Cooper's Medical Emergency

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to say thank you again for everyone who has donated to Cooper and shown up for us in the last week.

From Augusta setting up this fund, to our friends and family who have taken time to make sure we're doing okay. Thank you. It has been one of the most challenging weeks of my life, but it made me so aware of how much love exsists for us and for that I am so greatful.

I'm sure many of you can relate to holding your pet akin to your children in your heart - and so his fast progression into total blindess last week really threw me into a tail spin. What started as a routine vet visit for eye allergies progressed to then several visits and partial to then total blindness.

Your support has made what feels like at times a very isolating and sad expirence so much easier to shoulder - so thank you so much. Your donations have made it possible for us to afford coopers check up and his medications and hospital stay.

I wanted to take some time today to share with you some good things- and what the way forward looks like.

Cooper is doing well adjusting to life blind.

It honestly brings tears to my eyes to watch him traverse this disability with utter grace. He is full of joy, happiness and love for everyone. He is learning quickly how to navigate the house (I put some pool noodle bumpers on sharp corners) and is getting better each day. He runs into things less and less and still eats well and even plays with his toys. It brings me such relief that he isnt depressed. I am doing what I can to enrich his day-to-day so he stays the happy boy we all love.

We still dont know exactly what has cause Cooper to become blind. We know what it is not: which is a physical injury, glaucoma, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, or diabetes. The remaining causes that it could be are: an untreated autoimmune disease or cancer.

Given Cancer is on the table and hasnt been ruled in/out - that is the next round of testing we'd like to pursue with your help.

We have accepted we cant regain Cooper's eyesight, and with that I dont know if investing money into seeing the opthamologist first is the most sensible move. We plan to connect with our Vet and make a plan of action as to what the next steps are, and what that looks like financially. If we can rule out cancer, that would be such a blessing - but if it is Cancer it changes our goals entirely.

At the end of the day, I want to give Cooper the most sensible comfortable shot at enjoying the rest of his life. I dont have an interest in putting him through chemotherapy, but instead being equipped with the knowledge of what we're facing so I can make sure he's comfortable, and when to ultimately make the decision to send him over the rainbow bridge - but hopefully that isnt for a very long time.

Thank you again to everyone who is and continues to support us. Thank you for loving my sweet baby and thank you for sharing that love with me. I am forever indebted to your shared kindness.

please keep sharing Cooper, and please keep praying. We love you all, and thank you so so much.

Lots of love,

Cooper's mom Tatum <3