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.
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie.
It was such a blessing that she passed from old age and not the cancer. You did the best for her, you & your wonderful family.
I loved reading about all of you.
Cookie’s memories will bring you comfort, and in the near future smiles & laughter.
Bless you all.
Miriam
I understand, I lost my Emma last year, she was 14. And I really agree about appreciating what you have while you have it … easier said than done sometimes but definitely a secret to living life well. Thank you for sharing Cookie with us❤️.
Kate, I am sorry about the loss of your sweet dog Cookie, I know the pain of losing a beloved pet. But I have a Friend who will never leave me nor forsake me and He loves ❤ me unconditionally always, His name is JESUS. John 3:16 Hebrews 13:5, God bless you comfort you and give you peace.
Kate, I’m so sorry for the loss of your best friend. I do know that when the hurt is so strong, its because your love was so strong. They truly are man’s best friend. And I consider it a blessing to take such loving care of one of God’s greatest gifts. I pray for comfort for you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your days get brighter everyday. That’s what Cookie would have wanted, she always wanted to cheer you up.
So very sorry for your loss. Cookie’s smile in your bio always made ME smile. May you (and your family) find comfort in all the amazing memories. RIP Cookie – have fun taste testing with all the other pups in heaven!
Dear Kate,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your cherished Cookie. Everyone who has ever loved a pet knows the emptiness and heartache of the loss. I hope that you are consoled knowing that Cookie had the best life a dog could ever wish for. She was your best pal, and you were hers.
Sincerely,
Mary
Thank you for sharing this Kate. We had to put down our old dog recently too so I share the heartache and wonder if we did it all at the right time. We have a new puppy in our lives now, which brings a different kind of joy. All good. Love your recipes and thoughts-judy
Oh, Kate.
I was so sorry to read about your loss. I’m heartbroken for you but also know how much joy, humor, and love our little (and not so little) fur babies bring us every single day. Snuggling my pups a bit tighter today and thinking of you. ♥️
Dear Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. Cookie was the best girl. The only thing wrong with dogs is that we outlive them. For those who count their lives in dog cycles, the passing of your furby is a significant.
Oh, Kate, sending you love and comfort. Dogs touch our hearts like no one or nothing else. She was a very lucky girl to have you.
Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. I too loved seeing Kate in your cookbook photos. Knowing the story of both of you together has made me smile despite being sad. I have animals too that will be really missed when it’s their time to leave this Earth.
I’m sad to hear that Cookie has left you. I also have a four legged life partner and I can’t imagine a day without my sweet beloved Pablo. I’m sending you positive vibes to get you through your loss. Cherish the memories of her passing in your life.
Kate, I’m so sorry to read of your loss. As a dog mom and one who has lost several including one who was truly my “spirit animal” and saw me through alot of changes, I know how heartbreaking it can be. Cookie will always be with you in spirit:)
Kate, I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious and sweet Cookie. Her face was so cute. This is the hardest part of loving our pets but is so worth it. My heart goes out to you. Please don’t wonder if you made the right decisions. You did the best with the knowledge you had at the time it was happening. That’s all any of us can do. Your Cookie knew how much she was loved, some dogs never know that.
My heart aches for you. Experiencing the love and devotion of a furry friend is one of the most precious things given to us in this life. May happy memories of Cookie help ease your heartbreak. Hugs
This broke my heart. I love your recipes and love that you named your website to include your precious Cookie. Dogs give so much love and are never forgotten. Cookie is running across that Rainbow Bridge. You are in my thoughts.
Heather Erwin
As it is said, our dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole. Our pets reach into our hearts and souls in ways that are unimaginable and immense. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that you are missing the incredible joy that she has always brought you.
The loss of a fury friend is one of the hardest and least understood losses — it hurts and it’s sad. Take the time to mourn her — she was a part of your family. My sincere condolences.
So very sorry to learn about your beloved Cookie’s passing over the rainbow Bridge. As a dog owner and lover, I understand the incredible loving bond. ❤️
Cheryl
I just lost my lovely cat Java of 15 years, so I share your heartbreak and your love for a great companion and pal.
Cookie was so beautiful and as much as you have written how blessed you were to have her, I can guess that she was very blessed and grateful to have you. Please accept my condolences as I know the loss our four legged family can have.
Create a recipe in honour of her. ❤️
Warmly, Elizabeth
Hi Kate, Losing your pet, friend and companion is so very difficult. I still after more than 12 years think about our Golden retriever dog. She also suffered with terminal cancer but my husband did everything and I cooked natural foods at the end to help her eat. Sad day when she passed away. My husband was pretty old so we decided not to have another dog. I live on a very quiet street with lots of dogs passing by. Love to watch them with their owners, kids etc…I say to you to maybe think of another lovely pet some day. Take care, Peggy
Sorry to hear about your Cookie. She looks like a good girl. I’ve had 5 dogs and 2 cats that left earth during a five year period due to old age and sickness and it never gets easier. Cookie had a really good dog life with you. Hang in there
Cookie was so beautiful and as much as you have written how blessed you were to have her, I can guess that she was very blessed and grateful to have you. Please accept my condolences as I know the loss our four legged family can have.
