Kabang

Today, its a story that has tugged at the heart of thousands of people around the world. Our special doggie friend today is 'Kabang!' Kabang lost half her face whilst saving two girls from an oncoming motorcycle. Wonder dog Kabang has now returned to the Philippines after eight months of treatment in the US. 

Kabang!

Kabang attracted worldwide support because of her severe injuries, with donations from the Philippines and abroad covering her $27,000 treatment costs.

The hero Kabang jumped into the path of a motorcycle, stopping it from hitting her owner's daughter and niece in the southern city two years ago. The accident left a gaping hole in the two-year old dog's face. Kabang's heroic tale prompted an outpouring of sympathy, with fundraising campaigns set up on Facebook and Twitter.

Veterinary surgeon Anton Lim, who accompanied the dog to the US, said they received donations from 45 countries, covering the full cost of treatment. "This is the first time in the history of the Philippines that we've seen such support for a dog." said Ed Unson, another Filipino vet and one of Kabang's handlers. Doctors at the University of California operated on Kabang's wounds, and treated her for a tumour and heartworm.

While they could not reconstruct the dog's jaw or snout, they took skin grafts from her cheeks, neck and forehead to cover up sensitive areas exposed on her face, University of California Professor Frank Verstraete explained. "Despite the disfigurement, Kabang can still chew her food using her two remaining molars, and smell well enough to recognise her owner and handlers. The dog was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers at Manila airport and later reunited with her owner, Rudy Bunggal, in Zamboanga.

So today we salute wonder dog Kabang and wish her a long and happy life with Rudi.

Yip Yap

Poppy and Abbey

Gabe

Today we meet a very good looking canine boy called Gabe. Adopted by the US military from a dog pound in Houston, Texas. he was to become 'Specialised Search Dog Gabe' A yellow Lab, was winner of the Military war dog category and went on to be named the 2012 American Hero dog.

In 2006, Gabe was deployed to Iraq to find hidden guns and explosives and to help keep soldiers safe. He completed over 210 combat missions with 26 finds of explosives and weapons and also spent time visiting wounded troops and children. Gabe retired in 2009 after a very distinguished career earning over 40 awards and coins of excellence for his work.

Gabe

Gabe and his dad, SFC Chuck Shuck, continued to help raise awareness for shelter pets and educate children about respect and the importance of staying in school.

However, it is with a broken heart and great sadness we report that Gabe passed away while his dad Chuck Shuck held him in his arms. "Rest in peace sweet, beautiful Gabe, a hero and friend to to all."

To read more about Gabe please visit his facebook page

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Poppy and Abbey

Storm

Today I want you to meet a special friend called Storm. Two-year-old bulldog Storm has undergone a facelift after her distinctive features became so pronounced they affected her breathing. The operation was carried out at the Dogs Trust centre in Bridgend but Storm must return for eye surgery. The dog had been taken in after her owner could not longer look after her.

The breed has exaggerated facial features which can affect some dogs and staff noticed Storm had developed breathing problems. The operation involved pulling back the skin folds on the bridge of Storm's nose and removing some of the excess."A facelift is an uncommon procedure for a dog but we know it will make a huge difference in improving her quality of life," said vet Stephanie Marshall.

If left untreated the dog could have developed severe skin infections. The trust says Storm has become one of a handful of dogs in Britain to undergo the procedure at its centre. Staff had been cleaning the dog's face daily to ensure the skin did not become infected.But when the folds of skin started to cut off the dog's breathing they decided action was needed.

Storm

Now Storm has been found a new home by the charity but she is due to return to undergo eye surgery for a condition that causes irritation when the eyelid folds inwards.

Get well soon Storm

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Poppy and Abbey

Lilly

Pit bulls sometimes get a bad name, but here is our doggie friend who is a real pit bull hero. 

Lilly risked her life to pull her unconscious owner from the path of an oncoming freight train last week. The loyal dog suffered serious injuries but saved her owner. Christine Spain was walking home with Lilly when she fell unconscious onto a railway tracks. Before long, a freight train was heading towards them. The driver hit the brakes and got off the train to find woman unharmed. However, Lilly suffered severe injury to her right foot. She also fractured her pelvis in multiple locations and sustained other internal injuries.

