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.
Oh Cookie…how heartbreaking. I looked for her sweet little face in all your posts! It’s the toughest part of having our fur babies!
Kate- My heart breaks for you. I know what it’s like losing a pet that is so much more than that. Cookie will always be with you in spirit, and couldn’t have had a better life . Sending you love and peace❤️
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. I know that that saying goodbye to a beloved companion is heart breaking and I wish you strength to get through this very difficult time. Cherish your memories of your old friend.
So sorry for your loss. Hopefully your pain will subside soon. I’ve been in your shoes twice and time is the only thing that helps. Glad you have a family to surround you.
Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss – what an incredible relationship – she will remain with you, always.
So sorry for your loss. I’ve had a few 4 legged friends that left me way too soon. My heart goes out to you and your family. GOD BLESS YOU.
It is so difficult to lose a beloved pet. They are real family. We lost two of our senior dogs recently. As you article eloquently describes, we have a lifetime of memories that will stay with us forever. You were fortunate to have Cookie. Equally, she won the doggo lottery on loving owners. ❤️
So sorry for your loss of your special friend and companion. I know how hard it is to lose our loving pets. They are part of the family. She was an enthusiastic taste tester and a loyal friend.
I’m so sorry to hear about sweet Cookie! My mother-in-law and I (both vegetarians) have shared many of your recipes over the years. This has brought us closer as well as our love for animals, and we’ve so enjoyed reading about your special bond with Cookie.
I lost my 12-year-old Weimaraner last spring, and the heartbreak certainly runs deep. It’s so hard to let them go. Hoping you can soon find some peace in your heart!
Just love, sending you love. Heart wide open, there is a special place in death and birth where you just feel everything and it’s too much but also so sacred. Thanks for sharing Cookie with us.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss… while from a distance – we all fell in love with her too! sending you love and grace – Camille (and my dog loving daughter – Adie)
I am so sorry, loosing a trusted, always loving friend is so hard. Trust she runs with a pack in heaven and is enjoying it! It sounds like you gave her a good, amazing, safe, and fun life.
I am so very sorry to read of your loss of beloved Cookie! We lost our Boston Terrier, Paisley, in 2022 — she was also born in 2008 and came to us at only seven weeks old. We had similar deep feelings for our amazing, adorable, hilarious, and fiesty girl, much as you describe your feelings for Cookie. So, I empathize fully. Know that the pain does lessen over time, though never disappears. Cookie will always have an important place in your heart. Thank you for sharing so honestly at such a difficult time.<3
Dear Kate, I’ve been an avid fan (along with anybody to whom I’ve passed along your website) the last couple of years, and enjoyed so many of your and Cookie’s wonderfully healthy but just fantastic recipes. Reading about Cookie’s role in the process, and seeing the photos of her happily enjoying her job (especially in your cookbook!) and being such an integral part of her Mommy’s day — those are the just best. I feel for your sense of loss from not having her right by your side in the same way right now. She had the happiest eyes, and I am certain that much of that was because of you, and the life you had together. I’m sure there must have been so much love and gratefulness in her eyes as you took care of her, these last few years especially.
Looking forward to seeing more photos and moments in time with your special little (fur-)girl,
With my deepest sympathies,
Anita
Thank you, Anita. Your note brought tears to my eyes. All my best.
Oh, I’m so sorry! We don’t want to believe it’s true either. It’s been Cookie + Kate so long; she’ll always be with you. <3
Thank you so much for sharing cookie with your readers. Whenever I used your website to find a new yummy recipe, it made me smile to know that you and Cookie were cooking together! She was a lucky pup!
I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart is aching deeply for your loss. Our fur family is everything and more…..
awe, our sweet Rosko just passed on as well, I hope you will remember the years with Cookie and her memory will linger on making your heart happy. My deepest condolence, it’s so hard to lose a pet.
I cannot be sorrier to read the saddening news about beloved Cookie You certainly will be in my prayers and thoughts. All the best as always, Andrea S.
I’m so sorry, Kate. I believe that Cookie has gone to live with our Kimmie and her friends, where they can be comfortable and at peace. Sending you hugs…
My heart goes out to you, Knowing the hole that is in your heart. I have had to say goodbye to several doggie family members.
Enjoy the love of great memories!
I’m so very sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing. I’ve been following you a few years now and always thought Cookie was a beauty. It’s so hard to lose a fur baby. Keeping you in my thoughts.
I’m so very sorry for your loss of Cookie. Your obituary for Cookie is heartfelt and beautiful.
My heart sunk when I read this post I’ve been using your recipes and cookbook for a few years now, and your love for Cookie shined through them all. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Holding you in warmth as you grieve your sweet girl.
