we need to embrace that which we hold dear as we never know how long that gift will be shared with us. Hugs sent your way during this difficult time. Tomi
Love and empathy
I’m so sorry for your loss! Our furry family members are just as hard to lose as our human. They give unconditional love.
What a lovely tribute to your furry companion! It is so hard to say goodbye.I hope that, in time, the happy memories of your time together will ease the sadness. I have enjoyed some wonderful meals thanks to you and Cookie. I am making a donation to Wayside Waifs animal shelter in Kansas City in Cookie’s memory. I hope she would approve.
I’m so sorry! It’s so hard to lose them. Thoughts with you!
Dear Kate, my condolences for Cookie’s sweet and giving lifetime with you… I am so grateful you shared your recipes and stories with us in your newsletters and Cookie will be greatly missed by all of us who’s lives she touched. Please let peace wash over you and your family at this time and moving forward.
Kailee and my blue heeler, Amber ♥️
I’m so sorry, it’s such a heavy loss to lose an animal. It absolutely destroyed me when I lost my first dog.
So sorry for your loss. I’m sure Cookie left this earth knowing she was so so loved. I too have a sweet pup who has been with me through these many seasons of life and she’s turning 9 very soon. Thanks for sharing this moment in your life as it reminded me to treasure all the moments I can still share with her.
Cookie (and you) is in my heart. May she live on in your fond memories.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Cookie.
Kate,
So sad to learn that you have lost your lovely dog. You sound so grateful to have had her in your life and that’s the best way to think of her, with gratitude.
Everyone who’s lost a dog knows exactly what you’re feeling.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Kate. The greatest of loves hurt so much! Rest In Peace, Cookie. Sending hugs from Omaha.
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. We are so fortunate to know the love for and of a pet, and that bond that stays with us forever. Cookie will always be in your heart, and I hope you find peace knowing you gave her the best life she could have had. Hugs to you.
I am so sorry you lost Cookie, your beloved family member.
Kate, I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie’s passing. That is a hard loss. I lost my 14 year-old fur-buddy (blue Heeler) not long ago to liver cancer. There are no words for the hole they leave in our lives and hearts….yet, like you, so grateful for every moment and memory. I would often tell him, “I have NEVER had anyone look at me with such adoration in their eyes, and I likely never will.” Thankful for every photo. I look forward to more photos and favorite Cookie stories. Blessings.
Hi Kate – I only found your site not so long ago, and loved the name and that Cookie was your partner in crime. I know it sounds trite, but I am so sorry for your loss and pain. I too am a dyed-in-the-wool dog lover, and have had so many dogs throughout my life, so have been through this many times, and it is never any easier…one of the worst things to experience. But I would share two thoughts: first, focus on the fact that she had a wonderful life with you, and you with her, for SO long – you wouldn’t trade that even to escape a period of intense pain. And honestly, after grieving a bit, you should get another dog – there are SO many great dogs to be rescued – and a new one of course won’t replace Cookie but will begin to repair the whole in your soul. Take care, Doug.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Kate! Cookie was family and I know will be greatly missed. Keep your precious memories of her close to your heart and she will always be there. Hugs for you!
I have been with Cookie + Kate since 9/4/16. I have enjoyed the anecdotes and photos of Cookie over the years. Although she no longer has an earthly presence, she will live forever in your heart. My deepest sympathy .
This post brought tears to my eyes! Cookie was a lucky dog and brought smiles to those of us around the world who follow your blog. Sending love and thoughts to you and Cookie ❤️
I know how you feel. I lost my first dog, Sadie, a Min-Pin in 2007who had a personality like Cookie. People told me to get another, well I held off. So late 2009 I rescued a cock-spaniel Jack. He was a sad dog, he had been mistreated and eventually he had back problems and died in 2010. Then Pierre a Schnooled came into my life and 2011 and he has been the best dog, kind, gentle smart and then he started taken care of me by checking on me to see if I am Ok and is my shadow from room to room. So my advise is to wait a bit and keep an eye out for your next dog. He will find you. So sorry to hear your news. Take care.
I am so sorry for your loss, Rest in Peace Cookie!
What a beautiful tribute to your first baby…Cookie lives on through your work. I know how special the bond is for a girl and her dog…I am so sorry for your loss. <3
Tenderly … may time heal your Sorrow
Gently … may Friends ease your Pain
Softly … may Peace replace Heartaches
And may warmest Memories remain!
So sad to read this news. RIP sweet Cookie, so beautifully remembered here. May you find peace as time passes. ❤️
I am so very sorry. You and Cookie were seemingly inseparable. We lost our Lili over the summer. I hope they are playing together. Take care of yourself.
Dear Kate,
My heart aches over the loss of sweet Cookie, and having lost a few precious pets myself, I know exactly how you feel. It hurts so bad, and the void her passing has created is profound. Cookie was a beautiful dog and a sweetheart, and you both were lucky to enrich and fulfill each other’s lives! Be at peace, knowing you loved her to the utmost. I really hope there IS a Rainbow Bridge to look forward to! Till then, take good care, and yes, love the ones we’re lucky to be with. (Please, no need to reply. Use the extra time to heal.)
My deepest condolences for the loss of Cookie. Our furry family members always are true to their unconditional love for us.
May each passing day bring you peace.
Cookie will always be a part of our lives as well. We all love you Cookie!!! ♥️
I’m so sad to hear of Cookie’s passing. I’ve no doubt that she had the very best life she could have wished for. I imagine it’s a blessing for you and her that you got to spend her final days with her; I hope it brings you comfort to have this sweet closure. My heart goes out to you; thank you for sharing this bittersweet time with us.
I love Cookie’s cameos in your cookbook photos, they make me smile as I flip through the recipes. Our pets teach us so much and your post beautifully captures how grief and gratefulness can be so intertwined when it’s time to say goodbye. Thank you for sharing her with us.
So sorry to hear about Cookie!
I’m so sorry for your loss.