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. That’s the worst part of loving. Thanks for loving and caring for her.
Oh no. I’m so sorry. My heart breaks for you. Cookie was the best girl.
I am so very sorry for the loss of Cookie! These critters are our family. Remember all the good times you had, they will comfort you.
I am so, so sorry for your loss! Our beloved pets are a piece of our hearts and as the mom of a fifteen year old fur baby I can empathize with what that loss is like for you. Thank you for all the great posts with your dear Cookie and the amazing recipes!
Oh Kate! I am so sorry to hear of Cookies passing and wish for you and your family so many more memories like those that you’ve shared with us all. Cookie sounds like a much loved, beautiful soul and I know that you will miss her.
Sincerely,
Meegan M.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Cookie. She will always be looking down on you in doggy heaven
I’m so sorry to hear! Much love to you!
I truly understand how you feel. I lost my soulmate Nina and still cry if I think of her. I’m so sorry, our pets never live long enough.
Dear Kate, you and Cookie were so lucky to share that special bond. Not everybody have the chance to live that experience. Nobody and any circumstance will take from you all those great memories and that beautiful time together.
Every time I was cooking one of your recipes I was wandering for Cookie. We feel your pain and we will go with you to heal. I am sure Cookie is watching over you today and always. God bless you
Thank you, Maria. I appreciated every day with Cookie and now I see how very special our bond was. She was a once-in-a-lifetime pup. All my best.
Hi Kate It is indeed very sad toread about your beloved Cookie. So sorry for your loss. I remember too having to say goodbye to my 12 year old Jack Russells who died 2 days apart. A quote which I remember… “dogs are not our whole lives but they make our lives whole” ❤️
Lorraine, I can’t imagine losing two at once. Thank you for sharing that quote. It is perfect.
Such a beautiful, heartbreaking tribute to your soul pup, Cookie. I was first drawn to your blog, posts (and cookbook) quite honestly because I loved that you created your brand with your beloved dog. Of course,
I quickly became a loyal fan of your culinary creations.
I feel your pain as my soul pup is facing a terminal diagnosis and our time is short. She has been my world since I brought her home as a 7-week old pup 10 years ago and it has been us two the entire time.
I am happy for you that, like me, you had such a loving canine companion guiding you on your life journey.
Know she will forever live in your heart.
Hi Debra, thank you for your note. I’m sorry to hear that your time with your pup is coming to a close. Oh, it’s hard. Please give her some pets from Cookie and Kate.
I am so sorry that you lost your precious Cookie. I lost my sweet Mikie in much the same way. It is truly heartbreaking.
No words seem quite right, all of us have felt what you are feeling, an unimaginable loss. I lost my heart pup Aspen in October, same age, deaf and just a stiff old gal. She blessed me by passing in her sleep, but had she not I would have had to make the call
Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you.
So very sorry to hear that Cookie passed away. Dogs are just the best. I lost my sweet dog Charlie last year at age 14 1/2. I still think about him every day. My heart goes out to you and your family. Take joy in all your memories.
beautiful heart felt words for your beloved Cookie , so sorry to hear this and farewell to your fur family member
I’m so sorry for your loss. I cried when I read this. My pup of 13 years passed away about a year and a half ago, I can relate to the incredible feeling of loss. I also feel like he was my pup soul mate. I have no doubt Cookie was indeed lying with you as you wrote that and I have no doubt Cookie will continue to be by your side as you grieve. When my dog passed I could feel him at times too. While I prayed to know if he was ok. I was given the ability to catch a glimpse of him comforting me. I hold onto that memory because I could see he was young again and happy even while he was trying so hard to comfort me and let me know he was ok. Take comfort in knowing Cookie is back to being a young pup with her health and hearing restored. When it comes times for you to pass on and be on the other side of the veil, I know Cookie, will be the first one to greet you. As my dog, Bacardi, will be the first to greet me.
Nurses, for example will often say when someone passes, the person passing away will say the name of a loved one this includes animal companions. There are stories of comfort everywhere of people seeing and/or feeling their companions who had passed away. I love hearing them, and I hope people will share them with you as I have shared mine with you.
