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.
So sorry for your loss of Cookie. What a wonderful time you had together. I know she will be remembered by you forever.
I am so so sorry to hear this but I am confident that Cookie knew she was so very loved <3
So sorry for your loss of beautiful cookie. She sounds like an amazing fur baby. They are in our life for such a short time but they leave us with so many beautiful memories and a full heart. Take care❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. I never met Cookie but I loved her, too! I loved your posts about her. She seemed like a very special and well-loved dog. Hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss, Kate. Cookie seemed marvelous and I am sure recipes will bring back many fond memories!
I am so sorry for the loss of Cookie. It’s so hard losing a pet. I know she’s running around in doggy heaven having the time of her life and eating all the treats.
Sorry for your loss- I have enjoyed your blog for years and cookie was a part of that
May your dried tears become seeds of joy one day
Hi Kate, I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my boxer and totally fill your pain. I am a little older than you and live along. I decided to get another puppy soon so it is not so painful think about tomorrow.
thank you very much for your blog and recopies I use often. it is my first comment I left and hope not the last one. wish you the best.
Hi Julia, I’m sorry for your loss. They can be such great companions and fill our homes with their presence. I hope you find a very special pup to warm your heart.
My heart goes out to you. As a life-long pet owner, I know how difficult it is to say goodbye to a devoted friend. I’m making your raspberry and lemon muffins in Cookie’s honor today. Take good care!
Thank you, Andrea. I hope the muffins were a treat.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. She seemed like the sweetest dog.
My heart goes out to you and your family. The pets we get when we are in our 20s, who see us through our ups and downs, are the most special. RIP Cookie.
Thank you, Katie. I do think you’re onto something there.
Dear Kate: I was so very sad yesterday when I read your beautiful post regarding Cookie’s passing. I think it is one of the hardest things in the world to say goodbye to your four legged companion and friend. When the time is right I hope you will adopt another dog. You certainly seem like a terrific dog mom and another dog will be safe and loved with you. Meanwhile I hope will eventually “recover” from your loss and be able to remember Cookie without tears. And Kate — I love your recipes and have made many of them!!!
Thank you so much, Beverly. The strangest thing happened the other day. I was looking up a local pet shelter to find out if I could donate Cookie’s bed to them (I can). Then of course, I couldn’t help but click on their list of available dogs. They had a young blue heeler pup named Cookie with no photo, and I’ll admit that my heart leapt even though it is much too soon.
Kate: When we said goodbye to our black Lab Colby Sept. 10th the year before last I couldn’t stand being without her or another doggie. We took in a beautiful Goldendoodle, Luna, a week later in a rehoming situation and we are so grateful! She has provided so much comfort. Maybe that doggie was some kind of sign! Another Cookie — how wonderful! And that doggie could maybe help you heal! Oh my — a “heeler”! Best of luck Kate!
It is a very, very personal decision when to welcome another dog into your life, but I will share that when we unexpectedly lost our cat a few years ago, my husband wanted to go look at cats at the Humane Society some time afterward. I said it was too soon. He asked (gently and appropriately) why a cat needing a home needed to wait when we had space and love for one. It helped me look from a different perspective, and we concluded the best way to honor our big orange fuzzball was to give another cat a home.
My heart breaks for you. I know doggie love similar to yours and there are no words to offer. Just know that as time goes on, the wonderful memories will outweigh the sadness you feel today.
Warmly,
Nancy
Very sorry to hear of your loss Kate..
A dog is truly the best companion a person can have!
Sincerely,
Steve.
Oh I dreaded the day this might happen. We’re sad to read the enws. Thank you for warming our family’s bellies with your delish Cookie-Test recipes.
RIP Cookie.
Thank you, Greg. I dreaded it every day that we had together, but oh we had so many great days.
Losing our fur babies is so difficult. They have a unconditional love that is very rare in humans. I feel your grief as I have known also. Let’s hope that we will unite with them again someday
I am so sorry, and sad to hear your saddened news of Cookie, may you cherish all her beautiful memories, and hold them tucked in your heart forever. Thank you for all your Wonderful Delicious Recipes, I have enjoyed many of them.Take-care and Hugs.
Kate-
Heartbreaking to hear about Cookie
Dogs are such a blessing, the epitome of unconditional love.
Sending positive thoughts to you and your family during this tough time ❤️
I have tears in my eyes. I know this blessing and loss so well with my animal children. Your recipes are amazing and I am often whipping up one of your inspired creations. I do have to acknowledge that Cookie had a lot to do with what originally drew me to continually view your website and read you generous emails. I do love doggies. Thanks for sharing her with all of us.
Dear Kathryne,
Losing your Cookie after 13 wonderful years together is heart-wrenching. Dogs, with their unconditional love for us, leave us
too soon and leave such a hole in our hearts. Praying for the love she
gave you to surround you and remind you of her joy in being your
4-legged child for as long as she could. She’ll be waiting on the other side.
Thank you very much for your incredible recipes! Have made so many and my whole family loves them. Also love your informative and beautiful cookbook! Whenever I want to fix something for dinner,
I always go to your site or the book and find the perfect recipe and advice.
I am very grateful for all the wonderful dishes you create and share and you are a gifted writer too!
Thinking of you and your family,
Liz
Thank you, Liz. I’m so glad my work is resource for you, that makes it worthwhile!
