Lyndsey Brown

Semi is still being monitored 24/7 for his recovery❤️❤️‍ Nothing new to really update at the moment

Semi is continuing his supportive care. He is in good spirits and the Vet said he took Semi outside today to go potty and he had a little zip in his step was trotting along, being a happy boy (the pain meds may also have him feeling good haha) he was able to eat a little wet food this morning which was the first time since last week.

Update: The surgeon said things went well. Semi had a rope removed from his intestines that appeared to have been in there for quite some time, and another object removed from his stomach. He also had his spleen removed. He is receiving Hospitalization and supportive care at MVS still, as he also currently still has Aspiration Pneumonia as well as some fluid on the chest. Please continue to keep Semi in your prayers and sharing to help him❤️‍

I just wanted to give another update that the surgeon called and asked for permission to remove his spleen and they found nodules on it and instead of taking a biopsy and possibly having to remove it in the future, it would be two birds one stone basically to just remove it now. I gave permission to move forward and remove his spleen.

UPDATE: Got to visit my sweet boy just now. Of course I tried not to cry in front of him because I believe dogs can sense our emotions, I failed. He picked his big ol head up and put it in my hand as he always does He needs surgery. Calling the scope team in is no longer an option as they showed me the ultrasound onsite and they need to perform surgery today. This is not the outcome we had hoped for but know that it is necessary. Stay tuned for an update as we navigate through the next steps❤️‍❤️‍

# Help Bring Semi Home ❤️ A Rescue Dog Who Deserves His Second Chance Asking for help is not something that comes easily to me. If you know me personally, you know I'm usually the one donating, sponsoring pet adoptions, fostering animals, and helping others however I can. But this time, it's my own rescue dog who needs help, and I'm finding myself on the other side of something I'm so used to helping others through. After so many people in our community encouraged me to start a GoFundMe for Semi, here I am. ❤️ **I adopted Semi just two months ago, and this sweet bully has completely stolen my heart.** Before being rescued, Semi was a stray. He was in rough shape when he came in to the Humane Society, he had double ear infection, skin infection, entropion, had to have eye surgery, suffered heat stroke, kennel cough, etc, but despite his past, he is genuinely one of the sweetest souls I've ever met and we got him back to healthy! He is a potato, a real life couch hippo ❤️ He doesn't chew things, doesn't bark, has never had an accident in the house, and is quite possibly the most well-behaved gentleman I've ever known. All he wants is to love and be loved. Earlier this year, I lost my beloved Capone, and I truly believe Capone sent Semi into my life because we needed each other. I thought I was rescuing Semi, but in so many ways, he rescued me, too. **Unfortunately, our happy new beginning has taken a heartbreaking turn.** Wednesday night, Semi suddenly began shaking, struggling to breathe, and having difficulty walking. I rushed him to VCA Emergency in Middleton, where he was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Thursday, Clinton Veterinary Clinic compassionately helped us with his medications and care, and he was later admitted to the critical care unit at Madison Veterinary Specialists (MVS) Friday morning. Thankfully, Semi has been improving, he is doing great! His bloodwork looks good, his heart is healthy, he's walking normally again, and he's breathing without the need for Oxygen therapy! He's even become a staff favorite. One veterinarian told me she laid down and cuddled with him because he's just that sweet. ❤️ We thought we were finally getting close to bringing him home. **Then we received more heartbreaking news.** His ultrasound and X-rays revealed foreign material in his stomach and possibly his intestines that needs to be removed. His veterinarian believes it may have been there for quite some time, potentially even from his days as a stray when he was eating whatever he could find to survive. The veterinarians suspect this material caused acid reflux, which then led to the aspiration pneumonia. A terrible chain reaction that nobody could have anticipated. Because of his pneumonia, the veterinary team has been working to get him stronger before attempting removal. They are repeating imaging to determine if they could attempt calling the Scope Team in or if they need to go directly to surgery. **The estimated surgery alone is $6,000–$8,000.** His initial hospitalization at MVS was **$3,506** Friday morning until this morning, on top of his emergency visits and other veterinary care. He now requires additional hospitalization, the removal procedure, and recovery care. I'm still waiting on updated estimates for those expenses. I've already put everything I can toward his treatment. My CareCredit is maxed out from losing Capone earlier this year, and unfortunately, Semi wasn't eligible for pet insurance when I adopted him due to his age and pre-existing medical conditions. The hospital requires payment before treatment, and I'm simply not financially equipped for another expense of this magnitude. **What absolutely breaks my heart is that Semi is otherwise a healthy, happy boy.** He has so much life and love left to give. He deserves to spend his senior years sleeping on a comfortable couch, getting spoiled, knowing he'll never have to struggle to survive again, and going adventuring with me, we had so many plans. I cannot bear the thought of losing him over something treatable simply because I cannot afford the cost. I'm sitting here with tears running down my face writing this because if you've ever met Semi, you understand. There is something so special about this boy. After everything he's been through, he still trusts people, loves everyone, and remains the gentlest, happiest soul. **I'm not asking anyone to give more than they're comfortable with. Even $1 or $5 helps.** If you cannot donate, sharing his story means just as much. For anyone who prefers not to use GoFundMe, I'm also happy to accept contributions through other methods or in person. You may also contact Madison Veterinary Specialists to ask whether a contribution can be made directly toward Semi's care. I will continue sharing updates, veterinary estimates, and information about his treatment so everyone knows exactly how their generosity is helping him. I have always believed in showing up for others, especially animals who cannot advocate for themselves. I never imagined I'd be the one asking, but I would do absolutely anything to give this sweet boy the life he deserves. **Please help me get my Semi home. I don't need a miracle. I just need enough help to give him the chance he deserves.** ❤️ From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every donation, share, prayer, kind message, and ounce of love you've shown us. Love, Lyndsey & Semi ❤️