Not all heroes wear capes—some have fur and paws. Meet Kabang, a brave dog whose incredible story of courage and survival will warm your heart. Kabang risked her own life to save the lives of two children from a dangerous motorcycle accident.
In 2008, Kabang was just a puppy and was found in a sack in a dumpster with four other puppies in a small rural town in the Philippines. Rudy Bunggal, Kabang’s owner, got her name from the Filipino term “multi-color,” seeing that Kabang had black, white, and brown patterns on her fur.
Kabang’s Heroic Story
Tragedy struck in December 2011 when Bunggal’s 11-year-old daughter, Dina, and her three-year-old cousin, Princess, were crossing the street when a speeding motorcycle came their way. Kabang jumped at the two oblivious girls, taking the impact and losing her snout and upper jaw as a result. The rider of the motorcycle and the kids only sustained minor bruises, while Kabang suffered major injuries and open wounds. She needed immediate medical attention to make sure that the infection wouldn’t spread around her body and that she’d survive.
The injuries were so bad and painful that Kabang was almost going to be euthanized. But, the Bunggal family chose to do whatever it takes and to take care of her. The hero dog still had difficulty eating, but she adapted and went on to live like any other dog. Kabang even had puppies of her own.
In 2012, New York-based nurse Karen Kennggott heard of Kabang’s story and decided to start a worldwide fundraising campaign called “Care For Kabang.” The mix breed aspin’s procedure required a huge sum—around $27,000. But her story went viral around the globe, and people from 18 different countries donated money for her cause, flying her to California.
Her Journey to Recovery
Because Kabang’s owners did not have the documents to travel, local veterinarian Dr. Anton Lim volunteered to bring Kabang to the United States for her snout reconstruction. When she arrived, she immediately had help from over 17 professional to help with the dental and facial surgeries at the University of California Davis Medical Teaching Hospital. But before her operation, veterinarians discovered that Kabang had heartworm disease and a transmissible venereal tumor (a type of infectious tumor). They had to treat these conditions before proceeding with the surgery.
“You might be a little disappointed that she is still not a pretty dog, but she’s a happy dog,” said Frank Verstraete, a professor in the School of Medicine and chief of dentistry and oral surgery service at the Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
For five weeks, Kabang had to undergo six chemotherapy sessions, which successfully shrunk the tumor. Finally, her operation took place in March 2013. After eight months in the hospital filled with surgeries, Kabang was cleared to go home in June 2013. Kabang was given a hero’s welcome when she returned to the Philippines. People even visited Kabang in the Bunggal family home to take pictures with her and help provide medicine and food.
Kabang was also given many awards, including being an Ambassador of Goodwill by the Animal Welfare of the Philippines and declared Animal Hero by the Yolo County American Red Cross Heroes. Unfortunately, shortly after her return, Rudy Bunggal passed away, leaving her with no owner.
After Rudy’s passing, Dr. Lim was able to adopt Kabang and care for her, giving her the best life she could live.
RELATED: Fishing Crew Rescues 38 Dogs From Drowning in Lake
In Memory of Kabang, Our Hero
Kabang lived 13 dog years—91 in human years, and passed away on May 17, 2021. Dr. Lim, confirmed that Kabang died peacefully in her sleep. The veterinarian was supposed to feed Kabang dinner when she found her lying motionless on her bed, with no external sign or prior sickness. Kabang even finished her last full dog meal during lunch.
At Roseller T. Lim Boulevard in Zamboanga, a statue of Kabang was displayed in her honor in August 2021. Artist Kublai Milan used 800 pounds of aluminum to create this memorial masterpiece. Kabang’s Hero Dog Memorial Fund is currently under the care of Dr. Lim and
RELATED: Dog Rescue: Teen and His Puppy Saved After Falling Hundreds of Feet
From The Club
It’s really hard to see an image of Kabang and not get upset. It’s such an amazing story about a dog that sensed danger and selflessly put her own life on the line to save two children she cared for. She was a true celebrity across the world, with swarms of paparazzi taking photos and interviewing the owner. I loved watching this video because it shows you how happy she is, with no bother in the world. She just loved playing with her toys and making people smile. May she rest in paradise.