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.
Very difficult to lose a pet. They play a tough to define, special role in our lives. Sincere condolences
I’m so happy that you had Cookie as a loving companion for 13 yearsand heartbroken with you, that you had to say farewell. No better or more devoted friends on the planet. The name Cookie and Kate can be her memorial.
So very sorry for your loss.
Dearest Kate,
I am so sorry for the lose of your Cookie. There is nothing to compare to loosing a a special furry being.
Your poignant words allowed us to share in your sorrow and joy. Thank you for the gentle reminder to always appreciate what we have while we have it. You exemplify perfectly the old adage: “It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all”. We send our condolences, and we are thankful your fond memories are comforting you. We know how a dear dog is truly a member of the family and a true friend. We look forward to your advice in service to offering more good eating choices.
So sorry to hear about your loss Kate. It is so difficult to lose your soul pup. In our family we say they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and we’ll see them again one day. Sending you lots of love.
Sorry about your best friend and sidekick
We know how hard it is And thank U for your recipes
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie, Kate. Very difficult to lose your best friend and constant companion, my thoughts are with you.
I,too, have lost precious dog friends. It is so difficult to say goodbye and feel so blessed to have had these special souls in my life at the same time. My heart is with you as you navigate the grief that is loosing such a dear friend. Yet, although I still miss my loves, I eventually found a new one. It isn’t the same, but it is a love for sure, even though I know I may go through this passage eventually. Bless her soul with gratitude for what was and honor that wonderful bond going forward. Thank you Cookie, for your years of steadfast companionship. You will ever be missed
Sharing in your grief while sitting here looking at my sleeping 15 year old Pup! Her hearing is also going along with her sight, all sad things to witness. Have lost other loved pets in the past it never gets easier, in fact, the older you get the harder it is to say good bye! Just wanted you to know there are others out here who share, in the memories of, your pain! I still miss mine and dread the upcoming loss, she will be our last. Blessings and know you gave Cookie the absolute best! Big Hugs
So sorry to hear about Cookie! Sending big hugs!
I feel this to my very core, Kate. Our journeys with our beloved soul-dogs couldn’t be more similar. I lost my soul pup to brain cancer last December ’21 with my new hubby and daughter by my side. And yet the pain is still stiflingly visceral for this beautiful fur-baby who was my constant companion and best friend for 16 years. I’m sending you so much love and compassion and sympathy right now.
So sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful dog and wonderful companion. I know it’s hard to lose such a friend.
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Cookie. As a life long dog lover, I feel your pain. They are so precious and become a part of the family so easily. Sending love your way, I hope your beautiful memories of Cookie help you along.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your loyal companion. I hope all the great memories will bring you comfort!
Thank you for the beautiful eulogy and I am sad for you; it will take quite some time to adjust to her absence. ‘Appreciate that you found the blessings in the amazing yet fleeting gifts we are given in our lives. I love trying your recipes, and really find you a precious and uplifting gift yourself. Take care.
Dear Kate,
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my Jackson (golden retriever) after 13.5 years and can relate just how much our four-legged fur babies will always have a special place in our hearts forever. ❤️
I believe they come in to our lives to fulfill a purpose in our lives.
Cookie will always be with you, in mind, heart and soul❤️
My heartfelt gratitude for sharing Cookie with us!
Be Well,
Mary
My heart is breaking for and with you, even though I don’t know you. Dog Love is utterly unique and is often without limits- much like child love. A wonderful moving and sad book full of love is Marjorie Garber’s Dog Love. Grieve fully for as long as you need to and Love again and again. With Sympathy, David
Dear Kate,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Keep strong.
Condoléances from Eastern Canada where we still have three feet of snow on the ground.
I love your recipes. Thank you for sharing them.
Simone
Such a lovely tribute to your cookie.
I’m so sorry❤️
I’m very sorry to hear about your dog. I have lost 8 animals and each time I am heartbroken. So I decided to write a book about pets and the afterlife and how they communicate with us from the other side. May I ask you if you’ve noticed any signs from her? For example when my Daisy died this January 9th I felt her close to me and my attention was drawn in several places where her name was written such as an empty plastic container on the side of the road “Daisy” sour cream. I’d love to hear from you of course if you’d like that. I’m knowing that she’s by your side wondering where the next delightful treat will land in her mouth.
I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. I just lost my cat of 14 years just a couple weeks ago. I keep thinking I see her coming through a doorway. Her presence is still here. I know how painful it can be when losing a furry member of the family.
May you find some comfort in knowing the wonderful life you had together.
I am so sorry you lost your beloved Cookie. May all your treasured memories of your times together ease your sorrow in the days ahead.