Create a recipe in honour of her. ❤️
Warmly, Elizabeth
Sending you loads of love. Wishes that cookie is flying high and surrounded by love and light
Dear Kate: I am so sorry for your loss. I usually don’t comment, but your memories of Cookie touched my heart. Carmelle, our cockapoo who grew up with my young boys and lived to 17 was our treasured family member. Thinking of her always brings us a smile, and I hope your wonderful memories of Cookie will help you through your loss. Thinking of you.
So sorry to hear about Kate- we know howit feels when your best dog leaves you. She will always be with you so be thankful you got to share in her life! Love, Margie Veon
Totally understand how you feel. We said good-bye to our Aussie after 14-1/2 years of constant companionship with her quirky personality.
Please take your time…many people told us they just knew we would replace her within a couple months. Well, it’s been 3 years and we still have no plans for another dog.
I loved her in your photos. Thank you for sharing. Your post was a beautiful tribute. Cherish your sweet memories of her!
Kate, I’m so very sad for your loss. I’ll be devasted when I lose my little Ziggy. Although he’s already nine, I hope to have him for many more years.
You wrote such a beautful and uplifting recap of Cookie’s life. It’s still sad though when we lose our precious pets.
My condolences and gratitude for good people like you.
Loyal follower,
Kathryn
I’m so sorry for your loss! We lost our little old dog, Pepper, last year. It is so painful. You were a great dog mom and made Cookie’s life happy and full!
Dear Sweet Kate,
May the universe console you, hold your heart in its loving hands and help you during this most difficult time. I am sorry for your loss. Cookie has moved on and you you will meet her again.
All my love,
Lillian
Awe, I am so sorry for the loss of Cookie. I have been following you for years, and Cookie and Kate are house hold names. My two now grown and married daughter are cooking from your recipes. I was just talking about Cookie to my son in law a couple of weeks ago, we are dog lovers, when I made your veggie chili. Cookie meant a lot to many and will be missed.❤️
Sending you and your family love as you grieve your beautiful dog Cookie. She will live on in your heart and your cookbook. Welcome to the rainbow bridge Cookie ❤️
Dear Kate,
I was to extend my sympathy to uou and your family over Cookie’s passing. I lost my Boston at Christmastime in 2016, and another rescue and belived dog in April 2017. As they say, the grief never leaves, you just learn to live with it. After losing those two special furry babies, i read that the grief is so intense because the love was so great and now has nowhere to go.
A few months later, we got a new dog and then another about 2.5 years ago. These keep us busy and we love them very much, but my two who are gone are always in my heart.
My heart goes out to you and I will keep you and yours in my prayers
Enjoy your blog and emails so much. Bought one of your cookbooks few years ago. Keep up the great work!
With love,
Julie Moring
Dear Kate, I am so sorry for your loss.
We lost our beautiful golden girl late December. Lala was my constant companion and source of sunshine.
Thank you for sharing, joy and sorrow. Love & Light to you in this time.
Namaste,
Margarita
Dear Kate,
I am very sorry on Cookie’s passing. Sending you love and light. ❤️
Kate – I’m so sorry, our pups are everything to us, they exist to love and be loved – sending love and hugs xxx
Kate, I am tearing up at the loss of Cookie. Your loss brings back my own, my Scottish Deerhound Renna last year, who was such a sweet girl!
Thank you for sharing Cookie with us. Such great photos of her in your cookbook!
Cookie will always be in your heart and at your side, she will never leave you. Sending hugs your way.
Sending sincere condolences for your loss. A beloved pet is a true blessing. You’ll always have the memories!
P.S. I love your posts and recipes!
Dear Kate, I’m so sorry to read this but I am so relieved that your girl chose her own path and died with you. How fortunate for you to be with her for so long. I have dreaded this day, as I knew it would come. Bless her heart. I know she is there with you. You may be surprised to feel her presence, but don’t be. She made you complete and she will continue to be by your side. Sending so much love and gratiru6that you shared Cookie through your site.
Aww she certainly had a great life! I have never written a comment but have been following you for years. Your cookbook is my # 1. Then to follow you thru your pregnancy, cookie so patient when your little one arrived! So today when I read your email it was sad but Cookie is on a”kitchen cloud”sampling right along with you! Thanks for all your delicious recipes
Dear Kate, What a gift you had in Cookie and Cookie had in you. May the smiles of your happy memories outweigh the tears of missing your beloved sidekick, if not now, soon. ♡Laurie
To be so loved for so long….Cookie was a very lucky girl too ❤ I hope the many and beautiful memories you have of Cookie will be a comfort to you.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet Cookie, Kate. What a friend she was to you. She always brought a smile to my face here on your website. Much love.
Really sorry to hear about your Cookie love your book and the inspiration from you both xx
I’m typing through tears because I know the love of a loyal dog. I have also been following the two of you from just about the beginning. You have been blessed dear Kate, and no one could be more deserving. Cookie will always be with you in your heart, and in every wonderful dish you have given us.
Kate, I’m so, so sorry to hear about Cookie! I lost the love of my life, my beautiful Whippet, Olivia, last February and my heart is broken. I think of her every single day. Thank you for sharing Cookie with us. I’m so happy that you had her love — and that all those wonderful memories will remain.
I’m so sorry, Kate. It’s always so hard to let pets go when it’s their time. All we can do is make sure they have the best life possible while they’re with us, and that Cookie had in abundance!