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 this, Kate. I’ve followed you for about 10 years now and Cookie was always an integral part of why I loved your website so much. I loved reading about your bond, the little anecdotes about her you’d share and seeing her sweet face in photos. We lost our dog a few years ago and I can so relate to the feeling of having a full and very broken heart at the same time. Cookie was truly so loved and I hope wherever she is, she’s got an endless supply of her favourite snacks! Sending you love <3
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry for your loss. Just a note the Africa in my e mail address was a wonderful dog we lost a few years ago.
Dear Kate,
Your farewell to Cookie made me cry. Just last Saturday we lost our sweet dog Rudolph after 13 years, who was part of our family soul and always managed to steal crumbs from food or countertop. He died peacefully of old age at home and was kind to the very end when he said goodbye.
I think we discovered your site with overnight oats and have since gone on to love the chili recipe and so much more. You are my go-to site for all things vegetarian. We had no idea about the full story of your life with Cookie and are both happy and sad for you all at once. Cookie will continue to be in the spirit of all your recipes, and what could be a better testament than that. Take care- Jacquie
Thank you, Jacquie. Sending a hug your way.
im so sorry for your loss.
I did not even know that your blog’s name had your best friend’s name in it. I know the feeling too well. It is a tremendous loss. She will live forever in your heart and in this blog. Big hug and thank you for all your great recipes.
Dear Kate,
Thank you for sharing the story of your and cookie’s life. I have had many pets in my life and I miss everyone of them. They come into our lives and give us so much. I don’t believe that we could ever equal their love for us. We just have to humbly accept the love they freely give. Please know, I am sorry for your loss.
Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn. You said it so well.
I’m so sorry to hear that Cookie went to the rainbow.
You and Cookie where very blessed you could Love and cherish your loving times together for such a long time
I’m so sorry for your loss Kate, I have made many of your recipes and loved them.
As I have had pets I know too well how special they are in our lives.
All the very Best
Jo
Precious. I’m so sorry for the loss of your fur baby Cookie, who is now your fur angel. May all of your wonderful memories with her be comforting to you in all the days to come.
Hearing about your beloved Cookie makes me sad and grateful at the same time. You have so many good memories. She gave you a lot of love. Two years ago we had to say good bye to our beloved big black cat, Luke. He was an affectionate animal who was much like a dog in that he would beg to sample our food and always say thank you. He would come say good night as we were getting ready for bed. He was a special gift!
What a beautiful loving tribute to a life companion of 13 years. Always too short a time. Sending love and light for wherever he is now.
My heart breaks for you ❤️ beautiful words…
My condolences, warm hugs!
Hi Kate
I am a long time fan of you both and my heart goes out to you with the loss of Cookie. Out pets are such a gift and a treasure, giving so genuinely of themselves to us and asking little in return. I know this feeling of loss and sadness when they leave us and words seem not to do the job very well. So instead I send a hug from across the miles (Germany) and a thank you for the reminder to treasure what we have.
With hugs
Anne-Marie
I’m so sorry about Cookie, may the wonderful memories you had together be a comfort.
Hi Kate,
Thank you for sharing your story of your love for Cookies. She sounds like the perfect pet and you express the same feelings that we have for our two cats, now one. Pets add so much to our lives don’t they? I can’t imagine not having one or not appreciating all that they are. Such characters!
Sending you big hugs, Elizabeth
I’m so sorry. Xx sending love
They’re our favorite hello and our hardest goodbye, left forever in our heart to reside.
A beautiful tribute. Rest in Peace Cookie
Kate, so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved cookie! I feel with you and know that you are in my thoughts as you walk this next stage of the journey. Have you considered a ‘cookie’ dog treat recipe or section for pets in a special Category all their own dedicated to the one and only ever Cookie.
So so sad to hear your beautiful assistant Cookie has passed away. It sounds like Cookie was such a loyal and faithful friend and left beautiful pawprints of love and memories for you to treasure.
Dear Kate,
I am so sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing. When our beloved Crouton died at age thirteen I felt a deep sadness but also gratitude. We don’t get them long enough but they are a gift for the time we have. ‘Crouie” was much like Cookie, darting at an open door and surviving a diagnosis that gave him a week to live-he lived eight more years thanks to the persistence of out vet. I thought I would never want another dog but realized many months later that it was a testament to Crouie that we wanted more dogs in our lives.
We have Crou’s grand nephews, Biscuit and CJ. I still miss Crou 10 years later, but adore these little guys. I hope that good memories help to lessen the loss for you and your family.
Crouton! What a great name. Thank you, Jane.
