NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Doctors said a determined teenager from Hardin County is making a miraculous recovery after being attacked by a pack of dogs in March.

When Alison Walker was transported by medical helicopter to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital on March 9, she was in a coma and her prognosis was grim.

Alison's mother, Janice Walker, said she knew her daughter was a fighter and that Alison would walk out of the hospital on her own.

That day will arrive April 9, when Alison is scheduled to be released from Stallworth Rehabilitation Center in Nashville.

Alison was transferred to Stallworth more than a week ago. She has been undergoing intense physical therapy there. When Alison fell off her horse March 9, the impact was so severe it put her in a coma. Doctors had to remove part of her skull during surgery.

"I used to have the long blond, curly, Taylor Swift hair," she said.

During the attack, Alison tried to dismount from the horse. That's when her foot got caught in the stirrup, causing her to fall while the horse was still moving.

The pit bulls tried to attack Alison after she fell. However, a golden chow named Chester got between Alison and the attacking dogs, saving her from further injury.

"The pit bulls, after they attacked the horses, they started coming towards me, and Chester jumped in and they started fighting. The pit bulls didn't tear him up as bad as they wanted to, but he's OK," she said.

Alison was transferred from Children's Hospital to Stallworth a week ago. Nurses said she is making a dramatic recovery from her injuries and call her the miracle girl.

A fund has been set up to help pay for Alison's medical bills. The public can donate to the Alison Walker Fund at the Wayne County Bank in Clifton, Tenn.