Lilly

David Lanteigne a Boston police officer had rescued Lilly a few years ago as a therapy dog for his mother. David said "I truly believe things happen for a reason. We found Lilly to save her life, and she returned the favour. She almost died here." Lilly's foot could not be saved and her right front leg had to be amputated, but her veterinarian said she should be able to walk once she has recovered. Due to her age, Lilly must recover from the amputation before she can undergo surgery for her other injuries.

Despite the trauma she has endured the canine hero is on the road to recovery. Lilly's owner said "I'm supposed to be the strong one. I'm supposed to be here for her, but she's been so great, so tough through all this that it almost feels like she's the one comforting me, being there for me and making me feel better."

A fund has been set up to help offset Lilly's medical care, which will likely run into the thousands of dollars. For more information, visit www.mspca.org/helplilly.


Today we wish Lilly a speedy recovery and a long and happy life.

Yip Yap

Poppy and Abbey

Earl

Now here's an incredible story of two brothers in arms who found their way back to each other after spending several years apart. In 2010, Marine Brad O'Keefe was serving in Afghanistan when he suffered grave injuries from an IED explosion. Had it not been for a warning from his partner, a bomb-sniffing dog named Earl, O'Keefe and 13 of his fellow troops may have lost their lives.

Brad and Earl

Brad was sent home to Rochester, N.Y., due to his injuries and Earl was reassigned, but the soldier never forgot the dog who served with him and saved his life. "I tried to move on because I didn't know what was going to happen. But there was always a place in my heart for him."  Brad and his family continued to search for Earl over the years. His sister, Rachel Lawson, set up a Facebook page called 'Bring MWD Earl Home' in the hope of finding the dog. Earlier this year, they traced him to Rhode Island, where he was working with state police.

The pair was reunited  at the State Police headquarters in Scituate, R.I. and the family has since received even more good news. “They're letting us adopt Earl. No strings attached, no extra expenses.”

After the lengthy separation, O'Keefe is determined to make the most of his time with Earl. "He slept in the bed with me last night. We are going to spend as much time together as we can." Now the family is on a mission to reunite other military handlers and their canine partners. The website has since been re-branded and the page that helped find Earl as is know known as 'Boots And Collars'. the site has already begun helping other soldiers reconnect with their four-legged brothers. "He's just one dog. I love all of them and I want to do this for other people, we just want to pay it forward."

View photos of O'Keefe and Earl's emotional reunion at the Boots And Collars Facebook page.

Today we salute Earl....

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Poppy and Abbey

Boatswain's Story

Lord Byron (1788 - 1824) is regarded as one of the greatest British poets. He wrote this poem for his beloved dog Boatswain. Boatswain was tragically attacked and bitten by a rabid dog, Byron insisted on nursing Boatswain himself, heedless of the risk, and grieved deeply at the dog's inevitable death. "Boatswain is dead! "he lamented to a friend. "He expired in a state of madness...after suffering much, yet retaining all the gentleness of his nature to the last, never attempting to do the least injury to anyone near him." Lord Byron had a monument made to Boatswain with his poem inscribed on it.

Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity strength without insolence courage without ferocity and all the virtues of man without his vices. This praise which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes is but a just tribute to the memory of BOATSWAIN a DOG, Who was born in Newfoundland May 1803 and died at Newstead Nov. 18 1808 

When some proud son of man returns to earth,

Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth,

The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe,

And storied urns record who rest below:

When all is done, upon the tomb is seen,

Not what he was, but what he should have been:

But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,

The first to welcome, foremost to defend,

Whose honest heart is still his master's own,

Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,

Unhonour'd falls, unnoticed all his worth,

Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth:

While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,

And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.

Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,

Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power,

Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,

Degraded mass of animated dust!

Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,

Thy smiles hypocrisy, thy words deceit!

By nature vile, ennobled but by name,

Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.

Ye! who perchance behold this simple urn,

Pass on --- it honours none you wish to mourn:

To mark a friend's remains these stones arise;

I never knew but one, --- and here he lies.

Today we salute the memory of Boatswain.

Yip Yap!

Poppy and Abbey