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.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Tania
Much Love & comfort to you and your family with Cookie’s passing. Cookie will always be with you in your heart. A beautiful Love letter to Cookie. Cookie – RestInLove
Koriander
Dear Kate,
Our hearts reach out to you with deep caring and understanding for the “bye-for-now” that has drawn your dear Cookie to another life; another adventure. Our journeys with our companion animal friends bring so much happiness, comfort, and just plain old goofy fun into our and their lives! What love it takes to love anyone, but, especially our companion animals! We know they will probably not outlive us when we invite them home to share our lives. And we throw ourselves into the fire of love, laughter, and sorrow anyway. I so appreciate the way you expressed how Cookie walked with you through many significant chapters of your life. She brought you to places you’d dreamed and worked hard to be. I do believe she is an adorable, loving, rambunctious spirit somewhere in this haystack of a Universe. I do believe Love is the “glue” that holds All of us, even our very atoms together and though we don’t understand how it works, our hearts know. With deep appreciation of your sharing this precious and sacred moment with us. Through your sharing over the years, Cookie has touched all of our lives with humor and unconditional willingness to taste-test your great vegetarian cooking!
Kate
Thank you for your kind words, Koriander.
Laura
I’m so sorry for your loss of your precious Cookie. It sounds like she had a fantastic life with you. And your life was enriched by her presence. I lost my girl Daisy at age 14 due to lymphoma and like you, questioned if I did the right things to keep her happy. I found peace with my decisions and hope you do as well.
Deborah Jackson
Dear Sweetie, I am so sorry for your loss. Grieve…heal…remember…and in time love ❤️ another furry friend. Love, Deb
HEATHER CLARK
Incredibly sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to say goodbye to a cherished pet.
Carmen
Hi Kathryn,
So sorry for your loss. Our family has been a long time fan of your work. We cooked your chickpea tikka masala from your cookbook this week in honor of sweet Cookie. Thank you for sharing her with us along with fantastic recipes!
Jean
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Cookie girl. She sure seemed to have lived an exceptionally great life filled with love, and how cool to think of the dynamic you had with her having been shared with so many. Cookie was a celebrity! ☺️ Sending supportive thoughts and hopes for clear memories of all of the good times and for comfort in knowing you gave her the best life.
Melody
So very sorry for your loss. They do break your heart.
Rachel
So sorry for the lose of wonderful Cookie. We will all think of her when we cook your delicious recipes.
Ellie
Hey Kate,
So sorry, may she rest in peace with all of your fantastic foods to eat. My condolences to you.
Tina
So sorry for your loss. It is always hard losing a pet.
They are just like family.
Aditi
Oh my. Tears for you my friend. These four legged babies sure steal our hearts.
Janice
Sending you love and caring for the loss of your dear, Cookie. I really enjoy your blog and recipes. Hoping your sweet memories of Cookie ease your loss.❤️
Margaret
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie, but so glad you were able to give her such a good life.
Karen
So very sorry for your loss.
Deb
I’ve been worried about you losing Cookie since I lost my sweet Nell in June 2020. Our dear dogs have such short lifespans, and heartbreak is all but guaranteed. There’s one last pup at our dogpark who was a contemporary of Nell’s: a dear sweet 15-year old floppy-haired mutt, longer fur than Cookie’s, but approximately the same colors. Always accompanied by a dear sweet but feisty 90-something owner. You are in my thoughts. Take care.
Micki
I’m so sorry for your loss of your beloved Cookie.
Emily
Kate, I am so sorry to learn about Cookie. I can very much relate to your journey with her. I adopted my dog Harry when I was 24, single, and had recently moved to a new city. Now nearly 8 years later, I’m married with a baby boy, and we recently moved into our first house. Harry’s been there through it all and I cannot imagine life without him. I’ll be holding him a little tighter today. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort during this time.
Nicole
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was so lucky to have you.
Kate
Thank you, Nicole.
Jean
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie, its such a terrible difficult time. ayou’r ein my thoughts.
Krys
So sorry about cookie. They showed great spirit and were clearly loved and cherished. Thats a good life.
Our condolances. Krys
Dan
The hardest part of having a pet in one’s life is losing that pet. All best wishes
Amy Margo
Cookie! I enjoyed your smiles and eagerness as a foodie. I hope you are at peace now.
Michelle Sandoval
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope the memories of Cookie comfort you while you grieve and heal. Thank you for sharing her with us. Take care and God bless you all.
Michelle
Kate
Thank you, Michelle. I appreciate your kind words.
Shelley Marlow
So sorry for your loss. Dogs really are man’s best friend
Mary
So sorry to hear about Cookie! So sorry you lost your baby!
