Dog That Lost Snout Saving Girls in Phillippines Awaits Surgery in U.S.

It's going to be a while longer before a hero dog has its day.

It's been a year since the accident that took the dog's snout and veterinarians at the University of California, Davis, say more time is needed before the K9 can be treated.

The dog, known as Kabang, lost her snout and upper jaw in an accident in the Philippines. While out with her owner's daughter and niece, Kabang saw a motorcycle speeding their way and jumped in front to save them from being hit.

Veterinarians that first worked on the dog in the Philippines couldn't save Kabang's face. However, the dog's story hit the internet and a wave of support found the hero dog. Karen Kenngott, a nurse in Buffalo, N.Y., headed an online campaign that raised enough money to send the dog to UC Davis to get the proper surgery. The veterinary school at the northern California campus has one of the best oral surgery centers in the country, according to Fox News.

After a full health inspection, the veterinarians at UC Davis found other problems that were stalling Kabang's surgery, such as a tumor and heartworm disease.

Dr. Jan Sykes, director of UC Davis's animal clinic, said in a statement that treating Kabang's other health concerns may take around six months.

"It's an interesting phenomenon that has occurred with this dog," Sykes said about Kabang. "The story has touched so many people. It's fascinating that it has attracted so much attention when, yes, there are lots of dogs in shelters, and that is a huge issue."

When the dog is ready for surgery, the veterinarians will try to close the facial wound and perform dental work.

The surgery will not completely replace the jaw or put a new one on Kabang, but instead will help prevent infection from having an open wound.