06/01/2026
Kabang's story stands as a remarkable example of animal bravery. In December 2011 in Zamboanga City, the mixed-breed aspin dog—adopted by Rudy Bunggal—intentionally threw herself in front of a speeding motorcycle to shield her owner's daughter, Dina, and niece, Princess. While the children escaped with minor bruises, Kabang's snout was caught in the wheel, completely crushing her upper jaw. As reported by Wikipedia, her owner refused euthanasia, and New York nurse Karen Kenngott eventually launched the global "Care for Kabang" campaign. The movement raised enough funds to fly the dog to the University of California, Davis in October 2012, where veterinarians treated her for cancer and heartworms before performing reconstructive facial surgery. Returning to the Philippines in 2013 to a hero's welcome, Kabang was featured on a national postage stamp and lived peacefully until her death in her sleep on May 17, 2021, at age 13