Just a final thought, I hope you will continue to use Cookie and Kate as your company name. Cookie is still your companion even though she is on the other side. When it comes to my dog, I still talk about him all the time, often times in the present tense. Everyone who knows me, knows Bacardi, even new people I meet. I will say a prayer of comfort for you and your family tonight. Love, Valerie.
Hi Valerie, your words bring me comfort. Thank you. I love to imagine her walking briskly, ears in the wind, hearing me call her name and looking back to smile. That was our life for so long. I do intend to keep the name Cookie and Kate in honor of our time together. All my best.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Beautiful post!
I am so sorry for your loss. I used to tell my boy how lucky and blessed I was to have him in my life every single day. Had to say goodbye 7 months ago. It is incredibly hard to say goodbye.
Hi Kate,
We lost our sweet boy just this week and are grieving as well. We are so thankful for your recipes and for their quality control by Cookie. I pray you cherish the good memories as you grieve your beloved Cookie. We are also cherishing the times with our sweet boy and giving thanks to God for blessing us with him. Prayers and thoughts sent your way.
Thank you, Madison. I’m sorry for your loss as well.
I’m so sorry to read of the loss of your Cookie. I know the terrible void you suffer. One of the hardest journeys in life is saying good by to our very best friend. These little all forgiving and always loving souls. It’s impossible to describe both the joy they bring and now the sorrow in their absence.
Oh Kate, I’m so sad to hear of the passing of your beloved Cookie. It’s so difficult to let them go but you had many wonderful years with her and she enjoyed those fabulous years with you and your family. She’ll be missed for sure but you always have your memories and photos of her. Blessings to you from me and my fur babies xxx
I am so sorry to learn of Cookie’s passing. My thoughts are with you and I look forward to reading about your memories with her. I willl think of her the next time I bake a batch of your wonderful granola recipe, that I now offer as a birthday gift to many delighted friends.
Dear Kate and family
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful pup. Cookie was one of the reasons your blog initially caught our eyes and of course we stayed for your many wonderful recipes (my daughters and I love your work – one of our constant refrains is that we have yet to find a recipe of yours that we didn’t love and so many are now regular favorites that we make again and again).
We are from Australia….and it seems Cookie may perhaps have some blue heeler in her? What a sweet, beautiful dog she is (I won’t say was because she lives in your hearts forever). Sharing life and love with a special dog is truly one of the most wonderful gifts that we get to enjoy on this Earth. We share your grief (last year we lost our beloved 14-year-old silky terrier Ellie, who had grown up with our daughters since they were 7 years old). We were so sad and bereft…but we have so much love and joy and wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing your recipes and your lovely girl Cookie with us.
Love and hugs from Australia
Lorinda and daughters Katy and Annika
Hi Lorinda and family, thank you so much for your kind note. Cookie was actually part Australian koolie! Thank you for speaking of her in the present tense. She does feel near. All my best.
So sorry you lost your beloved best friend. You were the best dog Mommy!
I am so sorry. I always loved seeing you post about your cute little dog. It’s awful losing a beloved family member. She will live on in your heart. Sending you all my love. ♥️
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Saying goodbye to furry family members is never easy.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about Cookie and seeing her adorable self in your photos. She will definitely be missed!
I’m so sorry, Kate. Letting go of a dog is one of the hardest things we have to do in our lives. They rely on us for everything and want to please us every day. That vulnerability is a big responsibility for us. Take care of yourself and try to do things that bring you joy.
Hello Kate,
I am so sorry you lost Cookie. I know you are heart broken. Be strong, she will always be by your side, unseen and will always be grateful for the love you showed her.
I have long dreaded you writing this post, because I have always enjoyed your sweet relationship with beautiful Cookie. What a precious soul she was, and how wonderful that you had so many loving years with her. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Denise. I dreaded the day and it’s surreal that it has come and passed.
