Hero dog Kabang headed home, to go on VIP tour of PHL

Hero dog Kabang is flying back to the Philippines after completing months of treatment at the University of California (UC) Davis in the United States.

Kabang is expected to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday.

A post of the Facebook group Care for Kabang said, "UC Davis is sending her home with a year's supply of heartworm, flea and tick preventative medicine."

Dr. Anton Lim, the Filipino veterinarian who accompanied Kabang both on his flights to and from the US, said for the rest of her life, the hero dog will receive free preventive medication courtesy  of the Pfizer pharmaceutical company and free dog food from the Pedigree pet nutrition company.

Months of treatments

Kabang was released from the UC Davis on Tuesday after eight months of undergoing various medical procedures: treatments for heartworm and genital cancer and reconstructive surgery to repair her disfigured face.

The reconstructive surgery closed the gaping wound Kabang sustained after she lost her snout and upper jaw as she tried to save two young girls from being run over by a motorcycle in 2011.

For her deed, Kabang has been named as one of the world's top 10 heroic canines for 2012.

Kabang still does not have a full snout after undergoing reconstructive surgery but it now looks more symmetrical.

The group Care for Kabang spearheaded efforts to raise $20,000 (roughly P800,000) needed for the hero dog's surgery and other medical procedures.

Praises, criticism

News about Kabang's return to the Philippines was generally well-received by Facebook users who posted messages such as:

Vicky Santa Maria Catap: "From all the dog lovers in the Philippines, thank you so much for the love, care and support to our beloved Kabang."

Ronnie Dasmarinas: "To the doctors, nurses and techs of UC Davis, and to all the people who donated and prayed without your support this would not have happened. Thank you so much for giving Kabang a new lease on life. God bless you all."

Suellen Harriman: "Bless all who opened their hearts to care for her. I wish her a safe journey home and a peaceful happy life."

Gumersinda Roa: "Thank you so much US Davis' doctors and staff for taking care of our very own Kabang! You have made Kabang's life more meaningful. We will not forget you for the rest of our lives. For us Filipinos, people from the US Davis are angels sent from above to help, love and extend Kabang's survival. Words are not enough to express how grateful we are to you. More blessings and God bless you!"


One Facebook user, who said he met Kabang before she was brought to the US, had some hesitation about the dog's return to her owner in the Philippines.

James Tan: "I am an ordinary Filipino citizen, and I live in Zamboanga City where Kabang's from. I met Kabang (when she was "not" yet a celebrity that time) when I and my son Carl had a flat tire on our way for a badminton game. When our motorcycle was being serviced, I scanned the place and when I saw the dog Kabang I thought she was a road kill...

...But in my opinion regarding the return of Kabang here in the Philippines and to his owner??? Given, that all the support and maintenance for dog/pet will be given, I personally and strongly say/suggest that Kabang already found a HOME with you out there ...PLEASE, keep her. DON'T THROW HER BACK TO THE STREET. PLEASE..." (Tan's full message can be read on the Facebook page of the group Care for Kabang.)


One Facebook user expressed his displeasure over the attention being paid to Kabang:

Niko Halili: "Bakit maraming natutuwa kay Kabang, mga sira ### kayo!!!! Ang ### na aso na yan di naman talaga bayani, ang aso na yan talagang ugali niyang manghabol ng motorsiklo pag may tumatawid, nagkataon may tumawid na bata kaya un si ### na Kabang ang nasagasaan....."

"Tapos kayo natutuwa,ang daming naghihirap na Pilipino tapos yang aso na pinag-gagastusan..wake up wake up naman kayo jan pag my time. mga sira ### ang nag-lilike dito....dislike dislike dislike..."

"Daming mga batang gustong mg aral lalo sa mga isolated na area ng Pilipinas. Itong asong ito pinag-gagastusan ninyo..."

Going back to owner

Meanwhile, the group Care for Kabang reiterated that Kabang will return to her owner in Zamboanga City: Rudy Bunggal.

"Contrary to some postings, Dr. Lim has not adopted her, but will be there for her and Rudy for the rest of her life," the group said.

The group likewise mentioned that Kabang will "go on a VIP tour of the country to support education on proper animal care and animal rights. She will not be neglected, and will be treated very well. Her life will be happy and healthy." - Veronica Pulumbarit, GMA News