My dog Kingsley is not quite a year old, and I am still working on some of the commands, particularly getting him to come when called.

On Sunday evening, I was bringing Kingsley in from the back yard and he got away from me, up the driveway and sprinted up East Bells Mill Road. I had one of those moments, where everything is going in slow motion, and he darted back and forth across the street. I was trying to get him safely back to me when I could see a car starting to come around the bend.

In the midst of full panic, I didn't know what to do except wave my arms to keep the car from speeding past- and possibly over- my dog. The woman driving it not only slowed, but stopped.

The driver opened her car door, and called to the dog, holding out some food. My dog, ever-so-friendly as he is, stopped sprinting back and forth across Bells Mill Road and sauntered up to the car wagging his tail. At this point I was able to scoop him up in my arms.

I was so overcome with relief that I was barely able to acknowledge this woman's kindness, and that taking her time to stop and help me probably saved my dog's life.

So, if you are reading this, I cannot express how thankful I am for what you did. I'm sure that as you drove up East Bells Mill Sunday evening, you had no idea that by the time you reached Stenton Avenue, you'd be someone's hero.

(And if you know someone who told the story of the crazy lady in the pink dress who couldn't catch her dog, send her this link.)