A second chance with Cooper and the future of Geeky Posh
Written By Jenny Wu on
If you caught my story on Instagram or follow me on Twitter, you know that last weekend my sweet baby boy Cooper was hospitalized and had surgery for a blocked esophagus. What I didn’t mention was that his prognosis was only 50% for full recovery due to possible perforation or complications from his pneumonia. We were torn when we heard the news.
To say that last week was an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement. One minute we were so relieved by the success of his surgery and the next we were devastated by the possibility of a perforation in his esophagus. The thought of potentially losing Cooper left me a mess, but by God’s grace Cooper overcame the odds. He did not experience any complications and has since made great progress on his recovery, even adjusting well to his little feeding tube. This whole ordeal was nothing short of a miracle and a huge wake-up call.
Reflecting back on my time with Cooper, I realized that I was not the best mama to him that I could be. Yes I adored him, but only when it was convenient for me. When he’d come by while I’m taking pictures, I’d get mad at him and lock him outside my office despite his crying. Instead of taking time to brush his fur and his teeth daily I’d do it as an afterthought, as in after I was done with my blogging tasks. Geeky Posh and my various social media accounts had become my top priorities.
I feel horrible and guilty that it took risking Cooper’s life to make me realize that I’ve had my priorities all wrong. I always knew that there were more important things in life than blogging and social media, but it’s so easy to get caught up in them while neglecting those that are truly important. Yet when I was away from Instagram (other than to update on Cooper’s status) and my blog this past week, I didn’t miss them at all. I definitely couldn’t say the same about Cooper.
Of course it’s not to say I’ll never blog or be on Instagram again, but that I’ll definitely be less active on both platforms. I still enjoy sharing skincare findings and reviews with you all, and in an effort to still maintain the quality of each post I’ll have to decrease my posting frequency to at most, once a week. I may occasionally share a product review in addition to my weekly post (dependent on time of course), which will only be available to subscribers only so make sure you follow on Bloglovin or by email :)
Sorry for this long ramble, I’m still a little emotional as I write this, though it’s mostly relief and gratefulness. Thank you all for your support of this blog and to those of you that send well wishes to Cooper, I can’t express my gratitude enough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
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Comments & Questions
Marcela Petry
I really hope that he gets better as soon as possible. Take care of your loving cat, the rest will resolve itself.
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment Marcela, really appreciate it!
Tara
Oh, man, I'm so glad he pulled through. I know how rough it was for you when you went through all that! Thank goodness he's getting better. Cooper is a trooper!
And girl, if you can't blog as much, it is okay. Blogging is great, but like other things, it cannot take priority over other important things in our life. Like I tell other people, blog when you can. I have friends who stop blogging for a while, but when they blog again, I will visit! Your loyal readers will understand :)
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment Tara. I used to have a fear of missing out when I don't blog regularly, but now when I think about it I'd rather miss out on blogging than miss out on time with Cooper (or anyone else I love). And yes, Cooper is a little trooper, that's what we keep saying too :)
Jenn
Sending my love to you and your precious kitty! Take care!
Jenn │ Beauty by Jelly Bean
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the well wishes Jenn!
Liv
Omgosh Cooper! My heart hurts from reading this but I'm so glad he pulled through miraculously!!! Prayers for his health and continuing recovery, and comfort for you. <3
I must admit I didn't see your posts about his health :(((( because I'm not too active on Instagram or Twitter, or even blogging. A lot of things in my life distract me and I'm not the greatest at updating - which is probably why I'm unable to have a blog / social media identity like you do. I'm really impressed that you blog more than once a week - I didn't even realize until you said so in this post. But I agree with Tara. You definitely don't have to make yourself to give us new content too often (no matter how much we enjoy your beautiful photos and stellar reviews) because we'll always be happy to read new stuff from you whenever!
I hope you find some comfort and peace during this time of rest, and spend more time with Cooper (and Shelly)!
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the kind comment and prayer Liv. Now that I've set my goal to just blogging once a week I actually feel relieved. It's nice being able to spend more time with my cats and family without feeling the pressure of having to keep up on social media or the blog :)
Laura
Sending you and Cooper a ton of love and well wishes! I can relate to your emotions when it comes to priorities and blogging. I lost my baby Lily a couple of months ago, leaving me a total mess. After I started to get myself back together, I noticed I couldn't care less about lotions and potions. Although I love blogging and social media in many ways, I simply couldn't get myself interested in babbling about make up when I had just lost the love of my life. It made me prioritise my social life and emotional well-being first.
