Kenneth, a stray puppy whose snout was viciously hacked off but still attached to his face, was found and rescued by a triskikad (tricycle) driver in Talisay City in Cebu, Philippines on September 29.

The driver, named Jan-jan Solon, had heard from a fellow driver about the stray with his snout dangling beneath his jaw and felt bad for the dog. He decided to bring the dog home to care for him. The dog's wounds were at least 10 days old when Jan-jan took him in.

Jan-jan bathed, fed and took care of the dog. He was ridiculed by his neighbours for taking in the injured dog when those in the neighbourhood, including Jan-jan himself, have difficulties feeding and providing for themselves, but Jan-jan was determined to care for the puppy.

A few days later, his nephew, Michael, was visiting and took a photo and posted it to Facebook asking for someone that may be able to help Kenneth. This got the attention of Guilliam Roque, the president of a local rescue, the Cebu South Dog Club. Guilliam came to visit Jan-jan and to see how he could help with Kenneth. He immediately contacted Island Rescue Organization (IRO) president Nena Herandez and the two decided their rescues would partner to help care for the badly-injured dog.

They took Kenneth to the Animal Wellness Veterinary Hospital where veterinarians assessed Kenneth's condition. After days of tests, the vets determined they could operate and reattach and repair the damage to Kenneth's snout.

The two rescue organizations mobilized to help raise funds for Kenneth's operation and thanks to social networking and volunteer efforts, they received donations from hundreds of people, enabling Kenneth's surgery to go forward on Monday. The challenging four-hour surgery was a success!

Within just a day of Kenneth's surgical reconstruction surgery he was eating well and resting. The dog will go to Island Rescue Organization's facilities where he can be tended to by Doc Keith, an American DMV who volunteers for the group and will administer post-surgical care for Kenneth.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO TO FOLLOW (images are blurred but may be disturbing to some viewers). Video is in Tagalog language.

Update October 10, 2012

The Cebu South Dog Club published this update on Kenneth on their Facebook page:

Representatives from CSDC, IRO, IRO Legal Team and the Vet Med team were gathered @ChickeNamit (Mabolo, Cebu City), 4PM; for a Press Conference as to update on Kenneth's condition and operation and plans. Below is a SUMMARY of notes as per taken by the Cebu South Dog Club Inc.'s Secretary Erika Jean Arreza Portila:

Dr. Guille Zialcita (Team Lead of Kenneth's Surgical Operation - On medical aspect, not actual statement but summary): Kenneth is on his healing process. He eats well and (Dr. Guile) is happy to observe that every time he approaches and opens Kenneth's cage, the dog wags his tail of happiness and excitement despite his condition, which is a very good sign. The metal braces attached on his face serves as temporary attachment to help the surgical wounds in completely healing. The swelling from the snout is continuing to deflate and am (Dr. Guile) very optimistic that Kenneth's recovery, if not completely and as good as before will soon be realized. The ACTUAL documentary video during the surgical operation of Kenneth is STRICTLY for Veterinary Medicine Academe purposes. 

JOINT standing regarding the actual surgical video documentation: The actual surgical video will not be shown, shared, published or broadcasted to any entity EXCEPT for Veterinary Medicine Academic purposes and in the mutual consent of Animal Wellness Veterinary Hospital, CSDC and IRO if for other purposes. 

Atty. Ena Ybañez (Team Lead of IRO Legal Team - On Legal aspect, not actual statement but summary): Regarding Kenneth's alleged perpetrator, the IRO Legal Team will be pushing a due processed investigation and will coordinate with the government or the Talisay City Vet for finding the person responsible of Kenneth's hacked snout. Even though we are glad that Kenneth, through Jan-jan(Roberto SOlon) has been found, medicated and on his way to complete healing, the person responsible to his gruesome fate will not go free without being punished of his cruelty.

Nena Hernandez (President of IRO - On the stand of IRO, not actual statement, summary): When asked by the press whats the plan for Kenneth when he recovers: When completely recovered, Kenneth will be for strict screening for re-homing to people who are interested and are qualified to adopt/re-home. The possibility of bringing him back to his previous location is risky and is somehow traumatic for the dog since that was were he was being abused and neglected.

Lindon Pedolin (Vice-President of CSDC - On the stand of CSDC, as AFFIRMED by CSDC President to be its stand and to be one and the same): When the press asked why CSDC didnt approached the Talisay Government and instead approached IRO: The reason why our club (CSDC) didn't approach for help from the government of the City of Talisay was because we don't happen to believe that they(Talisay LGU) can immediately, efficiently and effectively give a response and assistance to address our concern to Kenneth. Chances are our request for assistance will JUST be ignored, despite Kenneth's rare condition. they(Talisay City Hall) even booted us out or our very own DOG CLUB from entering the City Hall's premises, primarily because of our dogs. even though Talisay City is the hometown of Cebu South Dog Club Inc. and the club gathers in Talisay City Hall's grounds as early as 2009 during sundays; with RECENT changes in our city's administration and its lack of support to our club we simply cannot expect a favorable response from them. specially we are expecting a swift and speedy action to address Kenneth's medical care. 

the club (CSDC), having limited resources(no shelter, limited funding) has always been partnering with IRO in rescue cases like this. we already have a good and established experience in joint efforts with IRO. we were in a hurry to address Kenneth's case, we cant afford to lose time going to our government(talisay city lgu) since we already expect we will just be disappointed. 

Roberto Solon (Kenneth's foster owner, not actual statement, summary): What made me adopt Kenneth was more of pity and concern for the dog. Other people around called him gross names because of his rare physical condition and because he already smells so bad. So, what I did was take him home riding in my trisikad, gave him something to eat which he eagerly finished and gave him a bath for like 4 times within almost 6 days he was with me. I couldn't endure the thought of him being beaten up again or be caught up in an accident roaming in the dangerous streets and out of nothing, I just took the lad home safely.

*Following the 3 hour press conference, the media were accompanied to Animal Wellness Veterinary Hospital to take a record (videos and photos) of Kenneth's current medical condition.

** CSDC President Guilliam Roque, was not present during press conference and was represented by its Vice-President acting in his capacity in Guilliam's absence. the CSDC President AFFIRMS the CSDC stand and statement above as his(guilliam's) own stand and that of CSDC. 

~Erika Portila

CSDCi Secretary

Update October 11, 2012

Three days after surgery, here is a video of Kenneth enjoying his meal as he starts to eat normally once again.

Dr. Guille Zialcita, Chief Surgeon and Team Lead of Kenneth's Surgical Team says, "Kenneth beginning to eat normally, starting to use his upper jaw and beginning to CHEW but he is still on a soft diet and will continue to be until his maxilla heals completely."

• Cebu
• Philippines
• stray dog
• Cebu South Dog Club
• Island Rescue Organization