Rescued 2021 · Kasane, Botswana | Passed away peacefully, November 2024, Mpumalanga Highlands, South Africa
As told by Queen Sheba
My name is Queen Sheba. And this is my story.
The Healer Outside the Hospital
For fourteen years, I worked outside the Kasane hospital in Botswana. Not as a guard dog, not as a pet — as a healer. I transformed negative energy into positive energy. This is what dogs do. It is why we are called Man's Best Friend.
I survived on scraps from the humans passing by. But scraps were few, and as the years passed, old age made it increasingly difficult to find food and water. So I stayed outside the hospital, ready to pass on. Fully content. My work was done.
The Twins Who Stopped
One day, a pair of human twins walked past me on the street. They noticed my weakness — old age, hunger, thirst, and illness. Cancer had settled into my bones, and every step was painful. Most humans walked past. These two stopped.
They started bringing me food and clean water. Every single day. For an entire year. I grew stronger. I got back on my feet. The cancer made walking painful, but I gave it everything I had.
After a year, I told them my work outside the hospital was finished. Fourteen years was enough. I agreed to go with them — but on my terms: decent food, clean water, and most importantly, lots of cuddles and love. They agreed. They also gave me blankets so I could finally sleep warm at night. I'm skinny. I get cold easily.
The Tumors That Wouldn't Win
Shortly after they adopted me, two more tumors pushed through an existing one on my tummy. The bleeding was relentless — it started when the twins began applying medicinal CBD oil directly onto the tumors, dripping it straight onto the affected area. I almost bled to death more than once. The twins sacrificed towels and T-shirts to help me through those nights.
A vet told them there was nothing to be done. The only option, she said, was to put me to sleep. But the twins knew what I knew — I wasn't ready to go. They kept applying the CBD oil topically and feeding me nutritious meals.
A month later, a miracle happened. The tumors shrank into loose flaps. The cancer roots appeared to have died. A second vet surgically removed what remained. I could walk again — without constant pain — for the first time in years.
The Oldest and Slowest
I used to be the fastest dog in all of Botswana. I miss running. Now I am the oldest and the slowest. But I am grateful — grateful to get up each morning, to find a private spot under a Baobab tree for my morning routine. Any Baobab will do. It is my favourite tree.
Founding Member and Advisor
I became a proud founding member and advisor to the Oister Foundation. By bringing a dog's perspective to every decision, I kept things in check — ensuring all choices were made from a place of wisdom, compassion, and unconditional love.
Queen Sheba peacefully passed away in the arms of her human rescuers in a remote area in the Mpumalanga Highlands, South Africa, in November 2024. She travelled through 5 African countries with her rescuers.
She was the fastest dog in Botswana, a wise and dignified soul. She will never be forgotten.
Rest peacefully in the remote Mpumalanga Highlands, our beloved Queenie.
Queen Sheba's story is the heart of why the Oister™ Foundation exists. Every purchase from Africanis™ honours her legacy and funds rescues like hers.