I still miss Lily greatly, reading this post made me relate to your suffering. Lily's tumour was bad and there were changes in her belly, so the vets wouldn't operate on her. I'm SO happy and relieved Cooper was helped and there was a miraculous chance for him. Baby Cooper is such a sweet cat, I'm sure he knows how much you love and care for him. You're still a good cat mommy, you've done everything for his health you can. Sometimes we give our best and it still isn't enough to treat some diseases. Take all the time you need with blogging, do what feels good for you and don't feel guilty about it. Lots of love and hugs to you both! Feel free to drop me a message any time you feel like it.
xx Laura
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Laura, and for sharing your experience with me. These things really do change your perspective and make you realize what truly matter and what doesn't. You're right, we can only try our best and hope for the best. The last thing I want is to regret not doing more when I had the chance. I want to be the mommy that my cats deserve, and I know you feel the same way too. Thank you again <3
Naya
Oh Jenny, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet little Cooper. I am sure that he will recover in no time, but please don't blame yourself this much. Having lost my baby dog back in March, I have realized that no matter how much attention I paid to my dogs and despite my love, I will always feel like I could have spent more time with all of them. Although I still have two dogs, one of them is a bit ill at the moment and I only pray that he makes it through (my dogs were poisoned back in winter, one of them couldn't make it, the other two still have health issues from time to time). So stay strong and make sure to give baby Cooper all the love and time he needs! Sending my prayers and good vibes your way xx
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the kind comment and well wishes Naya. It's nice taking a break from blogging to just spend time with Cooper and Shelly, but you're right in that I'll always feel like I can spend more time with them. I'm still shocked and so sorry about what happened to your dogs. Sending my prayers and love to you and your fur babies, I hope he makes a full recovery!
LindaLibraLoca
I am so sorry to hear you had to experience such stressful and worrying throug the last days. Sometimes we need a reminder of what is important in life. All the best to you and Cooper, and don't stress out about blogging too much. Most of us here have their own things to take care of in our lives, we will enjoy whenever we hear from you.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment and well wishes. I agree, it’s very easy to forget what matters most when everything is going fine. It’s definitely a lesson learned to not take those I love for granted and to treasure every moment I have with them.
Idoia
Jenny, I already told you yesterday on instagram but so happy that he's back with you home!
I can't imagine the stress of not knowing what could happen put you through- but he's with you now and we all learn from experience, so I think it's great that if, as you said, you felt you """"neglected""" him, you can totally make up to him now! He's going to be so happy :D
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Idoia, we're super happy to have him back home with us too. He seems really excited to be home as well, cuddling with us at night and even purring. We're definitely going to spoil him from now on to make up for everything!
Maroon Caludin
Oh gosh! I'm so sorry that happened! But I'm glad Cooper seems to be recovering!
Sadly it often takes things like this for us to realize what's really important. But better late then never!
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Maroon, and you're right, better late than never! I feel very fortunate that I got a second chance with Cooper.
Shireen L. Platt
I'm so sorry about what happened, Jenny and your experience is a wake up call for me. I try my best or what I deemed as best to spend as much time with my little one but I often catch myself checking my phone, email, Instagram every few minutes. I have been better which is why I am less active on all platform but I need to be better.
I hope Cooper continues to recover well and hugs to you. Be strong mama! xx
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the well wishes Shireen <3 Cooper is doing better each day!
My phone is definitely one of my biggest distractions so I try to not have it with me at all times when I'm at home, just so I won't be tempted to check it every minute.
Elise L.
*sniffs* i'm so glad cooper is alright. One of the worst things in life is when you know your furry best friend is in pain and there is nothing we can do to take their pain away. I think i'd cry if my dog has to experience any difficulty. It's like we see our pets and we see happy, gullible furry friends who deserve as much nap or play time as they want and not be sick or feel pain on the bed - and maybe this is why it hurts us to see them suffer like this. I used to ignore my dog during my college days because i was busy with stuff. I mean i still held her and all but i feel like i didn't shower her enough attention. Now that she is old and continues to age, i try to hug her every time i get the chance to. I don't wanna think about it but deep down, i know that i have to hold her as much as i can before the time is up.
Take a rest, jenny. Geeky posh is important and i love reading your reviews, the dedication you put into trying out products and reviewing them for us. But cooper is so much bigger than geeky posh and if less reviews and less posts mean you get to spend more time with cooper, i'd say go for that one instead.
I wish cooper well. He's def your best bud and a strong one at that. Fingers crossed.
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment Elise and for being so understanding. I think the greatest pain as pet parents is knowing that one day they'll leave you. I try not to think of it myself, and it's easy to forget when our pets are happy and healthy, but when they get old and/or sick then the reality hits home and it's absolutely terrifying. Like you said, we need to spend as much time with them as possible, since their time with us is limited and so precious.
Luckily Cooper is doing better each day, getting lots of rest and being back to his boisterous self when he's awake. He's definitely my baby and I'll never take him for granted again.
