A heroic pooch who tried to save her owner from a fatal house fire is now fighting for her own life.
Firefighters burst down the door of a burning home to find owner Ben Ledford on the floor with his boxer dog Carmen lying over his face.
They believe this was an attempt from the 9-year-old to shelter him from the shroud of smoke and save his life.
Neighbour Ron Mitchell told WCPO: "When the fire department did get to Ben, his dog was laying over his face protecting him."
Sadly Mr Ledford, from Ohio, died a short time after being taken to hospital but Carmen has been placed on a ventilator and is battling for survival.