Operation Kindness

'Mimi' is described as a friendly dog with a large enthusiasm for life.

CARROLLTON - A North Texas dog beat the odds after surviving a house fire that took the life of her owner.

While "Mimi" was revived when given chest impressions and oxygen, her owner passed away at Parkland Memorial Hospital due to injuries sustained in the fire. Doctors said they never thought "Mimi," a 13-year-old golden retriever, would make it. She proved them wrong.

Now, Mimi's face is badly disfigured with scars that are leftover remnants of the burns she endured during the fire. Her medical bills total more than $3,000.

"Our vet says that it's a miracle that this dog is alive," said Julie Goff, with Operation Kindness. "For some reason, she had a will to live; and so she stuck through, and stuck through the hard treatments, and fought off infection and has just rallied."

One key to her survival was maintaining her sense of smell. And while Mimi's nose may be disfigured, Goff said she can certainly still eat.

"She eats very well; so she's doing fine," she said. "She just doesn't look like your average, every-other dog really."

Mimi will be ready for adoption in two weeks.

"Something about this dog, she really wants to be here," Goff said. "She really wants to be here [and] really likes to be around people."

E-mail ddenmon@wfaa.com