I was taking my dogs for their nightly walk when the rain storm that had been brewing all day decided to arrive.

I was far from home, and while I didn't mind a summer storm, one of my dogs was frantic; Maple is frightened of storms. She was trying to run into any alley or house she could find.

I was across the street from the city firehouse on 18th Street on the South Side, and the firefighters called to me to come in from the storm. I went into the big garage and thanked them.

While I was talking to the men in the garage, a door opened to a side room, where firefighters have a sort of living room. Before I could stop her, Maple ran into that room, found a corner, and curled herself into the smallest position she could manage.

I was embarrassed -- this was their home, not a dog kennel! Awkward. However, the firefighters were very understanding. They invited me and my other dog into the homey, air-conditioned space. One man was a hero to Maple; he brought a towel and gently wiped her dry while quietly talking to her.

Thanks to the firefighters for helping a frightened dog to find a sanctuary, and letting us all sit out the worst of the storm.

JODI CHASE

South Side

Recently, my apartment building suffered a major fire incident causing 100 residents to flee into a chilly night.

I escaped down seven flights of stairs carrying my cat. Outside, the noise and flashing lights panicked my cat, so I ducked into a local pizza place where the owner quickly made it known that we were not welcome.

A young lady exiting the restaurant saw what had happened and invited me and my pet to sit in her car. She was so kind and considerate and kept me talking about family and other things.

I knew she was trying to calm me, since I had been trembling. She is a teacher at a local Catholic school and has a large family.

I will never forget her and know she must be making a difference in the lives of the kids she teaches. I stayed in her car until my son located me. Thank you, Julie.

GINNY LEVI

Bridgeville

On an early morning trip to the Dollar General in Mt. Lebanon, I failed to negotiate the curb.

Out of nowhere came this lovely woman who asked if I were hurt. I said, 'No," but that I would stay down for a few moments. She said, "My husband is in the van and he will help you up." Both did!

They were my two guardian angels. Thank you. When I am able, I shall pass along your kindness.

DORIS GARON

Mt. Lebanon

Last month, I was at the Northtowne Center Giant Eagle in Gibsonia. Armed with my collection of canvas bags, I left my purse in the car. My wallet was in my large, oversized coat pocket.

When I left the store and put my groceries into my car, I drove home. When I looked at our answering machine, I saw that someone had called. Giant Eagle employees had tracked me down because someone had seen my wallet on the ground in the parking lot and had dropped it off at the customer service desk.

I raced back, retrieved the wallet and realized that all of my cash, cards and receipts were still there. Thank you to the store employees who called and put my wallet in a safe location. And thank you to the kind and honest person who took the time to carry my wallet into the store, and to wait in the line to return it.

JENNIFER COWLES

Dorseyville

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