The daughter of Kebang's owner, a nine year old girl, along with her three year old cousin, were crossing a busy street in southern Philippines. They were about to get hit by a speeding motorcycle when Kebang jumped in front of it. She saved the girls lives, but nearly sacrificed her own. Her upper snout and jaw were completely torn off.
But the story of her heroism gained international attention. Thousands of supporters from around the world sent in money for her to receive reconstructive surgery at the University of California, Davis in the US.
During a five hour procedure, doctors closed her facial wound and reconstructed her nasal openings. They also treated her for heartworms and cancer.