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. What a tremendous loss. Sending love your way.
Kate. The heartache is real. Our companions take a part of us with them thus leaving that void that will again be filled when reunited. They are us as we are them.
I’m so sorry. I am sending comfort and healing vibes to you. Love that you have had her in your life. What a gift. I’m hugging mine a little tighter!
And I am crying with you. Cookie was a beautiful dog and I loved your tribute to her. Dogs are the best!!! Thank you for sharing Cookie with us
I’m so sorry.
So sorry to hear that Cookie has passed, but you have13 beautiful years of memories with her ….
sometimes when we try to comfort a person, the first thing we say is, “i know how you feel”. while we mean well, we very often have never gone through what exactly what they are experiencing. i,however, have. the void that the loss of a creature who loved you unconditionally it’s entire life, leaves a terrible void. please know i do share in the pain of your loss
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Cookie.
I m so so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful relationship – legacy- you had. You touched my heart with this goodbye.
<3
Condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved Cookie! She will always remain in your heart It is so tough to lose the unconditional love of a pet.
The love of our fur babies is so very special. So happy you were blessed with such a sweet soul. Love to you both and your family during this time
Hi Kate,
I am sorry to hear about cookie your dog. My sincere condolences to you. thank you for sharing. Cherish the memories!
Hugs, Deb
Dear Kate,
I’m devastated to hear this news. My most sincere condolences. Losing a beloved pet is so hard. I know that Cookie will live on forever in your heart ❤️
Julia
I’m so sorry, I lost my dog last year, but she is still with me in spirit.
They are never here long enough–I am so very sorry
I’m so sorry for the loss of Cookie. I’m a dog lover too so my heart goes out to you. And thanks for your wonderful recipes as well.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Cookie. You, Cookie, and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear about your precious Cookie. You were so blessed to have had each other.
I love your cookbook. I’m sure Cookie had a paw in its’ creation. I have given it as gifts several times and the recipients loved it, as do I. You and Cookie are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Linda, and thank you for sharing our book. All my best.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thanks, Cookie, for your part in all the recipes. ❤️
So so sorry to hear about Cookie. Big hugs to you Kate, thank you for providing all your delicious recipes.
So very sorry to hear about Cookie. I too have experienced the loss of a beloved dog and know it can leave a hole in your heart. My deepest condolences. I have enjoyed your website and delicious recipes over the years. Your book is in my kitchen. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Ann.
Our family just tried your mango burrito bowls tonight (substituted chicken for the tofu). Soooo Good!
We came across your site and will be having the stuffed peppers this week as well.
So sorry for your loss. Our doggie got us through some medical challenges as well.
Thank you for you for all your great ideas.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Cookie and I am sad that you are dealing with this. Dogs are some of the best companions and the only thing wrong with dogs is that they don’t live long enough. I’m happy that she had such a wonderful life with you.
That’s so right. Thank you, Christine.
I’ve been following your journey and making your recipes for a while now. In fact, the other day, I wondered how Cookie was doing. I’m so sad to hear she’s passed. This article is such a beautiful tribute to her and your friendship. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Dear Kate,
Please remember Cookie had you. As much as you loved her, she loved you. She was lucky to spend her life with you. Losing a member of your family is tough and Cookie is a family member. A lot can be said about unconditional love, but please know Cookie couldn’t have been so special without you.
Hang tough and know you are loved by many!
Leslie
Thank you, Leslie.
So sorry to hear about Cookie. We dog lovers all know that we so often out live our canine companions but it’s so hard when it becomes real. Please know that you gave her the best life she could have and that’s all our pups want. My pups, Maya and Dont’A, are sending their most positive doggie vibes to you. Sharon
Oh, I am so terribly sad to hear your news about Cookie! I hope you find some healing and peace in knowing that Cookie was well loved.
So sorry to hear about Cookie. Praying for you and your family to have peace and comfort in this time of loss.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious Cookie. What a wonderful special bond you shared. She will always be with you. May have memory be a blessing!
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. It is so heartbreaking to lose a pet. They are family members and we grieve over them when they leave us. Take comfort in knowing you gave Cookie a wonderful life and was greatly loved.
Oh gosh, I am so sad to see this! I came here in search of some dinner ideas with some trepidation, knowing that Cookie had been having some issues. I know this is a tough time.
This site has been a great companion to me over the years. When I’ve needed it, it’s stepped up and brought me go-to recipes. Did so today too (Best Lentil Soup! Sorry Virginia! I think this one is now going to be the my mainstay!)
Take care!
Hello Kate ,
I am so sorry to hear about your faithful friend Cookie passing . I know it hurts. One can get so attached to these four legged friends. Time will heal. You might be already considering another special doggie to come into your life and be a blessing as well as Cookie was. Anyways, whatever you choose… we thank our creator God for giving us such blessings to enjoy while on this earth.
Thank you for sharing part of your life’s special moments and thank you for the good recipes too.
Warmly,
Rosa A
My condolences on losing Cookie.
Dogs are wonderful and faithful.
They truly are man’s best friend.
Always there for you, by your side.
Here’s to Cookie looking down on you.
Always,
Diane
❤️so sorry for your loss. i loved meeting her when i found your website. May Cookie rest in peace.
I am so sorry in the loss of your beloved Cookie. Our loved pets are so much a part of us. May God bless you as you navigate without your most loved Cookie.
I recently made the German Chocolate cake for our birthday’s. Wow it is so wonderful and good! Thank you for your gift of good cooking.
Kate I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is no different than losing a member of your family. Thanks for sharing with us.
Been following you guys and making your delicious recipes for ages. I’ve also had to put down 2 dogs and it’s so darn hard. Sending hugs to you
Oh Kate I am so sorry to read this. I have been following you and Cookie for years and cooked countless number of your recipes. Your bond with Cookie reminds me of mine with my little black and white furry shadow, Poh, and I can only imagine how you are feeling right now. Cookie was so loved and such a lucky girl to spend her life with you. Sending love and best wishes from Australia.
So sorry for our loss. Always felt she was part of the joy of cooking with you. So glad you have loving family to support you through this.
I’m so sorry for your loss! We never seem to get enough time with our precious pups and kitties :( Continue with your wonderful memories :)Time will pass and it will get a little easier.
xoxo Jody
So sorry to hear about Cookie. What a wonderful long life she had with you. I’m sure she knew how much she was loved. Peace to your family.
So sorry for your loss
Oh Kate, so sorry about Cookie, your best buddy. Love sent out to you in your sadness.
Alice
So so sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry! I’ve been following along for years. Cookie was such a sweet dog. May you be comforted by your many loving memories.
Your Cookie reminded me of my Ruby. I know the loss you feel and I’m sorry. Hold onto your memories. Cookie will always be a part of you and what you’ve created. Sending love your way. ❤️
Oh Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. Cookie was a real cutie and even from the photos you can tell she had tons of personality. I lost my cat recently – same situation as you, adopted her out of college and she was my buddy through so much of life’s transitions and lessons until I was stable in life and love. Hugs to you as you figure out how to live life without her.
Thank you, Breanne. How lucky we are to have had their company during those times. Hugs back.
A small, soft breeze carries her love for you to feel. Bless you..
Thank you for the wonderful recipes.
Heloise Idsteihn.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It feels like a loss to all of us who’ve followed over the years as well. <3