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 sorry, I can tell you loved Cookie so very much♥ Sending big hugs
I am so sorry for your great loss, I know that losing a pet is just like loosing a member of the family! In time when thinking of her, instead of tears I know that she will have put a smile on your face. My sincere condolences.
It’s so very difficult losing a fur baby, I know. We shed tears with you as we remember past days when we lost our fur babies also. God has blessed you with a wonderful husband and girl and may you all feel better soon. Thank you for sharing about Cookie. She was a sweetie!!
So sorry for your precious loss! She was beautiful! May she rest in peace!
I love your recipes, but so sad to hear about Cookie. I know what it feels like to lose a beloved pet. Enjoy all of your wonderful memories together. And, of course, keep cooking.
Im sorry. I cant even imagine the sadness. I am glad you had her and she had you.
Oh Kate! I’m so sorry to hear this very sad news! I have loved seeing photos of Cookie for many years and have shared them with my daughter who also loved her. I wish I had magic words to heal your broken heart – there is nothing to compare with the bond shared between us and our pets. My cat Diamond was sitting in my lap and purring as I cried through your story. I wish you strength and hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with Cookie and the love you have with your family.
Thank you, Sharmin. Please give Diamond a pet for me.
I am so sorry for your loss ❤️
Hi Kate,
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m living with my 14 year old grandpup and it’s a challenge, but I am appreciating him more today thanks to Cookie’s story.
My sincerest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Cookie. Pets have been my best friends also so I really feel for you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Kate! I absolutely love your recipes! I have made quite a few of them and some of them for my family, which they loved, and enjoyed. Thank you for sharing your amazing recipes and story with us! My heart goes out to you for losing a best friend. It is never easy. Thank you again for always sharing the wonderful taste of food. Would you have created with a lifelong friend. ❤️
Thank you for sharing sweet Cookie with all of us over the years. She gave you exactly what you needed and will continue to be with you in other ways. Much love and hugs
To Kate and family,
Those of us that have “Cookies” know your love and heartbreak
Lots of love.
My heart goes out to you- I am so sorry for your loss! I lost a beloved cat to lymphoma, he was only 6 years old and we were absolutely heartbroken.
Treasure your wonderful memories, and she will never truly leave you. Sending you hugs from Australia xxxxxx
I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about Cookie:(
BTW…I love your recipes/cookbook! XO
Dear Sweet Kate, I am so sorry for your, our loss. But what a beautiful tribute. You were both so lucky to have found each other. You gave her a great life. She will live on in this blog and our hearts.
I’m so so very sorry to hear this, our furry angels leave us far too soon. What a beautiful life you had together and what a tribute you’ve made to her! Cookie lives on in your blog posts, your cookbook and most importantly in your memories, thank you for sharing her journey with us xo
I’m so sorry to hear about your Cookie. There’s nothing quite like the loss of not just a pet but a family member. Whenever I’m making recipes from your book, the pictures of you and Cookie always bring a smile to my face. In them you can see just how happy she was to be in your presence, and a part of your taste testing process :) She was so loved and lived an amazing life <3 , just like what I want my dog to have. Rest in peace over the rainbow Cookie.
Thank you, Amber. We were just delighted with one another.
Oh, Kate, so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Cookie! As you know better than anyone, was so loved and cared for and yes, we humans do our best to make the best decisions that we can for our fur babies, not always certain of anything except for our love and desire to do right by our dear ones. Wishing you peace and many happy memories of your sweet Cookie.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that Cookie is resting in peace. It is so heartbreaking to lose a much-loved companion. I look forward to seeing photos of your life with your beloved Cookie.
So sorry for your loss. Your post made me tear up! Dogs are incredible companions. Sending a hug.
I am so sorry about Cookie. Hopefully knowing you gave her the best life possible will provide comfort. Dogs rule and Cookie will always be in your heart and lives on through all your memories and recipes.
Oh Kate I am so so sorry and send you love and hope your wonderful memories of Cookie’s legacy carry you forward. Thank you for sharing and allowing your very large extended family to grieve with you too. XXOO
We lost our beloved dog, Maggy last june. She was sixteen years old so I know how it is when she looses her sight and health. I’ve been so grateful to have her all those years. We won’t have another dog because we are old but she lives in our hearts and memories.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The two of you were truly fortunate to have found each other.
I am so sorry. I had to put my best Wally down last September after 16 years. He was the best dog I ever had, a flat haired retriever. He was by my side just about everywhere, al had the best personality of any living creature I’ve known. This loss will hurt a long while, nothing you can do. My condolences.
I’m sorry that you lost your Cookie, Eric. Wally sounds so special.
I am so sorry for your loss! Our pets truly become “one of the family” and it’s always a sad day when we have to say goodbye. I hope you remember all the joy and smiles and good times that you and Cookie enjoyed. Heartfelt hugs from Wisconsin.
Kate, please accept my condolences on the loss of your sweet Cookie. I know how painful that loss is. She was woven into your family’s life and part of your loving history. Cookie was very lucky indeed to be able to share her life with you. God bless you guys!
