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 am so very sorry for your loss of Cookie. She will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
Bless Cookie. I’ve said goodbye to a number of beloved fur partners over the years. It never gets easier, but I do cherish the happy memories with each of them. They have carried me through my darkest hours.
Bless you too for all the love you gave her.
So sorry about Cookie. I loved seeing her picture and imagining you cookie while she begged for food. Our furries friends never live long enough, but you obviously gave her the best life she could ever hope for.
When my second dog passed I received a sympathy card from my vet with the story of the Rainbow Bridge and cried happy tears. Since then I have had three other dogs take that bridge. It is difficult to lose a beloved friend and pet and I am very sorry for your loss of Cookie. The pain while ease with time but remember Cookie will always be walking by your side. I recently rescued another dog and will continue to do so as long as I am walking this earth. Prayers for you and Cookie.
Dear Kate,
My heart breaks for your loss. I feel your deep pain and hope these words bring you some comfort.
I had 11 years with my pal Kobe who we lost this past November. He too succumbed to lymphoma but past within 2 months of his diagnosis. Being an empty nester, and with Kobe always nearby left such a big hole in my life. But I can truly tell you with time, it gets easier. You’ll always miss Cookie and that’s OK because you’ll draw from your happy times! I know he’s pain free, eating up a storm and chasing squirrels wherever he is! Not going to lie, I still say “night night” to my boy.
Take time to grieve. Looking forward to seeing your Cookie photos when you’re ready to post again.
Thank you, Naomi. I’m sorry that lymphoma took your pal too soon. Hoping to share more photos and stories soon—there are so many!
Oh Kate. I am so sorry. I have tears in my eyes. I’m glad you had so many good years with her – what a special friend she was to you. Big hugs.
Lisa Mc
Kate – it is always so hard to lose one’s dearest dog. We have done four rescues. When we had to think about putting down our first (Cady) our vet said “You will always wonder if you waited to long or moved too soon”. Dr. McDougal was the best vet we have ever had. He said that he would help us know. Cookie was a joy. You loved her and she loved you…and you made her life a joy. – Mary (and Millie, Molly, Nala and Cady).
Oh… I am so sorry for you, She was a cutie and I loved her photos in all your books and emails. That is a beautiful announcement, and yes, you did the right thing, it was all out of love. But it really hurts, and I feel your pain. So,so sorry.
So sorry for your loss, but she will truly be with you forever. You have created a great legacy that will continue for many years. My dog Rosco loves cooking your recipes with me. Sending love and thoughts to help comfort your grief.
I’m sorry that you lost Cookie- this must be so hard! She was lucky to have you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our furbabies so enrich our lives, during the short time we get to have them.
Oh, Kate! I am praying for an outpouring of strength & grace & comfort & peace for you & all you love during this time.
How lucky you are to have had such a relationship with Cookie! I hope you find comfort in all the memories of the times you shared.
Truly the luckiest. Thank you, Donna.
Kate,
My heart is heavy as I write this, and I can only imagine how you must feel. I feel I have known Cookie ever since I bought your cookbook in 2017, and started making your delicious recipes. It was entertaining to see the photos of beautiful Cookie in the book; I could see her lively personality come through in the photos. I will miss knowing she is with you as I use your book; the two of you were a great team. You gave her a long and beautiful life that will bring comfort to you in the future. I am so very sorry.
Sincerely,
Roberta
Roberta, thank you for your note. She was so expressive and I’m so glad that you got to know her through her photos. All my best to you.
A beautiful post about your sweet Cookie.
Thinking of you. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. You know she will always be with you.You will be together again. She will be waiting for you.
Thank you for sharing your story about your Cookie doggie. I, too, have a Cookie dog and love her so much. They are truly cherished members of our families. It’s the hardest thing to decide to let them walk over the “rainbow bridge” but it is best. May her memory be eternal!
Our precious pups love us no matter what and are a true gift. Cookie will be with you furever ❤️. Deepest condolences.
Thank you for the honest, beautiful, painful post about Cookie! What a wonderful friendship!!
You might find something beautiful in one of Mary Oliver’s poems: Little Dog’s Rhapsody in the Night (Percy Three).
