Hero dog Kabang named ambassador of 'dogwill'

A year ago, with her snout and upper jaw torn off, Philippine hero dog Kabang was not exactly a pretty sight for many.

Some say her face, disfigured from a road mishap, made her look like a character in a macabre film.

Today, Kabang, named one of the world's top 10 heroic dogs for 2012, has become a national figure and was even named ambassador of "dogwill."

A report of Katrina Son for "24 Oras" said Zamboangga passed Resolution 180 proclaiming Kabang as an ambassador of “dogwill.”

Kabang's face was disfigured after she saved two young girls in Zamboanga from being run over by a motorcycle in 2011.

Zamboangga Mayor Celso Lobregat said Kabang is poised for bigger things.

“Hindi na [lang] ang Zamboanga ang parang may-ari kay Kabang. Worldwide na itong si Kabang. So she really can be the symbol of responsible pet ownership,” Lobregat said.



Monday motorcade

After staying in the United States for eight months for surgery and other treatments, Kabang on Monday was given a hero's welcome in Zamboanga.

A motorcade procession for Kabang was participated in by 25 vehicles with 70 people.

Kabang rode at the back of a truck with her owner Rudy Bunggal.

During the procession, Kabang wore the bronze medal she received from the American Red Cross for her heroic act.

After the procession, Kabang and Bunggal joined a press conference where the dog's owner fielded questions that included why he chose not to give Kabang away even though some were offering him money for his pet.

“Mabuti pa sa akin na lang siya maalagaan ko [pa] siya nang mabuti... Kung ibebenta ko yung aso ko wala na... baka paano man may magsabi na tumutulong sa akin na ibinenta mo lang aso mo. Mabuti pa ipahuli nalang kita,” Bunggal said.

Rest and recovery

Meanwhile, Kabang's Filipino veterinarian Dr. Anthony Lim said the dog's condition is good although she is still adjusting to the hot weather in the Philippines after having stayed for months in the US.

“So what will happen after this is Kabang will have a whole week of rest. She has to recover from her jetlag,” Lim explained.

Kabang will be temporarily under the care of Lim during her one-week rest period.

Hero dog

On December 14, 2011, Kabang leapt in harm's way to save two young girls from being run over by a speeding motorcycle.

The girls were unscathed but Kabang sustained major injuries. A significant part of her face was disfigured after her snout and upper jaw were mangled after she was hit by the motorcycle.

Kabang's story then became viral online and the group Care for Kabang spearheaded a donation drive to pay for her facial reconstructive surgery in the US estimated at $20,000 (roughly P800,000).

She was flown to the University of California–Davis last year where she had to be treated for genital cancer and heartworm disease before undergoing facial reconstructive surgery in March.

UC Davis said the surgery was not meant to restore her snout and upper jaw but to close the gaping wound on her face to prevent infection.

Kabang arrived in the Philippines on June 8, 2013 and was provided with a year's supply of food, vitamins, and other essentials to keep her healthy. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News