Laura
So touching, yet such a loss. I’m so sorry. Though it isn’t unusual to wonder about the decisions you made, be assured you made the right ones for both of you. Our pets appreciate every precious moment they have with us. The blessing was that you two found each other, enriched each other’s lives, loved each other, and shared amazing memories. Pretty cool… and something rare in this world.
Christine Farmer
I feel your sadness and your loss. So it is when we loose our loved ones.
Onto the rainbow bridge❤️
Christine
Beth and Cuddles
Awe Kate, we are so saddened by your news. He was 91 in human years. We loved Cookie too. He will also be with you in spirit.
Theresa Strom
I am so sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing.
Thank you for bringing her to us. . I loved the pictures and imagined her in the kitchen with you for every recipe.
Thank you as well for rescuing her. What a joy she was. . Theresa, Berthoud, Colorado
Jan
Hi Kate,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear, sweet Cookie. As one of your recipe fans for many years, I will miss her too. Anyone who has ever known what it is to love and be loved by a beloved animal can relate to your grief. We had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to our sweet cockapoo, Quincy at the age of 16, and it was probably the most painful, difficult decision we’d ever had to make. Quincy passed away peacefully at home in our arms almost two years ago, and we miss her still. Please take comfort in knowing that Cookie knew how much she was loved until her last breath and by ending her suffering you gave her the greatest and most selfless gift of love of all. May her memory be a blessing.
Kate
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your experience, Jan.
Tom
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. I have told so many people about you and Cookie. My condolences and thank you for sharing that heartfelt message.
Tom
Catherine
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I can imagine the emptiness that you must feel, loosing your soul pup. May she continue to inspire your great recipes.
Nathalie Hachet
Oh, Kate, this piece of news broke my heart… I am so sorry! Little Cookie was a super-cute pup who made your wonderful blog extra special: she spiced it up with her little oomph, adding a spoonful of sunshine to the menu. She was simply regal!
It was so blatantly obvious that Cookie and Kate were made for each other, the chemistry was palpable. When you shared about Cookie’s illness, I felt a pinch in my heart because I knew this was going to be a full-on, uphill battle.
I can only relate too well to the depth of your grief and despair, having myself been devastated when my own once-in-a-lifetime, one-of-a-kind best friend and confidant, my little Jack Russell Terrier Tickle, passed away three years ago. He too had navigated me from one life stage to the next, through the dark days and the light days, my loyal, unfaltering companion. I saved him from the local dog shelter and he saved me many times over.
When Tickle passed, I was numb with pain. I felt the need to pare my life down and reconnect with my Catholic faith. I also felt guided to research “pet psychics”, a discipline I had never even heard of! It felt compelling yet a little “woo-woo” but then I thought “Why not?” So I contacted a reputable pet communicator and booked an afterlife session with Tickle. I found it appeasing. It gave me confirmation of that deep-down belief that Tickle is around me, like you know Cookie is around you. A bond doesn’t break – ever. This farewell is thus a “See you later, alligator” because the Rainbow Bridge will take us back to our loved ones, including our special furry friends!
I am certain your words will resonate with quite a few readers: ‘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.’
Thanks Kate, for giving Cookie the love of a lifetime, and for giving us, fans and friends, enjoyment! Remember: Love is Eternal, Cookie & Kate Forever. xxx
Kate
Thank you for your kind words, Nathalie.
Nancy J. Smith
Oh, Kate, my heart breaks for you. You had such a wonderful loving life and relationship with Cookie, and this will leave a huge hole in your heart. There is never an easy or good time to say good bye. Fortunately she will always be with you in spirit and in your heart, and I wish you peace as you enter this new phase of your life without her at your side. . Hug your daughter and talk about Cookie.
From an appreciative huge fan of yours in Boston, Nancy
Chris
I so sad reading of your love for Cookie as it reminded me of my beautiful rescue cat Oscar. He passed away last year at 13 years of age. He was born with a heart murmur and in the last four months of his life he began to have difficulty with his health as the murmur progressively got worse. I am reminded of his love and and beautiful nature every day and I miss it terribly.
Aurea Lewis
Hi … I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie
I fell in love with your web site because of cookie I love dogs … My Buster was by my side when I found you Healthy banana bread recipe… I truly feel what you are feeling I thank you for sharing your story
Have a Beautiful Day
Sally Watt
Im so so sorry for your loss Kate. I lost my most precious pup 4 yrs ago and still feel his absence. He will always be with me though, as your Cookie will be with you, and all of us as we cook our favourite Cookie and Kate recipes. Much much love to you and your family during this very difficult time.
Kate
Thank you for your kind words, Sally.
Letitia Yeung
Oh no!! I’m so sad to hear this. Sending you and your family much love. We lost our beloved dog this January; he was 16.5 and you’re right, it still wasn’t enough time.
Kate
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for your kind words, Letitia.
