NEWS

Kabang, the Philippine “hero dog” & a mixed-breed street dog who lost her snout was flown to United States on late Monday night to undergo a $20,000 (roughly Php800,000) surgery.

Veterinarian Anton Mari H. Lim accompanied Kabang on PAL flight PR102 enroute to the University of California-Davis (UC Davis)-Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The Manila-Los Angeles trip is the second leg of Kabang’s two-month journey.

Lim and Hero dog Kabang arrived in California on Tuesday and was welcomed by Team Kabang USA's Karen Kenngott of the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) USA, and Michael Foley of Global Animal Transport (GAT) and representatives of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) who helped raise funds for the dog's surgery.

The Heroic Story of Kabang

Kabang became a national and international sensation when a news broke of its heroic gesture in saving two children from being run over by a speeding motorcycle. Kabang saved the children but suffered extensive injuries to her nose, face, and upper jaw due to the collision. Despite the horrific accident in Zamboanga City last December, Kabang miraculously survived and fought for her life within the last 10 months.

Team Kabang veterinarians have been giving her antibiotics to slow down the infection from her wounds and vitamins to boost her immune system.

Lim explained that Kabang urgently needed the operation as the dog was already taking medication for too long.

Lim compared Kabang's situation to an airconditioner without a filter.

“When you take out the whole snout you’re taking out the filter. So whatever dust, whatever germs is in the environment it goes straight into the lungs,” Lim said.

“Everytime were on antibiotics for extended periods of time you’re risking a lot of harm to the dog,” Lim said. “Yung liver niya, yung kidney niya may not be able to take the [effect of the] medicines.”

“Pinaka important thing that we can do for her is really for her survival. Yung aesthetic is way down in our list,” Lim explained.

“We’re lucky to get her “healthy” up to this point in time. She should have long been gone,” he said.

He noted that Kabang has a strong will to live.

"Yun na nga yung will to live niya is very strong that’s why we’re trying our best also to do what is medically possible for her,” he added.

Team Kabang spokesperson Mona Consunji of the AWC also said that despite Kabang's difficulty in eating and a gaping sinus, Kabang is ready for surgery, .

Kabang will undergo a maxillo-facial reconstructive surgery to restore function and properly close the wounds.

The cost of Kabang's surgery was covered by donations from the fans and animal advocates from 18 countries, Lim said.

Mona Consunji thanked the Philippine Airlines Foundation, and sponsors and donors who helped raise the funding for the surgery. She also thanked the public for their prayers and presents for the dog.

Team Kabang set up an account to fund Kabang’s veterinary treatment. All proceeds of the fundraiser will go to her surgery and post-surgery expenses. For more information and to donate to Team Kabang, visit http://www.careforkabang.com.

Source: GMA news, InterAksyon news