Kabang named 'ambassador of dogwill'

MANILA, Philippines -  The title of ambassador of "dogwill" was conferred by Mayor Celso Lobregat at the city hall ground Monday to Kabang  following a motorcade fitted for a hero’s welcome  in the downtown after the dog  arrived Sunday night and was reunited with her owner Rudy Bunggal.

The title was given through an executive order in support of the council resolution  No. 180 commending Kabang’s heroic act by saving the lives  of  two children from being hit by a vehiclelast December 14, 2011.

Anton Lim, a private veterinarian and head of the Team Kabang, and City Veterinarian  Mario Ariola, said a series of activities is awaiting Kabang as "ambassador of dogwill."

However, Lim said the dog wonder will be given a whole week of rest to recover from the stress of travel and allow  her to be with  her owner and the latter's family.

As ambassador of "dogwill", Kabang has a lot of role to fulfill  as she will be an advocate of  animal welfare for the city veterinary, Lim said.

“She ...will be an advocate of animal welfare, pet ownership responsibility not only in Zamboanga but nationwide,” Lim added. 

Ariola said Kabang shows the need for responsible pet ownership and should be the symbol of the campaign against animal cruelty.

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

Lim bared that Kabang has also been invited by the Makati City to take part on its rabies awareness program.

Lim disclosed that Makati  is also planning a dog-friendly park to be named after Kabang.

Ariola said they were not just looking after the welfare of Kabang but also of her poor owner as Bunggal  was declared as a  qualified beneficiary of housing program by Lobregat.

Lim said the people need not  worry about the food of the hero dog as  Pedigree  provided a one-year free dog food supply to ensure Kabang is getting proper nutrition.

Meanwhile, Lim said the donation portal which was used in accepting donation to help the treatment of Kabang in California will be closed in two weeks’ time and the extra of the funds collected will be used by Kabang  and her advocacy.