Heroes can come in all shapes and sizes, which is amazing because you'll never know when you're going to need one. This Cedar Rapids woman has a new hero she wants to thank and that person is a complete stranger. Is it just me or is there something about someone saving an animal that hits the feels just a bit differently?

Maybe it's the innocent nature behind most animals or we've grown so accustomed to our pets being more like family members, I'm not sure. I just know if someone saved one of my cats' lives I'd want to thank them forever.

Jennifer Hutchinson and her boyfriend took their dogs for a walk at the Palisades-Kepler State Park and before they knew it, things got pretty scary for their Australian Shepard named Charlie. There was something that Charlie found a little too interesting and he took off, pulling the leash Jennifer was holding out of her hand. Charlie ended up jumping on a retaining wall and he wasn't able to hit the brakes in time. He went over the edge of the retaining wall and fell toward the river.

She told KCRG,

The trail was kind of wet, and he lunged forward, pulling the leash out of my hand. He tried to jump on the retaining wall and didn’t stop.

In a moment that would frighten any dog owner, it took several minutes before they were able to locate where Charlie landed. As Jennifer climbed the retaining wall looking for her dog, she realized Charlie was too far away for her to pull him up. According to KCRG, the closest she was able to get to him was about 7 feet.

In a moment that brought Jennifer to tears, the hero that was needed had arrived. A stranger by the name of Rob asked them if they needed any help. He was down below Charlie and he couldn't have shown up at a better time. It turns out Rob was the perfect guy to help Charlie as he's an avid rock climber, according to CBS2Iowa. He told Jennifer, "Oh I climb rock all the time."

Rob was able to climb the rocks that were preventing the family from getting to Charlie and got into a position to help get him to safety. He pushed Charlie into a position for Jennifer to pull charlie up to the ledge. She told KCRG,

I fully expected him to say he would call DNR. I never thought he’d say he scaled rocks. I was flabbergasted.

After posting about her experience on social media, Jennifer said the story just took off. There were hundreds of responses to her post which allowed her to connect with Rob. She offered to buy him lunch for helping her and Charlie when they needed it, which Rob turned down. He told her she didn't owe him anything.

One of the reasons Jennifer wanted to share her story on social media was to inspire others to help people in times of need. She told KCRG,

I really believe in karma, and whatever divine thing is out there, you put out good and you get good in return. He’s got a lot of good coming his way.

You don't need a cape or superpowers to be someone's hero. Sometimes all it takes to be a superhero is offering a helping hand when someone may need it.

Weird Names Iowans Have Given to Their Pets

Iowans submitted strange and weird names they have given their real pets and these are some of the strangest. *The animals in these photos are not the owners real pets*

Chicken Coop Airbnb in Fayette

At this Airbnb you'll rise with the chickens...literally. Well, kind of. While there are no chickens in this tiny house, you can still have some fun in this cozy space in Fayette.

More From 104-5 KDAT