Kabang, the hero dog from the Philippines, arrives at UC Davis

UPDATE: ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines— The courageous canine who saved two girls from harm when she

blocked the path of a speeding motorcycle here in December, is US-bound.

“Kabang,” a female aspin (short for asong Pinoy or native breed), will undergo major surgery to reconstruct

her upper snout, which was mangled and ripped off in the accident, according to veterinarian Dr. Anton Lim.

“Kabang is going to the US with the help of many kind-hearted individuals and donors, who would like to see

the dog … live longer. Her story inspired many people especially animal lovers,” Lim said, citing a confirmation

from Ramona Consunji of the Animal Welfare Coalition.

Kabang is expected to be at UC Davis for at least six weeks.

Based on preliminary discussions, Arzi and Verstraete anticipate that Kabang will need at least two surgeries.

The first likely would focus on dental work. The second would attempt to close the gaping wound on the

dog’s face, protecting her from infection and improving her quality of life.

To reduce the chance of infection and minimize stress for Kabang, the dog will not be available to

the news media at this point.