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.
Kate I am so sorry. You’re stories remind me of my Sophie and me. I worked and cooked from home for the 14 years I had her. She was the one girl in my family of three boys and we loved her like family. Our pets become so much more than a part of our lives it’s hard to explain.I hope you heal and share you love to all the furry friends you meet as they will forever bring your fond memories. Ciao!
Thank you for sharing, Maria. I appreciate your kind words.
Hi Kate,
I am so sorry for the loss of your best friend and sidekick. My partner and I cook a lot of your recipes and we always play a game where we guess whether it is a “Cookie recipe” (cauliflower and lentil tacos, chipotle guacamole: bold, adventurous, avant garde) or a “Kate recipe” (pasta alla norma, roasted carrots and farro: refined, measured, classy). Honestly, Cookie had great taste. My heart goes out to you today and please know that Cookie will be very fondly remembered by so many.
Love,
Wendy and Jarrett
Oh, Kate, I’m so sorry to hear this, especially as one who is literally facing the same sad situation– my 13+ (?) beloved, intrepid, feisty 90 lb pit-mastiff-lab-? mix Tully is suffering from debilitating arthritis and general old age. Everyday I fear is the last, and I fear even more that I will have to make a decision. But every day I get to whisper in his ear “Mommy loves you”, just as I have always done, and I’m thankful for each tail wag that prompts. Cookie was lucky to have you and probably thousands of others who loved reading about her antics. It’s never easy to say goodbye but remember how much richer both of your lives have been because of one another. Peace and consolation to you….
I’m sorry to hear, Kelly. I hope you get some more time and your dog is able to be comfortable. I appreciate your review.
I’m so sorry for your loss; it’s ours, too. She was such a special companion and your post is beautifully written. May Cookie’s memory be a blessing.
Oh Kate! Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Cookie with us all! She was loved by many of us (as are you!) through your recipes, words, and photos. May your heart feel this love and know that Cookie lives on in each recipe that you have shared and in each home the two of you have entered. Holding you close. To have loved a dog is to have touched Heaven while still here in earth!! Hugs to your neck, dear one!♥️
Thank you, Stefi. I appreciate your kind words.
So sorry for this loss Kate. Cookie was such a sweet doggie. Our puppies wrap themselves around our hearts. It is so hard to lose them. I wish you all the best.
Kate
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I also have a beloved dog that I’m dreading the day when I too have to say goodbye. Thank god for our memories.
Take care
So sorry for your loss. I hope that the good memories that you have sustain you in the coming years.
I’m so sorry about your beloved Cookie. Animals lives are never long enough. ♥
My heart aches for your loss, Kate. Beloved pets are indeed part of our families. My thoughts and prayers are with you for healing. Cookie will continue live in your heart and memory. May His peace be upon you.
Amy
My heart goes out to you. You gave Cookie the best life a dog could have, one filled with love, affection and really great treats. Hold your memories close, they will always be there to comfort you.
What a beautiful tribute to Cookie. I was so sad to read this, because I know too well the pain of losing a beloved pet. Just yesterday as I took my labradoodle outside amidst the snow, mud, and slush, I was reminded what an honor it was to do life with him and be his person. He has been with me since the day after I got home from my stem cell transplant and been by my side ever since. He feels as much a part of me as Cookie is part of you and your wonderful site. Thank you for the loving reminder to appreciate all of it. Hugs to you as you remember her and all the wonderful times you and Cookie had together.
Thank you for sharing your experience and kind words, Ramae.
My heart breaks for you. I had a cat (Lindy) who chose me when I moved into my first apartment after college, kept me sane during my tumultuous 20’s, came with me to my marriage, and was with me for 14 amazing years. I’ve never known a bond like that, despite having had other cats throughout my four decades. So I understand some of the love and joy and pain you’re experiencing. Thanks for sharing your recipes and your journey with us.
I am so incredibly sorry to hear about Cookie. I’ve told so many people about the two of you. The way you make the very best of everything you can put on a plate and the way that Cookie is always by your side when you are doing it. I always pictured her at your feet, just like my Merlin stands at mine – always ready for a morsel to fall to the floor. How lucky the two of you were to have each other!
Oh my gosh, I’m so so so sorry! My heart is breaking along with yours. I know this feeling all too well. And, weirdly, I feel that way about my father actually, who I lost last August. Although my life is full and my father walked along side me to this point where I am happy and I can carry on without him, my heart aches for him to be back. And to have put my own, failing father into hospice had me also wondering if I made the right decision. It haunts me still! (In fact, I tried to pull him out of hospice at one point, but the doctors and my family assured me I made the right decision.) Anyway, Cookie is such a beautiful dog. I loved your site, not just because of you and your recipes but also because of COOKIE! I was relieved to finally see a woman online who did not post (in her bio) a photo of herself and then talk about her awesome husband. Instead, you talked about Cookie, and that made me want to try your recipes even more. If you only know how much that meant to me!!! Feel free to share any other photos of Cookie, and we here are happy to hear any of her stories too. Just know, my heart breaks along with yours. Know we care. Know we understand. Know that time removes some of the pain, but never ever all of it. :) You’ll come to adjust, but your heart will always feel the pang of her (temporary) absence. Cookie was the best. Thank you so much for sharing Cookie with your readers and naming your awesome blog after her. X O X O
PS. I truly believe you’ll see her again.
Thank you for sharing your kind words, Andrea.
