Semi- Sweet was found as a stray in Tijuana Mexico. She had lived as a street dog in her short life, and like many street dog is a mixture of many breeds but Semi has apparent Shar Pei in her heritage.
As a young dog, Semi Sweet suffered a devastating injury, probably from being hit by a car on the Tijuana streets. This accident resulted in a broken back, her spine broken in two. The injury left her paraplegic, unable to use her hind legs. Yet, as a street dog on her own, Semi still tried to live, despite her injury, and she dragged herself, trying to find food and water. Semi never gave up hope, determined to survive but suffered road rash, wounds, pressure sores and swelling on her legs, feet and seat from dragging herself along the roads.
If ever a dog wanted to live, it was Semi, and she radiated that hope and wish with every ounce of her being. But she was destined for a cruel end on the streets, invisible and alone. If they don’t die horribly on the streets, from disease, starvation or cruelty, the best dogs like Semi could hope for was being routed to Tijuana Anima Control where their lives were ended by electrocution.
Kind and compassionate people exist in even the most inhospitable areas for animals, and one such person took pity on Semi Sweet, and took her in to their home. This caring gesture got the injured dog off the streets and out of further harm’s way, but the good Samaritan found that the dog’s care was more than they could handle, as Semi’s injuries required intensive care, even to keep the wounds clean.
There are some extraordinary rescues headquartered in the United States helping the many desperate dogs in Tijuana, Mexico and working with the individuals of that area who try to assist the most critical of those like Semi, animals who are terribly injured, starving or too young or old to survive on the streets. Because one of these organizations, At Choo Foundation, based in California stepped in to care for Semi, she escaped a harsh fate and wretched death by electrocution at animal control. The other organization helping Semi Sweet was Mutt Mutt Engine, located in Minnesota, who was the go between connecting with Home for Life, on behalf of At Choo Foundation and Semi, and undertaking her transport to us. That’s what animal rescue should be about, organizations collaborating on behalf of dogs and cats- collaborating at what we all do best to change the fate of a despairing dog with no hope and no future and giving them a home for life, and especially a dog like Semi, who had no where else to turn.
In 2020, Semi-Sweet was transferred from the caretaker in Tijuana to am At Choo Foundation foster home in California. There she saw veterinarians and started the process of healing. Semi was provided a cart, and took to it readily so she could move more freely, without dragging her hind legs which caused the painful sores and abrasions. Semi even got to go to the beach while in California, where her foster got this touching video of her. Video | Facebook
At Choo’s founder Elaine described her as “full of a semi truck ambition - wants to go, go, go, loves everyone and is also made of sugary love.
“ While I'd be ringing the bell for attention and playing the violin for sorrowful pity, she instead, plays the kazoo and is waiting for the party to start. So, let's find her a rescue for that party! PLEASE, BEGGING FOR HELP! Adorable and sweet true Rescue, we love you and need you!” You can see where the inspiration for Semi's name came from!
By the spring of 2021, when Semi arrived at Home for Life, she made quite the international group of friends, all survivors like her: Tiger, a 2 legged dog from Thailand and Riley, a fluffer, from Saudi Arabia and Robinhood and Mahtab, both from Iran who survived ghastly injuries: Mahtab shot by a gun multiple times and Robinhood, run over by a vehicle. All of her friends were former street dogs and survivors like her. It is inspiring to see dogs find friendship and common ground, no matter where they are from.
Here's a Video of Semi on Facebook, shortly after she arrived at Home for Life with two of her new friends Tiger and Riley
Semi is such a radiant being, so sweet and so full of life, despite suffering a severed spine and appalling sores from trying to drag herself on the streets of Tijuana after her horrific injury. She doesn't give her past suffering a second thought but charges into her life full steam ahead!
It's both heartbreaking and moving to see Semi's sheer joy in being alive. Bittersweet to think of her past suffering and what a close call she had, covered in sores, and so close to being electrocuted at Tijuana Animal Control. Bitter and heartbreaking. But sweet and so fulfilling to know that this good dog escaped that harsh fate, is healed now and representative of the happiness and hope so many desperate animals find once they are home for life.