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.
Im so sorry for your loss. Its such a mixed bag, as you say, the sadness and grief with the sweet memories of Cookie. Take care. She will be with you forever.
Dear Kate,
I am so sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing. We have been blessed to have three extraordinary dogs come into our lives. We have lost two and we are loving and caring for our third rescue who is failing but fighting to wag her tail every day. You have described your days with Cookie so beautifully. Our dogs love us unconditionally and leave us with nothing but memories that make us smile and warm our hearts. The ache in your heart will ease up and talking about all the funny stories will help. Some tears will still fall from time to time, but that is because you were so blessed to have her in your life and she was so blessed to be in yours.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved companion. Never easy to say good-bye.
Dear Kate-My heart goes out to you.My daughter has a little Aussie terrier (Johnny) that I take care of every day when she’s teaching. We all love that little dog to the moon and back, and can’t bear the thought of ever saying goodbye, but he too is 13 now, and I know we have to be prepared. He came along to our family just after our youngest son died at age 40 (of an undiagnosed heart problem).That was 13 years ago, and Johnny-just a puppy then- came along & saved me from terminal sadness. Johnny, also, is now quite deaf.(My husband &I both often slip and call Johnny “Joel”-our son’s name!) He’s our new/old baby, I guess. I have-and love-your cookbook.I bought it when I became a vegetarian almost 5 years ago.Thank you so much for your efforts to bring tasty and and healthy food to the world. Much love, my sympathy for your loss, and all good wishes to you. Jane K.
Dear Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have been a cookie and Kate fan for many years and can only imagine the pain you are feeling. I know there really aren’t any words to make it better, but know that I’m thinking of you during this tough time.
Be well
Lisa
So sad to hear about Cookie! I know exactly how you feel! I lost my beautiful white Samoyed 8 years ago & still miss her terribly. Best dog ever!!!
Dear Kate, your heartfelt tribute of your companion really touched me. I lost my Bassett in December and there are days when I still look for him. I think of him nearly everyday because ehe was a family member we cherished. May you find solace in the fact you did everything within your power to make sure she knew how loved she was. Take care.
Hi Kate!
My deepest sympathy goes to you in your heartbreaking loss. Cookie will live on in your heart and with all of us who “knew” her!
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie. We feel your loss as we’ve said goodbye to many fur babies. Sending you comfort and strength. Cookie is on a new adventure but her spirit resides in your heart. ❤️
So sorry for your loss
My condolences. Beautifully written sentiment. We know that pain as well and offer you our deepest sympathies.
What a beautiful tribute. I’m so very sorry to hear you’ve lost Cookie. Such a truly difficult time for you, but as you say, you have so many special memories and she’ll always be in your heart x sending hugs x
Thank you for sharing this lovely piece about Cookie and your beautiful time together.
It’s so hard when they have to leave us and I’m so sorry.
Oh Kate so sorry having lost some furbabies myself I know the painwishing all the wonderful memories with Cookie helps ease the pain
Sending hugs to you and family. May you forever keep the fond memories. Peace.
God bless and comfort you through this difficult time. I lost my beloved Daisy two years ago and still miss her terribly. Although, it’s easier to talk about her now. I cherish the times we had with her and I remember the feel of her soft ears. Her memory can still comfort me. I hope your memories of Cookie does the same for you.
I’m sorry about Cookie, I have lost loving dogs before and I know how it hurts. All the best to you in the future!
I’m so sorry for your loss but happy you had her love and devotion for so many years. You gave her a great life and I understand all too well how painful it is to let go. May her memory always be a blessing.
Much love to you ( and your family )
Oh Kate, I’m so sorry. The heart never seems ready and the time never seems right to say goodbye. I love that she got to share your journey in life, and that you shared her with us.
We too have a black and white dog named Cookie. Two years ago when we adopted her we had a family sit-down to figure out a name (“Pepper” was leading) but she was too sweet to name Pepper, so “Cookie” won out. A couple days after deciding on her name, I got your email newsletter and I was “WAIT! Oh yes! Cookie + Kate!! The BEST name! I hadn’t made the connection until after…
Wishing you beautiful memories and sending you a very big hug from Cookie and me. <3
I’m so sorry for your loss but happy you had her love and devotion for many years. You gave her a great life and I understand all too well how painful it is to let go. May her memory always be a blessing.
Much love to you ( and your family )
May Cookie’s memory always feel like a blessing a your life.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had a beautiful dog that walked with me like your Cookie – so blessed to have been given that time with my Murphy as well. Big Hug!
