Trisikad driver gets honors for taking care of abused dog

HE simply wanted to save a dog’s life.

But Roberto “Janjan” Solon didn’t realize that he has done something extraordinary in taking care of a stray dog which got hacked in the face in Talisay City.

Solon, a pedicab driver in barangay San Isidro, Talisay City, is being considered by animal rights advocates and the local government a hero.

He is set to receive a commendation from the Cebu South Dog Club Inc. (CSDCI) and the Island Rescue Organization (IRO).

The Talisay City government led by Mayor Socrates Fernandez also intends to honor Solon.

“He (Solon) is a guardian angel. He’s a good man. Obviously, he has the heart for animals,” said Nena Hernandez of the IRO.

Solon took custody of the dog he named Kenneth who used to roam around the place. He named Kenneth for kinit-an (foundling).

Kenneth, whose nose, upper jaw, and mouth was dangling from his chin, got driven away by people due to his ‘terrifying’ appearance.

A photo of Kenneth which was posted by Solon’s nephew on Facebook drew the attention of CSDCI and IRO.

Last Monday, the dog was successfully operated on by a group of eight medical professionals, headed by Dr. Luis Guillermo and Ivy Zialcita of the Animal Wellness Veterinary Hospital.

Hernandez said Kenneth has been recuperating well from the facial surgery.

Guilliam Roque said once the dog fully recovers, he will be brought to an animal shelter in Danao City.