My heart goes out to you, Kate. Thank you for sharing the sad news about your Cookie.
Oh Kathryne, I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. She was such a good dog!! Thank you for sharing her with us.
Prayers to you for strength and know you are always loved
Dear Kate my heart goes out to you!! I feel & I know your pain!! In my many years I have loved deeply & lost 5 beloved dogs who stole my heart which I gave freely & lovingly to them!!! They were my constant companions & bff’s throughout all the different stages of my 82 years. Last year after grieving the loss of my precious Yorkie I thought I’d never be able to have another special friend to share my life with due to my age. But God brought a new best friend into my home, heart & life. My Granddaughter had raised him from the age of 6 weeks to almost 11years. Her job kept her out of town more & more & she realized sitters couldn’t take her place in his life so she gifted me with her precious Shih Tzu. We bonded immediatlely! I needed someone to be home with me & he needed someone to be home with him more than be away from him She raised him to be a wonderful, loving, gentle, well behaved older gentleman who loves people, dogs, kids & cats. She warned me he was a velcro dog & that doesn’t upset me in the least. I am so very thankful & grateful!!!
I pray all those around you & those who send in their comments to your loss will help you through this valley!!
God bless & lead you through to the other side,
Diane
Hi Diane, thank you for your note, and I’m just delighted to hear that you have found good company with your granddaughter’s dog. What a gift.
My Condolences to you in losing little Cookie.
My heart goes out to you and I pray for peace and her memories will never fade.
Blessings from BC Canada
I am sorry for your loss. The heartbreak of loosing a beloved family member hurts deeply. God bless Cookie for taking you into another chapter of your life. She was pure love and light. Our animals ability to intuit our feelings and be in knowing when they are needed is pure. My heart hurts for you knowing that our grief does not pass quickly but grief is how we know we loved.
This is so true, Lenna. Thank you for your kind words.
Condolences to you for the loss of your good friend and companion. I enjoy your emails and your great recipes.
Gee,
I’m so sorry about Cookie. I hope you experience her “presence” in different ways as you go through your day. Warm hugs to you.
Such true words to live by: “appreciate what you have when you have it.” So sorry you have lost your dear Cookie. They are so much more than pets.I have enjoyed your newletter and recipes for years and loved your photos of Cookie.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Cookie. What a beautiful life you had together. May the memories you had with her warm your heart. Sending much peace & love to you and your family.
<3
No words, such deeply sad news to read. From all that you've shared, she couldn't have wished for a more wonderful owner (or a more wonderful job, being your fulltime recipe tester). Stay strong <3
So sorry for your loss! As a dog owner myself I know the pain and grief of losing a beloved pet. My deepest sympathy.
I know she loved playing with you and appreciated your tender care.
Feeling your loss , dogs are so amazingly special. ❤️
Cherish the memories , RIP sweet pupper Cookie
So sorry for your loss, Kate. Cookie was a big part of your life for such a long time, it will be difficult to not miss her. She had a big presence in a little body, a special little lady who will be missed.
I have been there and I feel so sad for you. My girl was also 13. Being thankful and remembering the good times is the best we can do. I’m glad you have a loving family to be there for you.
Dear Kate,
I am truly sorry for you losing your best friend! There is nothing I can tell you, that you haven’t felt already. The saddest thing is to lose a pet. They rely totally on you, and it sounds like you gave her all the love and care she would ever need, or want!
Thank you for all your wonderful recipes, and stories of you, Cookie, and your beautiful family!
My heart and prayers are with you at this time!
My heart breaks for your loss. “We grieve because we love.” And how blessed we are to love our fur babies for their all-too brief time in our lives.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. What a gift Cookie was. She was fortunate to have you as her person.
I’m very sorry for your loss of Cookie, she was adorable. I totally get how important a pet can be. Love your recipes.
they really are the most special of creatures , they give unconditional love and companionship , but so lovely to read how much gratitude you have for her time on this planet … still the loss is painful just now
Kate, so very sorry to hear you’ve lost Cookie. I have been following you and Cookie for several years now and have loved your recipes, blogs and all the cute photos you’ve taken of Cookie. Hoping you find comfort and peace in your fun memories together.
Oh Kate I’m so sorry. It’s the hardest part of loving animals so much. Thank you for sharing her with us.
I am so very sorry for your loss of your baby puppy. It is such a horrible experience. You are in my prayers!! Take care.
Kathryne,
What a beautiful tribute to Cookie.
You all were quite a team!
Peace and love,
Ann
I’m so glad you were blessed with Cookie, she was so.lucky yo have had you in her life too.
So very sorry to hear this. It’s very hard to let go of a beloved pet companion. Happy you are focusing on all the good and sweet times. All the best.
Alison
So very sorry on the loss of your beloved fur baby Thoughts and prayers
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to Cookie brought tears to my eyes – it is beautiful . You have wonderful memories and lots of love to get you through, plus knowing that you gave Cookie the very best life.
Hello Kate, I think Cookie would be very happy with your beautiful tribute, it’s really wonderful. I am writing to ask you about the popup ads on your site please. Are they all legit? I have made a small investment with one of them, KohonaFX, based on comments supposedly made by David Koch, fingers crossed it’s not a scam.
With all good wishes,
Kay
Hi Kay, thank you. I work with a reputable ad provider and they are in charge of filling the ad spaces, so I don’t know about that one.