Heroic dog hurt in Ohio house fire out of danger

A 9-year-old heroic dog who tried to save her owner from a fatal house fire in the US state of Ohio is now out of danger even as her fans raised over USD 28,000 for her treatment.
Carmen, a boxer, owned by Ben Ledford of Goshen Township, is doing much better in an animal hospital recovering from smoke inhalation, said Phil Ledford, the victim's brother, said.
Carmen's story of survival has gone global, and her survival and recovery have given the Ledford family something to hold on to.
Fans of Carmen have donated more than USD 28,000 toward the USD 25,000 goal for the care of the dog.

"Our family continues to be amazed at the amount of donations, support, thoughts and prayers being said for our family and Carmen. We are still trying to find the right words to truly express our appreciation," Ledford said.
"Carmen is still doing well," said Ledford. The canine is now in physical therapy (PT). "She's working on being able to stand up on her own again, among other things. Because she's fully awake and alert, our visits are short. We want her to save her energy for PT.

"It's exciting to see her recognize us, try to greet us and give us expressions that show her personality shining through once again," he said on a crowdfunding site.

Carmen dramatically tried to save her owner's life in the February 5 fire. Deadly flames licked all around her, but the dog refused to leave her owner in a Cincinnati basement.
First responders to the fire found Carmen on top of Ledford, trying to shelter his face from the heat, smoke and flame.
Ledford, 33, was taken to a hospital where he died. Carmen ended up at Cincinnati's Care Center, a critical care veterinary hospital.
Carmen was initially battling severe lung damage, Dr Daniel Carey, a vet at the hospital, told WCPO channel.
The canine was taken off a ventilator on Tuesday and began breathing on her own, according to the Facebook page of the animal hospital Care Center Vets in Cincinnati. She was to come off fluids and IV medications on Friday.