After fireworks caused her dog to panic, a stranger offered them a ride home

Autumn Barnes

September 23, 2025 / 9:01 am

This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team. It features stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else.

In late 2020, Lara Friedman and her partner adopted a 9-week-old Rottweiler puppy. They affectionately named him The Dude.

"[It became] immediately clear he [was] sweet, playful, snuggly, protective and a total goofball," Friedman said.

Because they didn't have a backyard, the family developed a routine of walking The Dude four times a day.

"If he [had] his way [we would] stop and say hello to everyone on his route, especially kids," Friedman said. "And he takes very seriously his responsibility to si

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