Dear Kate,
My condolences on the passing of Cookie. It is so hard. May you find peace and solace in all the memories. I enjoy your newsletter, website, recipes and share your love for our four legged kids. My thoughts are with you and your family, Jannice
Dearest Kate, I’m so so sorry to hear of your loss. Your blog and cookbook helped me as I was learning to cook and establish my own way of cooking. I still use it heavily, so much so that the pages have been falling out, then taped and now the taped pages are coming out too. My kids would look for the picture of “the dog”. And though we aren’t even dog people we developed a special affinity for cookie. She will be missed. You wrote an amazing tribute. Wishing you the best in your future endeavors.
With love and peace from Bahrain,
Sana
Sana, thank you for your note. I was an anxious mess when I worked on that book because I had no idea if anyone would ever use it. Cookie got me through those days. Thank you for cooking from my book and sharing Cookie with your children. All my best.
Hi Kate – I’m in tears reading your beautiful tribute to Cookie. What a special soul and truly a best friend. You gave her all that a dog could ever want: unconditional love. Thank you for sharing her with your fans and friends. Take care.
So sorry to hear this. May she flourish across the rainbow bridge, and may you feel her love and loyalty from the other side, still close by.
What a blessing you both had enjoying life TOGETHER. I know how hard it can be losing our furry sidekick. I’m so sorry and grateful you shared her story with us.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have had such a wonderful, beautiful & loving dog for so many years. God bless.
Arent our fur friends absolute joys to have in our lives, but their passing leaves a hole in your heart.
Sending love
K
Oh my Kate. I’m just so so sorry. I know how that feels are pets are just family pure and simple. I have said goodbye to 2 of my dogs over the years and now my 15 year old Fizzy a little terrier who we rescued is not doing well and it will soon be time to say goodbye to her. I have been crying for weeks already. My heart goes out to you. Big hugs to you.
Ah, Kate, I was so sorry to read that dear Cookie has gone up to the Rainbow Bridge. I know he was so very dear to you and he was a constant companion to you for many years and during many memory-filled moments. And thank you for the wonderful vegetarian recipes you have provided to me over the years.
Deepest condolences to you, Kate. I am crying.
Kate Nealon-Sands
So sorry to hear about your loss of your lovely girl. May your happy memories of her make the empty space she leaves a little fuller over time♥️
Really sorry for your loss Kate.
I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my cat friend George, after 18 1/2 years together. I feel your pain and joy. It is truly a time to look back and appreciate the gift.
Dear Kate,
So sorry to read about the loss of your furry baby. It is so wonderful you have so many loving memories of her. May these help you in the days ahead as you get adjusted with the loss. Blessings to you from another mama who understands the loss of our furry friends. God Bless
Auhhhh…My heart goes out to you and your family. Everyone who’s had and loved a dog knows exactly what you’re talking about! I feel sometimes we under estimate them hence your comment to appreciate what we have. We had Otis (yellow lab) in our lives for almost 15 years. My son was 7 and my daughter 3 when Otis was a pup and all 3 navigated our yard together throughout the years. Otis passed 11/21 with all us there and my daughter zoomed from college in Indiana (we are in NY)
Miss him still everyday. A dogs love is like no other. Our condolences.
Oh Kate, my heart is broken along with yours. What a sweet and loving companion. I feel as if I knew her. My deep condolences to you and your family. Xo
I am so sorry for your loss. We have to make such difficult choices for our fur babies but rest knowing how much she was loved.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Kate! We lost our Izzy in November and it still hits me sometimes. Cookie was special and I’ll miss seeing her in your posts. I’m praying for you!
Dear Kate,
I am so heartbroken for you. As the tears roll down, I feel like I lost a member of my own pet family. I loved seeing her pics and reading about her antics! Such a beautiful girl. I truly empathize with you as my sweet girl lived 19 years…I miss her each and every day. Their memory and love is forever with us. We were blessed to have them as part of our family. With deepest sympathy, Carolyn
Nineteen years, what a gift! And yet it’s never long enough. Thank you, Carolyn.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are so special and are just the most amazing companions. They dedicate their entire lives to the people they love. Thank you, Kate, for sharing your memories of Cookie, as well as your incredible recipes. Take care.
I’m sad and happy for you. Just as you said, you have had the pleasure of Cookie for all of these years. Loving means risking the pain of loss. Keep loving.
Keep loving. Thank you, Maggie!