This Heroic Dog Went to Extraordinary Lengths to Protect Her Guardian During a House Fire (PHOTOS)

We have seen people do some pretty incredible things to rescue dogs in need. Just take this man who dove into a frozen bay to save a yellow Lab, or this kind human who drove his car into a canal to rescue a trapped dog. It is true that there is little in this world stronger than the bond between humans and their canine companions. While these stories show that humans are willing to go the extra mile to help a pup, it looks like dogs are more than happy to repay the favor.

Carmen, the nine-year-old boxer, proved that she would go to any length to protect her guardian, Ben Ledford, after a fire broke out in their house. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the flames inside of this Ohio residence quickly escalated, leaving both Carmen and Ledford trapped inside.

One of Ledford’s neighbors attempted to get the pair out of the inferno, but he was unable to make it further than a few feet before he was overcome with smoke. When rescuers finally arrived at the scene, they found Carmen lying on top of Ledford, shielding his face from the flames.

According to veterinarian Dr. Marlo Anderson, “A lot of dogs instinctively know when there’s a crisis going on and so a lot of them do go try to protect their owners.”

Both Ledford and Carmen were transported to emergency care facilities, but despite Carmen’s best efforts to protect her guardian, Ledford was pronounced dead moments after arrival.

Thankfully, Carmen is still alive, but she is in critical condition at Seven Hills Pet Clinic. She is being kept in an oxygen chamber and is receiving intravenous fluids to help her regain her strength. Veterinarians say they will be better able to gauge the extent of Carmen’s condition within the next 24 hours.

If this story doesn’t prove that our dogs love us just as much as we love them, then we don’t know what does! We wish Carmen a speedy recovery.