INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – It’s been nearly a month since an Independence girl was attacked by a dog and taken to the Hospital. The 5-year-old is still in the pediatric intensive care unit at Children's Mercy Hospital. However, her dad tells FOX4 family remains hopeful. “She's made incredible progress, but she still has a steep mountain to climb,” dad, Tom Frost said. Frost said his daughter was mauled by a pit bull and is still fighting for her life in the hospital.Nearly a month ago, 5-year-old Aletha and her puppy were playing in their backyard. Mom was on the back porch, according to Frost. Independence Officer hospitalized, suspect dead after head-on crash Frost said the pit bull, in a neighbor's yard, used a planter box to jump their 4-foot fence.The dog attacked Aletha. “The attack lasted several minutes,” Frost said. “There were numerous attempts by my wife and my little puppy, who was there, who immediately tried to stop this attack, doing anything they could to stop this attack.” Frost said neighbors heard the screams and ran to help. He said eventually, a neighbor where the dog came from used his hands to pry open the dog's jaw. Frost said his daughter suffered a skull fracture, broken collar bone and rib. After being in a medically induced coma for about a week. Frost said now, Aletha is mostly breathing on her own. This 5-year-old has marked another milestone -- opening her eyes. Frost said he appreciates everyone who helped get Aletha to the hospital, including neighbors and first responders. He’s also grateful for her medical team who is working to heal her. “Every step along the way has contributed to saving her life, to give her the chance that she has now,” Frost said, “Had anything different happened, we would have planned a funeral two weeks ago.” Still, frost says there are mobility challenges on the right side of her body and some concern surrounding permanent brain damage. However, this family is holding on to hope and the "power of prayer." “I just hope and i pray that she can make a recovery to where she can have chance at a normal life that God-willing she can be able to walk and do the normal things that 5, 6, 7, and 8-year-old kids as she goes forward in years.” Frost is grateful for the community’s support. His co-workers set up this GoFundMe that's now raised more than $23,000. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android “Even the people who have never met Aletha or my family, thank you for all your support,” Frost said. A spokesperson with the City of Independence tells FOX4 the dog has been put down. This case is now in the court system.