Azkal Dogs- Jamboree Troop D211's Symbol

AZKAL DOGS – JAMBOREE TROOP D211’s SYMBOL

In the Philippines, street dogs called Azkals are mixed-breed dogs that have adapted to local conditions. The name "Azkal" is a Tagalog-derived word from asong kalye (street dog).   Azkals are very resilient and more street-smart compared to their pure-breed counterparts, who are less well adapted to the street dog life.  These dogs were developed through generations of semi-natural selection.

In general, most azkals lack signs of non-native ancestry. They are medium-sized wiry dogs, with long thin legs and bodies longer than they are tall. These dogs have short, dense coats that can be of any color. Their muzzles are commonly long and pointed, and they have good teeth; a complete set, evenly spaced, that meets in a scissor bite. Tails are long, thick at the root and taper to a point. Their ear shapes are varied; some have pricked ears, while others show drop and rose ears. Eyes are also variously shaped and colored.

Our Troop’s symbol is the Azkal since our Jamboree Troop D211 is a mixed-troop representing Scouts from 12 different Circle 10 troops.  We are made up of Scouts from Troop 15, 121, 285, 316, 582, 605, 611, 713, 753, 845, 876, and 1202.  Over the last 9 months, we have bonded together to become a very strong, resilient and Scout-smart troop, just like our namesake, the Azkal!  We will carry the Name of Azkals proudly on our Jamboree Adventure.

 

A Story about a Famous Azkal dog named Kabang – A Hero Dog

Kabang (meaning “Spotty") is a shepherd-mix Azkal from Zamboanga City, Philippines, who became famous internationally and was described as a "hero dog" when she rescued two children from a potentially fatal motorcycle crash.

Kabang was adopted as a stray puppy by Rudy Bunggal. In December 2011, Bunggal's 9-year-old daughter Dina and a 3-year-old cousin, Princess Diansing, attempted to cross a busy street in the path of a motorcycle. Seeing the danger, Kabang jumped at the motorcycle, knocking it over. According to eyewitnesses, the girls did not see the motorcycle coming and would have been seriously injured if not for Kabang. The motorcycle driver and girls suffered only minor bruises from the accident.  Kabang, however, got caught in the front wheel of the motorcycle. "The bones holding her upper snout were crushed, and we could not do anything to save the," said Bunggal. "We just pulled her off the wheel."

In the accident, Kabang had suffered extensive injuries to her nose and upper jaw but Bunggal refused to have the dog put to sleep. Kabang, heralded by the Philippine press as a hero, had difficulty eating but otherwise continued living normally.  However, over time her open mouth led to an infection, and as long as it remained open she was at serious risk for further problems. Kabang was given antibiotics, but repairing her face via surgery was beyond the means of the Bunggal family.

In February 2012, Karen Kenngott, a nurse from upstate New York, saw Kabang's story on the Internet and decided to help. She organized a grassroots fundraiser called "Care for Kabang". Initial efforts were unsuccessful, but with the help of Animal Welfare Coalition the campaign was relaunched in the summer of 2012. Within four weeks, they met their goal.  The campaign also greatly increased Kabang's fame internationally. "She has become a superstar," said Bunggal in July 2012. "People come here to have their photos taken with the dog."

Kabang was brought to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California at Davis during October 2012 to undergo a specialized surgery. Surgery was delayed until March 2013.  The surgery was a success and Kabang was released from UC Davis' care on June 3, 2013.  The $27,000 cost of the surgery was paid for by donations from people in 47 different countries.

Kabang arrived back in the Philippines on June 8, 2013, where she was given a hero's welcome in her home town of Zamboanga.  

 Azkal