Thank you, Nikki.
What a beautiful and loving tribute! Our fur babies bring out the best in us.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May her memory stay strong through your amazing website & brand.
Cookie is in dog heaven. I know it is a wonderfilled place.
Peace to you!
Dear Kate,
I am so very sorry. I know the pain of losing a beloved pet and I’ve been in dread of hearing this news about Cookie. You gave her a very good life and she must have loved every minute that she spent by your side.
I am so sorry for your loss. I tool love Cookie, she was one of. kind. Rest in Peace sweet baby.
Kate,I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you take comfort in knowing you gage Cookie a great life!!
Dear Kate, I was charmed by Cookie from the first day I came across your lovely website. In 2019 I shared the link to your website with my friends and family, and Cookie got special mention and a link to a picture of her in my message. She was one of a kind!
Your beautiful essay about your life with Cookie is an extraordinary testament to the bond, and love, that you two shared. I cried bittersweet tears when I read it. Bitter for your loss, and sweet for the wonderful time you had together. May all the sweet memories bring comfort. And may you find comfort in knowing “a dog could not have been more loved.” Well done Kate. Just perfect. With the kindest regards from a fellow Kansas Citian. Ann Sheridan
Bittersweet it is. Thank you so much, Ann. It’s nice to know that you’re cooking nearby.
My friend, I don’t know you beyond your food and your dog but my heart goes out to you. I started cooking your recipes because I too cook with a 4-legged friend(s) by my side- and I thought as I searched the web for recipies, “well she will know.” And you did and do. Your recipes are my go to first look every time. I used your enchilada sauce just last week. I’m a lot older than you. I’ve lost many dogs to the years, each lost destroys me until the next friend builds me back up. Babies and husband’s help and are good, but those dogs are companions beyond compare. May you keep cooking. May your children cook too. But most of all may you honor Cookie by always having a dog right there with you. Cookie was an epic dog, as some are. Every dog has epic moments. I look forward to reading about your adventures with epic dogs and moments to come.
K, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that it leaves a huge hole in your heart. May you find comfort in the memories you have of her.
I am so sorry to read this news. I am sending you strength as you navigate life without Cookie. May you be comforted by the love you shared (the love of a dog is a great love) and all of your favorite memories. L
The love of a dog is a great love—amen. Thank you, Leslie.
Dear Kate,
Thank you for sharing your loss.
Hoping you find peace in all the happy memories of your sweet Cookie.
Sending prayers for comfort your way.
Danielle (doggy mom)
Oh my heart. Your post is a beautiful tribute to your beloved Cookie. I will miss seeing her in your posts. I know my sweet pups of past will be greeting her at the rainbow bridge.
Hi Kate, I am so sorry to hear about cookie, but what a great way to honor your pup with this project. Sending you hugs.
My deepest sympathies for your loss of Cookie, animals really are our hearts and it is such a loss when they leave. sending you hugs
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. Our pets become part of us and add love and smiles to our lives. We are currently nursing our 14 year old precious dog through his senior years and we are cherishing every day with him. You have wonderful memories and Cookie will always have a special place in your heart.
Thank you, Shirley. Please give your dog a hug from Cookie and Kate.
Kate – What a wonderful tribute to your best buddy. It’s difficult playing God, isn’t it, when we are trying to make the best decisions for the little creatures we adore and who adore us unfailingly. Thank you for sharing this story. You may not realize this now, but you will have comforted others who have experienced this same joy and heartache but, oh, so many fond memories.
Doro
Thank you, Dorothy. It was such a difficult time, knowing that her end was near. We are lucky to have so many fond memories together.
my deepest sympathies. the loss of a pet is heart breaking. i hope that you and your family are coping with this terrible loss.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved friend, coach, mentor, snuggler and business partner. Love your blog, and you will always remain Cookie and Kate to me. ♥️
What a beautiful tribute to an exceptional companion. As a devoted follower of your blog and cooker of your recipes, I have enjoyed hearing about Cookie’s antics over the years. Sending love as you mourn the huge loss of Cookie.
My husband and I have been fans of you and Cookie for a long time. We’re very sorry for your loss and wanted you to know we’re thinking of you.
Paige and Pete
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie and sending condolences to you! Take comfort in the memories and how happy and incredible you made her life!
Suzanne
So very sorry for your loss! I teared up while reading your article, as it brought back all the raw emotion I still feel when thinking about my beloved dogs and how much I miss them. God bless your sweet Cookie
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kate… The memories of Cookie will bring you joy and keep you going when you need the most. Big hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Thanks for sharing this news with us. I have been a reader for years and could see how strong your bond was and how adorable a friend she was. Thinking of you today, Kate.