Thank you, Leon, and thank you for the poem suggestion. It just brought a tear down my cheek. They are such wonderful creatures.
I am so sad for you, Kate. Cookie’s death will leave a big empty place. But as you said, no dog could have been more loved, right to her last breath, and she will have taken your love with her, just as her devotion will stay with you, as will the millions of happy moments you shared with her. Xx
Thank you, Kathy. Your words bring me some peace.
So beautifully said. I always looked forward to both your posts and recipes. Dogs offer such great companionship. Bless you and Cookie!!
So sorry for the loss and sadness you feel. May your memories of Cookie bring your comfort and peace.
I love Cookie!! I will miss the photos of her peering over the counter trying to see what was in the bowl or on the counter. So sorry for your loss, she was truly special❤️
Thank you. She was so special and always trying to get into something. :)
Oh NO!!!! Tears streamed down my face as I read your post. I am terribly sorry to hear this. From one dog lover to another I know what a huge loss this is, and as you so eloquently described she was such an amazing dog and you two had such a great life together. Grief (in my view) needs to be witnessed, and I look forward to hearing more stories about her. All my best Kate. And hugs, even though we have never met!
Thank you, Anita. I hope I can do her justice when I share more of our stories together. She was really something.
I like any have followed you from the first… cookbook included.
You write with the poetry of the heart: a gift. May Cookie’s memory be your gift for all the days of your life.
Deep regard,
Rob
Aww Kate, so sorry for your loss. I do know the feeling. I have 2 Live Stuffed Animals as I refer to my two kitty cats Simmie 17 and Pierre 15 years old.
It’s hard each time one loses and family member/friend.
Thank you for sharing your loss, grief and joy.
Warmly, Abbe
My heart sank when I read the subject line, and I am sending you healing thoughts. What a beautiful eulogy you wrote.❤️ You were indeed lucky to have Cookie for 13 years, and I’m sure a Cookie treasured every moment as much as you did.
Dear Kate, I cried when I read about Cookie. I am so sorry she had to go . . . I know she will always be snuggled next to you, in your heart and memories. I lost my 14 yo pup, Deja, in June last year and I know how it hurts. I am glad that Cookie found you and shared his life with you.
We got a new dog just 2 months later. We knew we couldn’t live w/o a dog in our lives so we just opened up to the universe and Maggie found us in August. Funny thing is, she looks just like Deja (her markings and coloring) but Maggie is much smaller. I think Deja sent her. I know too that when the time is right a new pup will find you and help you heal.
Best wishes to you and family,
BobbieR
PS we still call Maggie ‘Deja’ at times and feel that familiar tug in our hearts. We will always miss her like you are missing your sweet Buddy Cookie❤️❤️❤️
Oh, Kate. I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are truly part of the family. Hugs to you.
Sending you love. We don’t always give ourselves grace to mourn pets the way we do other loved ones but I know they can be just as painful. Thanks for sharing cookie with all of us, too
We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. Memory, though, is a kind of beautiful immortality. (Irving Townsend)
May your priceless memories of Cookie linger in your soul and your kitchen.
Thank you for your wonderful devotion to vegetables. Love your recipes.
Thank you for the quote, Caroline. It’s so fitting. All my best.
I am so sorry. I am old enough to have outlived many dogs and cats – our beloved beagle Duke lived to be 17! It is one of the hardest things I have ever been through. When you bring a dog or cat home, you know that you how it is going to end. Yet, they bring so much love and joy and happiness, you adopt again. I wouldn’t trade having them in my life, albeit for a short time, for anything.
Thank you, Amy. She was 1000% worth the heartache I’m feeling now. Your animals have been so lucky to have you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. We went thru a similar situation with my dog Casey. He was the best. He developed multiple myeloma at the same time I was facing my own cancer diagnosis. I found out more about my condition while researching vet Med sites for Casey. We laughed about it with our vet. We were so fortunate to say goodbye while at our vet’s. He was there too. In some ways I have wondered if we should’ve done something to end the suffering but your story made me realize how lucky we were to be able to spend Casey’s last days with him. He was (and still is) a huge part of our lives. We miss him every single day and are so grateful we found him at UC Davis’s Picnic Day. He was 3 months old and slept thru the day. If a dog could do that he’d be a great family member and he was the best. Even if your memories bring tears, you have those memories for life. Most of our tears are followed with laughter remember a funny Casey moment. My thoughts are with you.
