Zamboanga welcomes ‘ambassador of dogwill’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The city government here yesterday honored hero dog Kabang as ambassador of “Dogwill,” a pun on her courageous act of saving the lives of two children.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat conferred the title on Kabang in a ceremony at the city hall grounds, after the dog was given a hero’s welcome following her eight-month treatment in the United States.

Kabang, who lost her upper snout while saving two girls from being hit by a motorcycle in December 2011, arrived here Sunday night and was reunited with her owner Rudy Bunggal. 

“Kabang will be an advocate of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership not only in Zamboanga but also nationwide,” said Anton Lim, a private veterinarian and head of Team Kabang.

The conferment of the title was contained in an executive order in support of council resolution no. 180.

Lim said the hero dog will be given a whole week to rest to recover from the stress of traveling and to be with her owner’s family.

He said the mixed breed aspin (asong Pinoy) will also be used in the campaign on dog population control.

Lim said the advocacy work of Kabang will not be limited in this city as Makati City has also invited the hero dog to take part in their rabies awareness program.

He added that Makati City is planning to build a dog-friendly park to be named after Kabang.

Meanwhile, city veterinarian Mario Arriola said they were not only looking after the welfare of Kabang but also that of her owner, who has been listed as a qualified beneficiary of a housing program.