Philippine Hero Dog Returns Home From Us

[Mila's Mum]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/philippine-hero-dog-returns-home-from-us/story-fn3dxix6-1226660576925

THE Philippine dog that lost half her face saving the lives of two girls has returned home after treatment in the United States.

Filipino veterinarian Anton Lim, who accompanied the named Kabang, said the mixed-breed whose snout and upper jaw had been sheared off was treated in California for seven months with $US27,000 ($A28,000) in donations raised in the Philippines and abroad.

Kabang suffered the injuries in December 2011 when she jumped into the path of a motorcycle, stopping it from running over her owner's daughter and niece in southern Zamboanga city.

Lim said a parade is planned for Kabang's Sunday homecoming in Zamboanga.

University of California, Davis, veterinary Professor Frank Verstraete said doctors performed surgery to heal her wounds, though they could not reconstruct Kabang's jaw or snout.

They took skin from her cheeks, neck, and forehead to cover up sensitive areas that were exposed on her face during surgery in March.

Kabang won widespread sympathy because of her injuries.

An American nurse spearheaded a fund-raising campaign to bring Kabang to the United States.

Lim said donations poured in from 45 countries.

"It is very fulfilling that at least our hope in humanity is restored," he said.

Lim said Kabang has become a symbol of "unconditional love."

"Now, if you give unconditional love to your dog, of course they will give it back to you.

"So, she saved two lives so the whole world actually came together to save hers, so it is really a very nice symbol for everyone," he said.

[Kirislin]

I wonder how she manages to eat! I hope she gets the care she will need for the rest of her life.