Hi Melissa, thank you for your note. I never wanted to research lymphoma, but I sure learned a lot about it. It brings me some peace to know that my words brought you some peace. All my best, and cheers to our happy memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have lost 2 beloved Japanese Chins and my 3rd, who was born in the same year as Cookie, is currently seesawing between kidney and heart failure, so I understand how painful her loss is for you. I hope you can find comfort in your many wonderful memories of her, and in the knowledge that you gave her her best life.
It will feel ‘jarring’ for me the next time I respond to a compliment for dinner to say, “It’s a great recipe, from Cookie and Kate.” My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Thank you, Gail. Sending love your way as you navigate this difficult time with your third.
So sad for you and yours.
A dog is such a blessing and Cookie was an adorable, funny girl.
I so enjoyed your posts about Cookie and all your adventures.
She brought your readers much joy.
Sincerely,
Joy Czochanski
So so sorry for your loss.
Sending love. <3
Ah, Kate. My heart goes out to you. I instantly was saddened when I saw your email. What a special companion you had in Cookie. I hope you are comforted by your memories. I LOVE your recipes and have shared your website and cookbook with so many friends. Thank you for all you do.
Kelly, thank you so much for sharing my work with your loved ones. Cookie was so very special and I hope this website lives up as a suitable tribute for many years to come.
I’m heartbroken for you- our dogs are the absolute best and it’s so painful to say goodbye to them. Cherish the memories of a life well-lived together- lots of love to you and your family.
Your reminiscence of Cookie brought a happy tear to my eye. Only a soul who has loved and lost a dog can feel your loss and suffer with you. As bleak as it feels, you will be left with the sweet memories to tell her stories. Look forward to it.
Thank you, Pat, for understanding. All my best,
As a dog lover, I am absolutely devastated to read about Cookie. I’m so sorry for your loss. Our dogs bring so much joy and happiness into our lives.
Oh Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a gift it was to have Cookie by your side during all those formative years of your life. I hope you are able to cherish those memories as you walk through the grief.
My daughter introduced me to your beautiful cookbook about five years ago and it has graced my cookbook stand, brightening our kitchen and our meals, ever since. I have enjoyed following your journey from single woman to married mother. I wish you all the best moving forward without Cookie.
Yes, she was such a gift. All my best to you, Julie. Thank you for following along.
Kate, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved pup, Cookie. You were two lucky gals to have found one another, and it sounds like you both made each other’s lives more wonderful.
So sorry for your loss! Fur babies are also family! May your broken heart heal and know you were blessed to have Cookie in your life. Doggie Heaven is enjoying Cookie now.
I am so terribly sorry, Kate, for the passing of your sweet little Cookie. I know the depth of pain is terribly profound and nothing will be the same without her. I send you my hugs and prayers for comfort. May you have comfort from the wonderful memories. God bless you.
Kate, I am so sorry to hear about Cookie! Our little furry loves give us so much and it is unimaginably painful to say good-bye to them. We had a cat – Benny. I spoiled him rotten and he wore it well, with a lot of grace. My husband kidded / chided me about it. My response: “He won’t be with us long enough.” I am happy I spoiled my boy. I am sure you did your best for Cookie. She knew it and she loved you for it.
We will all miss Cookie!
Benny was a lucky boy. I sure tried. Thank you, Mye!
I admit that when I read this, I became choked up and it was hard to even imagine what you and your family are feeling right now. For years now I have been cooking from your Love Real Food cookbook, and I delight to see Cookie’s images sprinkled throughout the pages. She has become a part of our lives too as she shares with you so many wonderful recipes. Your tribute to her captures how special she is and how much she enriched your life. Remember, you will see her again one day! Much love…Lucinda.
Thank you, Lucinda, for your kind words. I miss her dearly and look forward to seeing her again someday.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our much-loved pets make our lives immeasurably brighter. We never have them long enough.
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Cookie, who for 13 years gave and received all the love and affection possible. May the memories you hold close to your heart help to give you comfort and bring a little sunshine your way.
Sorry for you loss