Oh my Dear One. Our dogs are family and when they pass, it is so devastating. I am so sorry for your loss. My consolation is that we will see our family and that includes our pets in heaven one day! God bless you!
Oh, Kate- I’m so very sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing. You two were so lucky to have each other for so many years. Hugs to you and your family!
What a touching tribute to your beloved Cookie. You both were very lucky to have found each other.❤️
I feel for you ♥️I know how it feels. My Lassa, who we found on the street when she was a tiny puppy, also stayed with us for 13 loving years. It will be six years this summer since she left us, and I still miss her so very much.
Thank you dear Kate for sharing
I’m sorry to hear about your loss, Evelyn. I appreciate your kind words.
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie. It seems as though she came to you when you were beginning your adult life and stayed with you as you found your way and created your family and vocation. It’s such a sweet story. I hope the memories and love will comfort you.
So sorry to hear that Cookie is no longer with us. And yet she will always be with you and all of us. You gave her life long love and the best support when she needed it as she had given the same to you. Sending lots of love.
Kate, I am so sad to hear that you had to say goodbye to Cookie. Knowing how painful it is to lose a dog, a special dog, my tears flowed as I read your post. A dog’s life is so short and yet is very impactful with permanent paw print on our heart. I wish you peace in knowing you gave Cookie a happy and loving life.
A grateful follower,
Joanne Clark
I am so sorry for your loss – a beloved pet is so hard to lose. We are dealing with our own pup in kidney failure so I truly do feel your pain. May you cherish the memories.
Kate, I am so sorry for the loss of your best friend. Furbabies provide the loyalty, unconditional love, and friendship that we don’t always get from humans. My heart goes out to you as a fellow animal lover and pet mum. Cookie is watching you from over the Rainbow Bridge, happy and healthy and free of pain. Take good care of yourself as you process your grief. Sending big, squishy hugs to you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Its a terrible one, i am still mourning my pug babies Max and Mia, that was 9 years ago . Hugs to you
Hi Kate,
I am SO very sorry for your loss of Cookie. I know your heart is broken but also full of the best of memories. Losing a beloved doggie is one of life’s hardest things. They love us, bring us amazing joy and have a precious place in our hearts. And the fun we have with them! Your tribute to her is so sweet.
Gina W.
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. Sounds like she had a great life and made your life whole. RIP Cookie. May you run a free, healthy and happy dog on the rainbow bridge❤️.
So sorry for your loss.
kate, what a beautiful and tender tribute to your soul pup, Cookie. thank you for sharing it with me/us.
I am so sorry for your loss! Cookie will always be such an important part of your life.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kate. I’m so grateful for getting to see Cookie’s pictures over the years and I especially love her face looking at popcorn in your cookbook.
I’ve followed you two for many years, have your book and have been uplifted by your twosome posts. Sending understanding as a dog Mom who has experienced that grief. Cried for you.
I am so sorry for your loss! I cried from the first word to the last. I’m a mom, a grandma and a dog mom.
I am so sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing – what a beautiful life you two gave each other. Rest easy good girl. xo
So very sorry for your and your family’s loss.
So so sorry for you. I have been in your shoes more than I would to say. Be kind to yourself and she will always be with you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our companion animals bring us so much joy and our hearts break when they pass.
I am so sorry for your loss and my heart is breaking for you. I look forward to hearing more Cookie stories as I loved your sweet dog too. I won’t ramble on as there’s nothing I can say that will make the loss any less painful. Again, I’m so sorry.
This broke my heart… I’m so sorry for your loss, but grateful for all the time you two had together. They are the best companions and such a beautiful gift from God.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. She was a super lucky pup.
Erica
What a sweetly written and heartfelt tribute to Cookie! I’ve loved your journey together, and wish you all the joy now, in your post-Cookie years!
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved Cookie.
This 4/4 is the first anniversary of the loss of our pit-mixed Sugarfoot.
They were both a gift that we are can only keep for a short time.
I have had 6 four legged angels in my life – and loved each one with my whole heart.
I was lucky to have them.
Cookie will never leave you
A smile will replace the tears in due time every time you think of them.
I am crying my eyes out and feeling your pain. Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the hardest things we ever do in life. Cookie was so special – she touched so many people and will be missed by us all. Big hugs to you, Kate.
Nooooo, I am so sorry to hear this! my heart goes out to you. what joy you brought each other. hold that in your heart.
So very sorry for your loss. May all your memories of Cookie be a blessing.
Kate, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear sweet Cookie. It is extremely difficult to say goodbye to someone who has been by your side through all our trials and victories, joys and let-downs. May you and your family find comfort in all of your memories.
Thank you, Laura. I appreciate your kind words.
Dear Kate, your recipes received in my inbox regularly over the years have been a source not only of great food ideas for me, but also of regularity and comfort. I’m so saddened for your loss but am grateful that you had Cookie by your side for all those great years, in good times and bad and no matter the circumstance. That’s the magic of dogs, no doubt! May she rest in peace. My thoughts and best wishes to you during this difficult time.
What a beautiful tribute. You perfectly captured the love and the loss.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Cookie. I have been where you are; in time, may your sadness pave the way for warm memories ❤️.
So very sorry for your loss, I’ve had my sidekick Maverick 11 years, he’s going on 13ish. Saying goodbye to a good one is never easy. Hugs and best of luck.