Adopting an Aspin comes with numerous benefits that make them excellent companions. One of the most notable traits of Aspins is their resilience and adaptability. Whether living in a city apartment, a suburban home, or a rural farm, Aspins can thrive in various environments. Their natural survival instincts, honed from generations of living in the streets and countryside, allow them to easily adjust to new situations and form strong bonds with their owners.
Another key advantage of adopting an Aspin is their health. Thanks to their diverse genetic background, Aspins are generally less prone to hereditary diseases that affect many purebred dogs. This genetic diversity makes them more robust, often resulting in fewer health issues over their lifetime.
Lastly, Aspins are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and loving nature. They form deep emotional bonds with their families, making them incredibly devoted and attentive. Aspins are also naturally protective, making them excellent watchdogs while being gentle and affectionate with their loved ones. Adopting an Aspin means gaining a lifelong companion who is both dependable and loving.
Kabang is a legend for a reason.
Born on February 29, 2008, Kabang was said to have been found in a litter of five inside a sack at the dumpster of the Zamboanga City Government. Dina Dianchi says that it was her stepfather Rudy Bunggal who made the discovery and subsequently adopted her. Kabang, the name, means "multi-color" in Cebuano, a reference to the black, yellow, and white patterns seen on Kabang's fur.
In 2011, then-nine-year-old Dianchi and her three-year-old cousin, Princess Diansing, had been trying to cross the street when suddenly a local motorcycle was fast approaching. The girls were said to have been oblivious to the vehicle coming their way. Sensing the cousins were in danger, Kabang lunged at the motorcycle, eventually knocking it over. Both the rider and the kids only sustained minor bruises.
Kabang, effectively, bore the brunt of the pain. "The bones holding her upper snout were crushed, and we could not do anything to save it", said Bunggal at the time. "We just pulled her off the wheel." She would run off and reunite with the family a few weeks later. Suffice it to say, the injuries were grueling, and the dog was up to be euthanized. The family opted to take care of her instead.
There were several attempts to do surgery on the pupper. Kabang would have difficulty eating but would nevertheless have a normal life, even becoming a mother to some pups of her own. In 2012, for instance, New York-based nurse Karen Kenngott was so touched by Kabang's story that she offered to help. The nurse would start the grassroots fundraiser called "Care for Kabang."
The hero dog would make her way to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at UC Davis in the United States for specialized treatment. Unfortunately, evaluations concluded that Kabang had heartworms and even a tumor. Chemotherapy would follow and surgery would be delayed until March 2013. It proved to be the boost she needed. When she returned to Zamboanga City on June 8, 2013, she would get a proper welcome in her hometown.
She passed away on May 17, 2021 after living a relatively healthy and happy life. Kabang was buried near a statue of Francis of Assisi in Zamboanga City in July 2021.
The story of Kabang, the hero dog from the Philippines, truly highlight the incredible nature of these native dogs. Kabang became famous worldwide for her extraordinary bravery when she saved two young girls from a motorcycle accident, risking her own life in the process. Her selflessness and courage are a testament to the protective, loyal, and heroic qualities that many Aspins possess.
Kabang’s story showcases the inherent loyalty and bravery that Aspins are known for. They have a deep, instinctual bond with their families and are often willing to go to great lengths to protect the ones they love. This makes them not only excellent companions but also reliable guardians.
Choosing an Aspin means embracing a dog with a strong sense of loyalty, intelligence, and courage. Their ability to form deep connections, combined with their adaptable and resilient nature, makes them the perfect companion for any household. Kabang’s story is just one of many examples of how Aspins can touch lives and prove that they are every bit as extraordinary as any other breed, if not more. That is why we should choose aspins that are in need of a loving home to appreciate their outstanding personality and bravery to protect us.