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
