One dog died but 13 others were saved after a fire started in the garage of an Ypsilanti Township home early today where a breeder kept her show dogs, fire officials said.

The fire broke out at a home in the 7200 block of Textile Road, near Hitchingham Road, at about 9:50 a.m.

Capt. David Webb said the dogs' kennels were kept in the garage with straw on the floor and an electric heater for warmth. The extension cord shorted and started the straw on fire this morning, Webb said.

Five family members were inside and called 911 for help. The fire spread into the eaves of the attached garage and into the attic of the home, Webb said.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and got the Pit bulls out of the garage. One dog close to the area where the fire started died, Webb said.

"They were such sweet dogs and just loved people," he said.

One of the family members had a minor burn, but refused medical treatment. Webb said some content was damaged, but much was salvaged.

Damage was estimated at $100,000.

The family won't be able to stay in the home for now, and the Washtenaw County chapter of the American Red Cross was assisting.

Several of the dogs were placed with friends and neighbors, and the family was making arrangements to board others with help from the Humane Society of Huron Valley.