Andreanne
Ohh Jenny I'm so so so sorry that you had to go through this. I wish Cooper a speedy recovery. I'm so glad this story has a happy ending for you and your family.
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Andreanne, really appreciate your well wishes. So far Cooper is doing well, so I think a happy ending is in the horizon :)
Amy
Aww I hope you're ok! It's so scary when anything happens to our pets but I'm so glad Cooper is ok. I hope he recovers quickly. Taking a step back is a good idea every now and then I think, there's always more important stuff going on than our blog commitments.
Amy - https://amyevans.co.uk
Jenny Wu
Thank you for the kind comment Amy, we're doing ok now, especially since Cooper is recovering well. Totally agree with you, there are definitely more important things than blogging!
Cat L.
Oh Jenny, I am so so sorry to hear about what happened to Cooper but SO SO glad he's recovered so well! I can totally relate as far as getting caught up with blogging and social media while neglecting those who matter most. I am guilty of it as well which is why I've decided to be more selective as far as how and with whom I spend my time. I too have been less active on my blog and Instagram while focusing more on spending time with my family. My son whom I've been raising at home is starting preschool in August and I think this is what caused the shift within myself.
Beautifully written post and I love love seeing Cooper's photos. Sending lots of hugs and warm wishes for a speedy recovery!
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Cat, we're super relieved to see Cooper getting better each day as well. I think being selective is a great idea and something I should do as well - in the past I've definitely said yes to too much and taken time away from what matters.
That's so exciting that your son is starting preschool, I hope everything goes well and he adjusts wonderfully!
Velvet Blush
Aww I hope Copper makes a full recovery soon! I think it is one of those cases where you have to do what makes you happy, and I still think one post a week is really good, because we all have other things happening in our lives and sometimes we need to think about where our time is best spent :) xx
Velvet Blush
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the well wishes! I agree, it's all about prioritizing our time and spending it on what really makes us happy. I thought it was blogging before, and while I still enjoy it, there are definitely other things that make me happier :)
Michelle
My own dog Marley, had a brush with death recently. I am grateful she's here and I am grateful that Cooper is okay and that you're changing focus in your life and his' too.
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Michelle, and I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, I hope she is doing ok now.
An Dang, TheBeauParlour
I'm so sorry that this happens to you and the most lovely Cooper .. I was so in shock when I saw your story! I really felt bad for you and your hubby .. it is a little bit better now that this operation has gone well but like u said we still have to see how the recovery goes. It feels like a slap in the face, because I'm also guilty of locking down my kitten when I take pictures or want some little me time .. We have to keep in mind that these momentss, while our loved ones are still here, that we have to cherish it <3
Jenny Wu
Thank you for the kind comment An <3 That was definitely a rough week for us but we feel very fortunate that everything went as well as it could've, and it's very encouraging to see Cooper doing a little better each day. It's interesting because today as I was taking pictures Cooper came near me again and instead of annoyance I felt so happy. A change of perspective really changes how you feel about things :)
Lauren
It's awful when pets are ill, I hope he's feeling better soon!
Lauren x Huggled
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Lauren, he's doing a little better each day!
Denise Kokinis
Awww I am so sorry to hear about your poor cat! That is so sad and I am keeping you all in my prayers!
You know, it is so easy to get caught up in other things and sometimes we put other things to the side. I'm sure you love your cat so much and I am sure he loves you just as much! Take all the time you need!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Jenny Wu
Thank you for your kind comment Denise <3 It's such a relief to see him doing better each day, though I don't think he's been a fan of me lately due to all the meds I have to give him :P
Katherine
I lost my dog in September very unexpectedly and then regretted all the times I also locked him out of my room and such, so reading this was seriously heartbreaking. However, I'm happy that it helped you realize that spending time with Cooper is important, especially right now. I hope that Cooper continues to feel better and so do you from less blogging and social media. It's nice to step away for a bit sometimes :)
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Jenny Wu
Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. Thank you for the kind comment, and it's been really nice just taking a break to spend more time with him this past week :)
Nina
oh, I'm sorry to hear what you had to go through. Hopefully your cute cat will be better.
Nina's Style Blog
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Nina, he's doing better now :)
Brandy
I am so glad that cooper is recuperating so well. I would be lost without my fur babies. I have 3 cats and one of them has had problems with tumors in his ears. It bleeds all the time because he scratches it, and every time, I get so worried. I've come home and there have been trails of blood through the house, often afraid of what I'm going to find. We found out that getting the tumor removed is going to cost $3500 and there's a 50% chance it will grow back. :/
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment Brandy, and I'm so sorry to hear about your cat :( Pet healthcare is extremely expensive, and we learned that first hand from this ordeal with Cooper, and it's especially difficult when the prognosis is only at 50%. I hope everything works out for your fur baby, will keep you and him in my thoughts + prayers!