Toni
Kate, my heart hurts for your loss. May time heal your pain. It’s very special that you shared so many special moments and years together. Forever cherish these memories. <3
Wallis
I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounded like an amazing companion.
Eileen
Kate,
My heart is with you as you experience, grief and gratitude in equal measure. Cookie will be a part of your heart forever! Those special pets are such a part of our every day lives and family.
Hugs to you!
Eileen
Kate
Thank you, Eileen. I appreciate your kind words.
Dianna McKay
Kate,
I have been following your website for over a year. Condolences on the loss of your furry best friend, Cookie. May you be inspired to carry on with the love of cooking, creating and sharing your recipes with us in his memory.
Kate
Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed it, Dianna.
Lynn
I came to look for a recipe this morning as it is a rainy, balmy day and I need to bake something that brings comfort. So, naturally, I came to my favorite recipe site only to read this news of Cookie passing. Kate, I am truly sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that your bond with Cookie has definitely touched the world as the two of you collaborated and inspired one another and many, many people. Your love and special connection is in each and every recipe and dish. What a wonderful legacy that Cookie leaves. A dog’s life is indeed rich.
Eve
How terribly sad. Sorry for your loss.
Kris Nelson
So sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Cookie! She will forever be in your heart (and also in ours). Thank you for sharing her with us, and for everything you do and the wonderful recipes you provide.
Kate
Thank you for your kind words, Kris.
D. Neumann
I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m actually crying. A sweet doggie like Cookie is impossible to forget…that’s why it’s a good thing your life is so full. All the best to you.
Cathy Sheeran
I feel your pain and send my condolences. Losing Cookie is losing a family member
Kate
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of sweet Cookie. Losing a pet is so hard! Take care during this difficult time. I’m glad you can cherish the wonderful memories and also have your family to hold close.
Dina
So sorry for your loss, Kate. Cookie was a sweet and lovely dog. She will live on through your memories. Hugs to you from Jordan.
Liliana
We lost our girl few month ago. She was also 13 years young. Smartest and funniest (Australian cattle) dog ever. Pure love that we miss so much now…Hang on there, time is a best Band-Aid!
Katie Filous
I’m so very sorry. Thank you for this beautiful post. May her memory be a blessing.
Blue
Reaching out to thank you for sharing Cookie with all of us, Kate and to say that I’m hoping your heart is starting to heal a bit.
Kate
Thank you for your kind words.
Rach
I’m so sad and sorry to read this. Sweet Cookie—she was your angel, and you hers.❤️
Sarah
I so deeply feel for you Kate, and hope you can find peace in the beautiful memories you shared together. I lost my 7-year old soul dog in February after lymphoma and I am still figuring out how to cope. Sending you peace and comfort. Cookie made the world a brighter place and her legacy will remain
Valerie
I recently bought your cookbook and use it as much as my beloved Marcella Hazan, which is saying a lot. My 16 year old loved it when I told her who Cookie was and showed her pictures of the gorgeous girl. We have a 10 year old mutt who is our soul dog, so we get it. What I found when my last dog died at nearly 16 was , the last year can be hard, but that is when we give back to them for all they gave us. My heart is with you.
Judi Turner
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved Cookie. I only found your blog today through my search to learn about Pasta alla Norma. I liked the recipe so much that I signed up to receive your emails, and started to look through your blog. Then I read about Cookie. Again, I’m so sorry. I hope you know that, because you loved her so dearly, she will always be with you.
Kate
Thank you fro your kind words, Judi.
Jinny
Kate, I am so lucky to have recently discovered your and Cookie’s book and to have literally just found your wonderful blog. I can see already that your and Cookie’s collaborative work will become my most oft-used resource in the kitchen; thank you both so very much. I am also a dog mom (not a mom of humans) so can feel deeply the loss of your beloved friend. Cry; laugh and smile alot while thinking of your companion; and treasure that daughter and hubby. You bring so many blessings to all of us, and I hope that good things will keep coming your way. Here’s to Cookie!
Denise Gardner
Dear Kate,
As I write this message it is with a very heavy heart as I had to say goodbye to my beloved feline Cleo. She was a part of our family for 20 years! Wow is right! I recently read “Grief is the price we pay for having loved. Through all the tears and sadness and the pain of grief comes one thought that can make us smile again: we loved a particular animal dearly and that love was returned many fold.”
“When the time is right you may feel that you have love to share with another pet. Not a pet to replace the one you had, but another animal to welcome into your home and into your heart.”
I have since rescued an older cat who somewhat comforts me at times (she just isn’t my sweet Cleo} since my husband has recently passed at a very young age. Life takes so many twists and turns but I’ve learned that we do survive them even though at times we think
we can’t possibly do so.
I hope you and your family find comfort in all the sweet memories of Cookie.
