PHL hero dog Kabang receives Red Cross award for valor

Philippine hero dog Kabang, who saved two young girls in Zamboanga City, received from the international humanitarian organization Red Cross last week the "Animal Hero" award. Kabang received the award during the 12th annual American Red Cross heroes recognition event held at the University of California–Davis (UCD) on December 7. The event acknowledges the extraordinary heroic acts of people from all walks of life. The other Red Cross awardees include 11-year-old Maria Andrade who helped prevent a possible catastrophic fire, Craig Senders who conducts free facial surgeries in different countries and Lorraine Beaumont who founded a Christian-faith based veterinary ministry that extends help to animals in impoverished countries. The Red Cross recognized Kabang's heroism as she saved two girls in Zamboanga City from being run over by a speeding motorbike last year. Kabang paid a high price for saving the girls, losing her upper snout and jaw which got mangled in the front wheel of the motorcycle. The Facebook page of the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC)  said aside from the American Red Cross Award for Valor, Kabang also received certificates of recognition from the US Senate, Congress and California Legislature. "She also received recognition from Davis, Woodland and local communities. TEAM KABANG's Cecile Torres (Animal Welfare Coalition) received the award and certificates of recognition for Kabang. Congratulations Kabang!" AWC said. 'Care for Kabang' Various groups, spearheaded by “Care for Kabang” raised funds from different countries for a reconstructive facial surgery for Kabang. However, initial medical examinations showed that Kabang had genital tumor and heartworm disease which needed to be treated first before she can undergo the surgery. Kabang has recently finished her chemotherapy sessions and just underwent heartworm treatment. She is now recuperating at the UCD. Her handler, Dawn Gilette, said Kabang is still recovering from the chemotherapy but is doing well, according to a report of the news site “The Davis Enterprise.”  - VVP, GMA News