It seems that longtime Bay Area institution Mother's Cookies, maker of such childhood delectables as Circus Animal Cookies (pictured), has abruptly announced it's going out of business. A childhood without pink and white frosted animal cookies? Unthinkable! Better go stock up on a bag for my kids, and myself, of course. Seriously, I always considered these a special treat growing up, and it's sad to see another remnant of my childhood disappear.

They're certainly not the best cookies out there, but there's a certain kind of colorful charm and junk food appeal to them. And you can eat an entire bag without even trying. Really! Go try it while you still can, and make sure you have a big cold glass of milk on hand, too.

Actually, Mother's hasn't made cookies over in Oakland for a couple years, and in fact has been shuffled around between different owners for over a decade. That won't stop me from trying to track down one last bag, and hoisting a glass of milk in Mother's honor.

Photo by Jef Poskanzer via Flickr.