Hey Kate, So sorry to hear it, but please know that Cookie will be in good company. Had to say goodbye to Ned this morning- lymphoma sucks, yes it does. Ned celebrated his 15th birthday yesterday. Anyway, here’s to Cookie and Ned!
Thank you, Kate for sharing Cookie with us. I’ve had to say goodbye to many precious dogs and cats and can sympathize with you. It’s a difficult time. Hugs to you.
Sending you condolences on the loss of Cookie. I have been a quiet follower (and recipe enjoyer) for many years. Cookie will be missed! Dog are so incredible in their ability to love and to teach us how to love. ♥️
Oh no! I’m so so sorry Kate. My sincere condolences on your loss. Tears are streaming down my face. It’s awful losing a part of your family. And Cookie was your family through good and bad. Wishing you comfort during this difficult time. XO
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We still carry them with us wherever we go. No matter how long or how far. May you feel the light and love she gave you at all times.
I was so sorry to hear about Cookie. I know the loss of a companion animal hurts to the core.
I am so sorry for your loss! I am sending you and your family big hug.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Those of us who have pets know how you feel. RIP, sweet Cookie.
Condolences Kate! I’ve been there before. My previous dog, a Shepherd/Chow mix that I got when she was 6wks old, almost made it to 17. That was a heartbreaker. To add icing on that cake…a few months later I get a cancer diagnosis. After therapy and clean lab work, I went to Animal Control and found a 1 1/2yo PitMix. This was about 14mo after Sasha died. Sequoia is like the complete opposite of Sasha but she’s a sweetheart too and, goes pretty much everywhere with me. She does love off-roading out in the desert here.
I can definitely empathize with you. I still think about the good, and crazy, times Sasha and I had. I do, though, feel blessed to have found/rescued another great canine companion. I’m sure Cookie will always be with you as you remember all the fun times you had together.
So sorry for your loss! ❤️
So sorry to read this sad news, my heart goes out to you and all who knew cookie. I’m glad you shared so much together, and although she is not with you in physical form she will be forever in your heart. Until you meet again
All our love Dexter Tia & Pam
I am so very, very sorry to read about Cookie’s passing. Thank you for sharing Cookie with us
Thank you for sharing cookie with us all of these years. She seemed so loved and well cared for, happy and joyful. Thinking of you!
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved friend. I lost my little friend last fall so I feel your heartbreak. I will miss Cookie too. Lots of love, Teresa
No matter how long they’re with us, it’s never long enough. My little old lady dog and I send our love.
My sincere condolences- such heartache when a beloved family member, which our pets are, has to pass. Sending you hugs.
Kate,
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie. I’ve lost 4 dogs over the years and they each have a special place in my heart, never forgotten. Thank you for sharing her precious little life with us!
Jill
I’m so very sorry for your loss of your best friend. May your heart heal and yet always remember her sweetness.
Oh no, that’s heartbreaking. Good-bye, Cookie, pup extraordinaire. You were loved even by those who never met you. I’m glad she got to meet your daughter.
Thank you go sharing Cookie with us. Blessings on you and your family as you grieve her.
Thank you for your recipes, too. They are my favorites.
I am so sorry for your loss of Cookie. It is so hard to lose a pet that is a beloved family member.
Such sad news, but what joy that you had so much time together. I hope you will continue using the “Cookie and Kate” name, as it will be a lovely reminder and give everyone who comes after this a way of showing your love for Cookie and a perfect way to honor her!
Sending you virtual hugs from a virtual stranger. Cookie was a lucky dog to have had such a loving life with you.
Be well…
I am so, so so, so sorry to hear this! I always loved hearing about Cookie and her contributions to your cooking. She was the cutest dog ever and was clearly so loved. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear this!! My heart hurts & I never met her. Please know that she had a beautiful life with you and not all animals are so lucky. She knew she was loved and you where her best friend. I cant say not to hurt because i know how it feels, but be grateful for the time you had together & cherish the memories. And in her honor keep the name “cookieandkate”
I was so sorry to read this….I know she was a beloved dog. I can certainly empathize……I had one of those in my life too. Please dont doubt your decision…..it was the right one for all of you. May your tears of sorrow be replaced with tears of beautiful memories.
Heartfelt Condolences Kate.
Your message has encouraged me to savour my time with my pup. He too came at an unbeknownst perfect moment in my life and has seen me through a lot….and is nearing the end of his journey with us, though we hope he has many years (don’t we all hope for that).
Wishing you strength and courage interlaced with sweet memories.
Cheryl Trikha
I’m so sorry for your loss. To feel the pain of grief is to have been lucky enough to love deeply, and it’s clear you did just that with Cookie. Continue to take comfort in the amazing life you gave her, and the many special moments you shared.