My heart reaches out to you across the miles (UK) no words can describe the devastation at the loss of such unconditional love that you have become accustomed to and shared… so sorry to have just read your sad news. Your heart must feel broken right now. Try and remember the happy times that you shared. I lost my cat 3 years ago, I had her from 6 weeks old and she passed away at 22yrs old. She lived longer with me than my Son, who went off to University at 18yrs old! I can still remember the pain I felt in my heart when her time came… I am thinking of you at this very sad time and sending you love and strength and virtual x
Dearest Kate,
I am new to your website and I was so thrilled to find a vegetarian website with so many wonderful recipes and options. As a vegetarian I have always struggled to find recipes that are delicious and healthy. I have so far made your black bean, lentil and pasta fagioli soups and I love them. I am so heartbroken to hear about your dog Cookie. As a animal lover I can understand how much she meant to you and it is like losing a family member. Thank you for sharing your special moments with Cookie with all of us. I pray you will get through this loss and will be stronger due to the unconditional love and special bond you both shared. Please know Cookie will be remembered fondly and will always be a part of you.
With sincere condolences,
Raja
Hi Raja, thank you so much for your nice note. I’m really glad you’re enjoying the recipes. They will always remind me of Cookie.
I’m so sorry to hear about sweet Cookie. What a hard time for you. But what a beautiful blessing—God assigned Cookie to you giving you joy, comfort, and happiness. May God tenderly care for you today and in the days ahead.
Vickie Jenkins, Columbia SC
I have been following you for a number of years and always enjoyed the photo of your dear little dog. My condolences and thoughts go out to you on losing your pet. They are family members and when we have to say goodbye it is heartbreaking. God bless Cookie and her memory. All my warmest wishes to you.
So sorry for your loss, Kate. I know how hard it is lose our fur family members. Take care as you mice on with out your beloved Cookie!…
Dear Kate,
I am truly so sorry for your loss. Cookie was such a special companion and I know you love her so. I love my dogs so much and recently lost one from cancer. I know you are just heartbroken. I am glad you had your wonderful times with her.
With Love,
Lisa
I am so sorry for your loss. You wrote a loving and dear article about the two of you that touched my heart. The deep pain and grief doesn’t ever end but the joy you had together doesn’t either.
God bless you and Cookie.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I have been a Cookie fan since I first saw her pictures in the cookbook. She was much loved and will be much missed.
Kate,
I am truly heart broken to hear about Cookie. I have been following Cookie and Kate’s blog for the past several years and look forward to you inspiring recipes and words.
Know that we serve a loving God who never wants us to suffer and we will all be together again in a better place – including Cookie by your side and Tess and Oreo by my side.
God’s peace.
Devin Rutkowski
Sarasota, FL.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet pup who clearly lived a full life and was loved wholly every day.
Kate, this is a lovely tribute to a beautiful pet and I am so very sorry for your loss. Cookie will live on forever on my bookshelf (and in my heart).
I am so sorry ♥️♥️ Cookie is lovely! I so wish that our pups could be with us always. Sending hugs with love from all of our pack here!
I’m so sorry for the loss of Cookie. I know how hard it is to lose a dog. Our dog also died from Lymphoma but we only had 9 weeks after his diagnosis. It took me 7 years and a new country to get another dog. I know you have wonderful memories of your time with Cookie.
Dear Kate
Life is fragile in so much as we are here to experience it all which brings every emotion to understand and embrace. Our memories are the bonding glue that stick with us eternally and reinforce the meaning of love, joy, peace and perspective. Our humanness knows and feels sorrow but gives us also the ultimate in happiness, compassion and gratitude. Thank you for sharing this very personal and sorrowful time with all of us. I share the ache in your heart as you go through this time.
I so love your recipes.
So sorry to hear the news; it’s a terrible loss. I’m sure you have always done the right thing for her. And she was obviously a good judge of food. Thanks to you both for all your delicious recipes.
My sympathies are with you. It is so difficult to lose a much loved fur baby.
Kate,
I am so so very sorry about Cookie. I first discovered you both in your cookbook while visiting Barnes and Noble. In the photos, it was so evident that Cookie was having the time of her life and also how very much you loved and adored her. Cherished is the word that comes to mind — she was a very loved dog living her perfect life with you. Sending hugs your way.
Thank you, Ellen. Your kind words brought tears to my eyes. She was absolutely cherished.
Oh, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. God bless!
My heart is with you. So sorry for your loss.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss.
Denise S.
Chico CA
Hi Kate,
I feel heartbroken for you, as animals certainly do leave their paw prints on our hearts! Cookie will now be your Angel, who will always watch over you X Big Hugs X
Hi Kate,
I am very truly sorry for the loss of Cookie. She was a sweet little friend. We have enjoyed cooking along side you guys with our veggie loving mutt for years.
Much Love from,
Nicole, Sarah, and our doggy Rodrick <3