In 2011, Kabang intentionally jumped in front of a speeding motorcycle in Zamboanga, Philippines, to save two young girls crossing the street. She survived the impact, and an international effort raised funds for her specialized medical care at UC Davis. She lived out a peaceful, happy life surrounded by love until passing away of natural causes at age 13 in 2021.
13 was her total age.
Born: February 2008
The Accident: December 2011 (she was about 3 years old)
Died: May 17, 2021 (at age 13)
She lived 10 years after the accident.
I'm surprised I didn't hear about this as someone from Davis who was in Davis at the time! I'm glad they were able to help her live as good a life as possible!
I know, but I have UCD friends and family, and was even in school at the time, so I thought I'd have heard of it (family friends who were part of the veterinary school). Idk how hippa works for dogs and such!
Either way I'm happy the dog was able to live a long life afterwards :)
Doctors at UC Davis treated her for underlying conditions (heartworms and TVT cancer) before performing surgeries to close her facial wounds. While they couldn't reconstruct her upper jaw, she adapted completely—learning to eat normally using her lower jaw and paws. She returned to Zamboanga in 2013 to a hero's welcome.
She lost half her face to save those kids and still beat cancer and heartworms just to keep living her best life. Rest in peace, Kabang an absolute legend
There’s also poor George, a stray pup that lost his life protecting kids from wild dogs/stray dogs. He’s so small. I’d imagine it being pretty horrible of an experience being overpowered by two bigger dogs. Poor baby. Dogs (and even cats) truly are angels.
Unfortunately, there are always a few skeptics and trolls in the comments, despite of very well documented info and Kabang’s bravery is 100% real and fully documented worldwide by major news outlets and UC Davis Veterinary Hospital.
I wouldnt say unfortunately. Its good for people to be skeptical about things on the internet. The “unfortunate” part should be saved for those who are provided facts and resources to personally determine the truth and still choose to call it fake.
They manage to save kabang .An international crowdfunding campaign raised over $27,000 to send her to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in California. Veterinary specialists successfully treated her underlying health conditions and performed surgeries to close and heal her facial wounds, allowing her to adapt and live a full, healthy life.
Good pup. It would be cool if they could do a bone/jaw transplant to help return function to her mouth. A mouth always being exposed to dry air can affect teeth, gums and tongue health.
Thanks for sharing the link! Her story is heartbreaking at first look, but seeing how resilient and loved she was after her recovery in California really highlights what a true hero she was.
That's a charming story and I'm glad the children are okay and all, but it seems a lot more likely that the dog just happened to be in the way and take the impact out of sheer luck.
Maybe there's a video showing clear intention of the dog to block the bike, I dunno. Glad she's living a happy life still, but I think we're anthropomorphizing this in hindsight to make a feel good story.
there isn't video of the exact moment, the eyewitnesses (including the motorcycle driver and the family) recounted that she specifically leaped out from a sidewalk area to intercept the bike just as it was about to hit the kids. Whether pure protective instinct or sheer luck, her quick action undeniably absorbed the crash and saved those girls.
It’s actually a very real and famous story from 2011. You can search "Kabang hero dog UC Davis" to see her official medical documentation and international coverage.
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u/minimalprogamer18 12h ago
In 2011, Kabang intentionally jumped in front of a speeding motorcycle in Zamboanga, Philippines, to save two young girls crossing the street. She survived the impact, and an international effort raised funds for her specialized medical care at UC Davis. She lived out a peaceful, happy life surrounded by love until passing away of natural causes at age 13 in 2021.