Sorry for the loss of your sweet Cookie….. may she RIP and may your family life continue on with much love & respect for another loving doggie in your future! God Bless…..
Hi Kate,
I didn’t realize that Cookie was your puppy. I assumed it was a nick name for your business partner. I’m so sorry for your loss, it’s really hard to lose a fur baby.
I love your recipes!
Take care
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Cookie with us over the years. They bring us so much unconditional love. Saying goodbye is heartbreaking. Much love to you and your family.
I’m sorry for your loss. I know Cookie was a main part of your life. She is in heaven watching over you & your family with no cancer. Soon you will reunited in heaven with everlasting playtime.
Heartfelt condolences to you, Kate <3 Loving a dog a such a blessing.
I’m Soooo Sorry for your loss. I know my fur babies have got me through dark times & made great days even better. Sending prayers your way.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our dog of 12 years passed recently. The grief will find you at the strangest times. Keeping you in my family’s thoughts. Even though it was the right time, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a Cookie shaped hole in your life. Cookie was lucky to have you at the center of her world.
Thank you, Kate. I’m sorry for your loss as well. I loved being Cookie’s world. What a gift.
Kate, I am so sorry to know that your dear friend Cookie has passed. May you always feel her inspiration and devotion in your heart!
I have been following your blog for years! I am sorry about Cookie!
Kate, thank you for sharing with us Cookie and all of your bliss together along your journey in cooking. May her light always shine in your heart and home.
So sorry to learn that Cookie died. She was a beautiful dog with unique coloring and a spunky spirit. So well loved. Remembering back on how surprised I was to learn that “Cookie,” of Cookie and Kate was a dog! You two were quite a team. Truly a gift that you had each other. You could not have done more.
So sorry for your lost, Cookie will be missed. Our fur babies are a big part of our family. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I know how you are feeling at this moment in time, I lost my little girl in 2003 and still miss her terribly, but each day brings us closer to the time when we will be reunited, stay strong
So sorry to hear about Cookie. Our pets are family and the loss is always heartbreaking. Sending love.
Oh Kate, my heart hurts for you. The death of our four-legged companions is so hard. What a wonderful gift it is to love and be loved by a dog. Cookie will always be a part of Cookie and Kate. May the memories flood in and sustain you as you grieve your furry family member and sidekick. Peace.
So very sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to you and your family. We’ve been through this several times and feel your pain.
I am sorry to near about your Cookie,my condolances.
It must be horrible to Loose a friend.
Aww I’m so so sorry to hear about this! Sending hugs
Dear Kate, I’m so sorry you have lost your cooking companion, Cookie. It’s very clear to me her enthusiasm must have been very helpful to you, and now you have all the memories to keep you going with sharing all your great recipes. I have lost count of the times I have followed-up your emails to see what you created next, and attempted to make wonderful dishes in my kitchen, though I am not good at following very accurately, and had to compromise with the ingredients, I am very grateful for your enthusiastic creativity. Wishing you comfort and healing. Cookie was a lucky dog.
Now I am crying, so very,very sorry. I was surprised after the cancer that Cookie kept going. I lost several dogs in my life and you never get over it. I have a relative that continues to get the same breed that is a look alike and give the new dog the same name so that they are never without a Petie. Just a thought, anything to help with the grief.
As a fellow dog lover – and knowing what it’s like to lose a beloved pooch – I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie. My sister shared the news with me. I gave her one of your cookbooks as I knew she’d love your recipes and your sidekick, Cookie (she’s also a dog-lover with 4 of her own). We also will miss Cookie! I hope you find peace knowing Cookie is running free over the Rainbow Bridge.
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. . My heart goes out to you and your family.
How beautiful is the story of your life with Cookie. You got to know unconditional love.
I did. Thank you, Joy.
I’m so sorry about Cookie. Don’t doubt that you did everything you could and brought her great comfort at the end of her life. Enjoy your memories and the special bond you had with her… what a journey you’ve had over the last 13 years!
I’m so sad about loosing your puppy, Cookie. I know how had this is on you and your family. I lost my 13 year old puppy, Millie on March 19. Wherever I was; she was. I appreciated your comment on feeling her; I still feel Millie snuggling under the covers! We have her sister, Bonny and I see the sadness in her too. We will put Millie in the proper place in our hearts and always cherish the 13 years we had with her. She was such a happy-go-lucky dog. My prayer for you and your family is the happy memories will so outnumber the sadness.
Hi Kate, thank you for the reminder to cherish what we have. I discovered Cookie, and then you, by way of your website when searching for vegetarian versions of my favorite dishes. I’m very sorry for your loss, thank you for bringing her on the journey and introducing her to all of us. Thoughts are with you and your family.