In Memorium.

Cookie Oreo Stephens. September 2, 1996 - July 15, 2013

Cookie Oreo Stephens, that was her full AKC registered name. However, she would answer to just about anything. She knew in answering to all of the nicknames I gave her, love was waiting for her in return. She was my monkey, tortilla, fajita, Cooks, Cookie Monkey, and everything in between. Her personality was like no other. She was in every sense of the word, a character. She growled if you smothered her with love, she barked when Ty would play uncontrollably, she threw a fit if a stranger dared to ring the doorbell, she bit ankles when she felt in danger, she whined for a piece of food, only sat on command when she felt like it, and did things HER way always.

Cookie left us last night for a much better place. I never thought the day would come when I would have to say goodbye. I got her as a present from my mom when Cookie was just a few months old when I was 9. It became clear from the very beginning she was meant for me and I was meant for her. It was always love. Through and through. I've never been in love with a person, but thanks to Cookie I know what true love is and what true love feels like. She was my goofier half.

Cookie was a trouble maker when she wanted to be, as she'd open the cabinet doors to the trash can, so Whitney could play with the trash. She'd open the bathroom doors or any other door she could get her paws on, in order to get her way and continue to bug you. When she caused trouble, she caused it with an enormous amount of love. She was a fighter. She was determined to get her way. She never gave up. She was known for escaping the backyard and running to the front door if you left her outside too long. If you dared to take her for a walk she would escape from her leash and run her way home.

Home was always where her heart was. She didn't want to be anywhere she didn't feel it necessary to be. Now, home is where her heart remains while her soul rests peacefully. She died at the age of 16. How many dogs get to say they lived 16 years?! She was special, the sweetest dog we've ever had, and full of life.

Her death is still VERY fresh for all of us. So, I tried my best with this blog posting. I am still very much a mess, but Ty still needs us. Healing will come in time, but for now we grieve and remember. To know Cookie was to love Cookie. She hated strangers, so only my immediate family really knew Cookie. She didn't want to be a dog that everyone knew and loved. She knew all she needed was family. She didn't need friends or extra anything (unless it was extra food). She had us. We had her. I truly hope everyone has a Cookie in their life and gets to feel the love only an animal can bring you.

As we pick up the pieces, we remember her with love in our hearts. So, Cookie, this is for you! You were a true Princess and comedienne. We will always miss and love you. Until we meet again...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... (Author Unknown)