Story highlights More than $28,000 is donated for Carmen, a 9-year-old boxer

Dog unsuccessfully tried to save her owner in a Ohio house fire

"Our family continues to be amazed at the amount of donations," victim's brother says

(CNN) Fans of a heroic dog who fought in vain to save her owner's life in an Ohio house fire have donated more than $28,000 toward the $25,000 goal for the care of the 9-year-old boxer named Carmen.

The injured dog, 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, on the Crowdrise website

"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 in a Wednesday note.

"Carmen is still doing well," said Ledford. The canine is now in physical therapy. "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.

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