Take Care
Lesley Long
I relate to every sentiment about your beloved Cookie. I cried when I read your beautiful tribute to your best friend’s passing. My beautiful sprocker Milo died last August, 15 years 3 months, my constant companion through the death of both my parents and my breast cancer battle, always close by, an ever-present comfort in the hard times but so many years of wonderful walks and cuddles. Loved by all, missed by all. A dog in a million, I think about him every day, I was so fortunate to have known him…an honour. X
Nancy Morgan
I was very sad to hear about Cookie. Dogs lead good, but short lives. I have followed you since it was just the two of you and always loved her companionship as well. I am so happy for your happy life now and that Grace is there to fill your heart. Thank you for always filling our bellies and tables with delicious food.
Margaret M Shea Turner
What a lovely tribute to your beloved dog. I felt the same last Easter when we said goodbye to our Maggie at age 14. A year later and I still miss her so much! So glad you have so many lovely memories!
Anita
Dear Kate,
I love your website and recipes. I’m so sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing. I have a dog, Bucky, so I know the love and joy that come from these amazing creatures. Her absence must be so difficult to bear right now. With time, it will become less shocking. You wrote a beautiful tribute/obituary to her. You were lucky to have each other and spend so many wonderful moments together. Hang in there! With sympathy, Anita
Jamie
Sending so much love and empathy. I am also walking the path of mother to an elder dog baby and a crafty human baby. I hear all of the mixed emotions you described in my mind daily. thank you for sharing Cookie with the world. She sounded like an incredible friend.
Jason Y
My condolences for your loss, Kate. I’m glad you created so many cherished memories with Cookie. Her memory and spirit will live on through your website.
Kristi
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. It was Cookie that pulled me into your website, I have always loved how much a part she was in all of this. RIP Cookie my heart goes out to you and your family.
Kathy
So sorry for your loss of Cookie. Dogs can really make such a difference in our lives. So much love and fulfillment. May your family receive comfort in knowing that Cookie was so loved and taken care of. Maybe there is room for a future Cookie down the road?
Theodora
Dear Kate,
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Cookie. I always wondered about the name of your website. I loved it. Sadly I never followed your blog or knew there was one. I love your food recipes and have used them for over a year, gosh no it’s been two years.
Cookie was definitely deeply loved. Thank you for telling us your story about how you met and how you grew together. Now that Cookie has crossed the rainbow bridge she is is free from cancer. I know she is watching down on all of you. Sending so much love to you family. .
Theodora
Kate
Thank you for your kind words, Theodora.
Mary
So sorry to read about Cookie’s passing. You will see her again, and she lives on in your heart.
JP
I’m so sorry for your loss of dear little Cookie. She was fortunate to have you in her life.
Leah
Dear Kate,
My deepest condolences go out to you!
Our Pets light up our lives! The love exchange is so incredibly Beautiful and they leave their loving paws prints on our Hearts forever! Cookie and you are both so very lucky as you had each other to love! I believe Love knows no distance! May the Angels of Healing and comforting surround you like a warm hug! peace and lovexo
June Duggan
Hi Kate,
Although we’ve never met, I feel for you. I’m truly sorry for your loss… there are so many cooking sites, but yours was special to me because of Cookie. I too lost my pup last year and although it still hurts, we can find some comfort in knowing our dogs lived their best lives. But we really were the lucky ones, weren’t we…. :-) Big hug, my friend.
June
jeff
ahh – so sorry to hear of Cookie’s passing. I am a new dog daddy and it is by far my favorite role I have had in my 57 years (so far). I am so lucky to have a wife and fellow adventurer, but my pup (Otto) fills me with joy and unconditional love. I used to hear a song where the author asks for only one thing in life, that his dog could live longer, and I get it now. I am enjoying every mess and adventure with my lil pup.
best wishes,
Jeff – New Paltz NY
Julie Lee
I wept as I read your comments. I too have a wonderful Cookie….her name is Pepper and she has been the most remarkable dog. Pepper is now 14 and I know my dear girl is getting old. Sometimes animals are sent to be with us for a special reason, a special bond and there is no love purer than that of a dog. She was blessed to have you and your family. Cookie has not left your side or your kitchen, she is enjoying her spirit life and will always be close to those she loved, those that she knew was her family. Take care…my journey is not far away either.
Karen
Dear Kate,
I was so sorry to hear about sweet Cookie. I could tell by looking at her photo that she had a lot of personality, loyalty and love.
I truly believe we will see our pets again some day in heaven.
Remember all the good times and write a little book about her.
Hugs to you and your husband, Kate.
Karen
Kailey Osborne
I’m so sorry for your loss Sending lots of love to you and your family.
Payodhi
Cookie now resides in our hearts! Much love to you :)