Oh Kate,
May all the love she gave you, and all the goodness that you put out into the world, surround you at this tender time.
I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for the beautiful sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing this difficult news. Our furry friends sure leave paw prints all over our lives. May you and your family always remember the best days with Cookie!
I’m so sorry for your loss! It’s very hard to lose such a good and true friend. Sending condolences and big hugs from Maine.
So very sorry for your loss. I too recently lost my soul dog, so your broken heart is not alone. I hope, in time, Cookie will send you a cupcake, or some such delicious pawfect sidekick with whom to share your love.
So sorry to hear the news about Cookie. How difficult it is to lose such a wonderful friend. My thoughts are with you.
Oh I’m so so sorry for the loss of your beloved friend your pain is a reflection of the love you had for her.
I lost my fur baby only last August.
Sending you lots of love and healing for your pain
Tears are streaming as I read your tender words. I loved Cookie, too. My kids love the pictures of her in your cookbook.
So touched and inspired by your touching, loving tribute for your dear friend and family member, Cookie!
With deepest heartfelt sympathy for your loss,
Rosalee
p.s. Cookie will be waiting for your at The Rainbow Bridge!
I’m so SO sorry for your loss, Kate. Keep the memories and Cookie will be with you forever. I had my little gray Star kitty for 21 years and my husband said she was my soulmate which is true. I still miss her and she’s been gone since 2001. Look up Rudyard Kipling’s poem, The Power of the Dog. I will try to paste it in this note for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Power of the Dog by Rudyard Kipling
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But…you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Thank you for your kind words.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ve followed your blog and adventures with Cookie for many years. Sending good wishes.
I am so sorry, Kate. The loss of Cookie has to be extremely painful.
She clearly was spunky, filled with joy, and shared that joy with those around her. She also had a wonderful best friend in you.
So sorry about the loss of Cookie. I know your loss. We love our fur babies and may your memories bring you joy…and some day room in your heart for another four-legged companion. Hugs <3
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie. Our cat Larry had lymphoma and died at thirteen also. It was a terrible loss for us too. Cookie must have enjoyed all those yummy recipes.
I am so sorry to hear this. You and Cookie have been my buds since my retirement. I will miss her. Thank you for sharing her.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your love for your dog. Sending much love to you. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your time with Cookie with all of us. What a wonderful partnership!
Lucky is the pup who is so loved and treasured. Our pets become family and it’s so hard when it’s time to say goodbye. Thank you for loving Cookie so well and giving her a wonderful home and life. She will live in your heart forever. A warm hug for you.
I’m tearing up reading this sweet tribute to your beloved Cookie. Thank you for sharing her and your recipes with us and the reminder to appreciate every moment! Hugs to you all.
Oh Kate. So sorry to hear about Cookie. Our beloved pets are never with us long enough.
Wow – it must have been the most challenging writing you have ever done.
I was in bits reading your note.
My heart broke when our pet passed.
Our Brodie inspired me to donate to our local SPCA by making dog biscuits.
You have secured Cookies legacy by including her in your cooking.
She will be remembered – as I enter your memorial to Cookie in my Journal today.
Wishing you strength of spirit as you move through the sadness of losing Cookie.
It sounds as though you are honouring Cookie’s life – in YOURS – each and every time you think of her.. HER puppy soul and spirit live on.
Thank you for sharing Cookie with us.
xo Wilma
Thank you for sharing, Wilma. I appreciate your kind words.
What a beautiful tribute to your Cookie and to your life together. All of us who have lived with and loved our dogs or other animals know the pain of this loss. You already know that Cookie is still there with you, but the sadness of not being able to rub your face in her coat.
From a reader, wishing you peaceful memories. I’ll think of her and hope you’re remembering the bright times when I use your recipes.
I’m crying and hurting hearing this news, but heartbroken for you. RIP beloved Cookie
I’m a regular follower of your amazing recipes. I always check your website first for a recipe because I know it will be great.
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. The bond we have with these amazing creatures is huge. I also have a senior rescue that has survived cancer. He is my friend, companion, but most of all he knows when I’m sad or happy or just need to snuggle.
Keeping you in my thoughts and hoping the great memories of Cookie will help you through your grief.
Lovely Kate,
My condolences and congratulations. To have an unwavering partner to help navigate this difficult terrain called “life”, is the greatest. My husband and I have shared the lives of 15 cats together ( and counting) and they are all a part of our soul.
I am so sorry for your loss! I will also miss Cookie. For me, dogs are God’s most perfect creatures.
Michele McAvoy
Texas