Batsheva
I am so sorry to hear that you've been going through this Jenny! Surgery, and hospitalization, and 50% are words that are horrible to hear in any context. However, I am so relieved to hear that you did receive a second chance with Cooper. Yet even though I know that you are going to cherish that second chance-- please don't beat yourself up over doing the things you needed to do at the time. It only makes you feel horrible about yourself, and doesn't help the situation. Sending lots of love. x
http://cynicalduchess.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Batsheva <3 I agree, continuing to feel guilty about the past won't change the future, all I can do now is to make sure I don't repeat the same mistakes again :)
Stephanie | thefantasia.com
I am so sorry to hear about Cooper :( I can't imagine what it must be like to go through everything you described and I am so so so glad that you have this chance with Cooper! Don't beat yourself up over the what happened in the past - everything is a learning experience! Sending you all the best wishes!
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the sweet comment Stephanie <3 I agree, it definitely was a huge learning experience, and I owe Cooper a lifetime's worth of treats for this.
Marina Rosie
This was lovely and heartfelt Jenny xx Really sad to hear about what happened with Cooper - He's so precious so I understand you wanting to prioritise from now on. You are and will always be one of my favourite bloggers within the community - you've been there since the day I started out, so I'll always be there to support you. x I never miss a post, so, even with them being less frequent, I'll stay active. x
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie xx
https://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Marina and for supporting my blog <3 It really means a lot, especially at a time like this. Cooper is doing better now so hopefully I'll be able to commit to my new blogging schedule!
Lavanya
I'm so sorry to hear about Cooper, Jenny. Please don't beat yourself up for it, I'm sure you did everything you could to be a good mama to him.
Jenny Wu
Thank you for your kind comment Lavanya <3 I'll definitely make sure this time around I make sure to spend more time with him and not let my blog take priority over that.
Katy
All my thoughts go to you and Cooper! I'm so happy he pulled through, and is on the road to recovery. In hindsight, it's very easy to look at all the times you didn't give Cooper your full attention, but you love him, so please don't beat yourself up over anything!
i'm sure he appreciates all the time you'll be spending with him, and your change in priorties is totally understandable. Your posts are always so informative, we'll all love them however many posts you do!
xx
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Katy <3 Things always seem so obvious in hindsight, but you're right, I can only learn from my mistakes and make sure I don't mess up my priorities again.
Esnath
We are all guilty of prioritising our blogs and social media. Don't feel guilty if you where a bad mum you woundn't even realise it.
I am sure you did a great job but like any mother and child you irritate each other every once in a while.
I will definitely keep in touch and subscribe to your email so I can stay up to date with your content.
Hugs and kisses Jenny x
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment Esnath <3 Hopefully this experience will make me into a better mom to Cooper and to my future children when I have them :)
Emily
Aw I am sorry you had to go through this! I think changing your habits a little will be good. I only post two times a week because my schedule is so insane. And you have really lengthy posts too, so I think once a week will be awesome for you! I've been the same way with my dog. I haven't been paying much attention to him lately. This post was a nice wake up call, so thank you for writing it! Life can throw a curve ball at you, and it's a good reminder as to what's important. I have been playing with my dog more now, because I realized a few weeks ago he was restless at night, due to not getting enough attention/exercise. So I'm trying to find every opportunity in my schedule now to play with him and hang out. Hope Cooper continues to progress!!
-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment, and yes, it's times like these where we learn what truly matters to us (and what doesn't). So glad to hear that you're spending more time with your dog, I'm sure he's really happy too! Cooper has been doing a lot better, though he's still on his meds. Almost there!
jeanine
I'm so happy Cooper is able to recover, that must have been scary! I sometimes have periods where I work too much or get distracted and am fortunate {?} to have a cat that reminds me if she's being neglected by destroying my things or scratching at my nose while I sleep. When I remember to take time to say hello and play with her enough she's so much happier. It's hard when you're busy to remember to take time for things like that so sometimes a reminder is needed before it's too late.
You posted this a while ago but I hope Cooper has continued to recover and is happy and playing again. I don't think adjusting your posting schedule is a bad thing. Real life comes first. :)
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment Jeanine! Cooper is doing much better now, he's pretty much back to normal but a lot skinnier, so we're working on getting his weight back up.
That's so cute that your cat would do things to purposely get your attention, though I suppose mine did too... You're right, just spending the extra time with them to brush/play/cuddle with them makes them a lot less rowdy and better behaved!
Kris
These photos look so adorable!
Have a lovely day,
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Kris!