Scott Brown and his wife just love to enjoy the great outdoors. It is common for them to head out on snowy journeys in their home state of Washington, but a recent trip was different. As they adjusted their gear before the trek near a waterfall, they spotted something odd: a large, fluffy black dog. The dog wasn’t aggressive or upset, it was just hanging out in the area, so they didn’t think much of it. Then they began to head out on their seven mile hike and the dog decided to join them. In fact, he decided to lead their hike. He would jog ahead, then sit and wait for them to catch up. When they reached the waterfall, they got a few pictures in with the dog.
But that’s when they began to wonder: was this a stray dog? Was he lost? Did he need their help? So, they reached for his collar and saw the scratched up tag hanging around his neck. It read:
“Hi, I’m Smokey. I live nearby so please don’t take me. I like to follow hikers sometimes.”
On the back side it said:
“Don’t worry, I’ll go home when I get tired. My people love me a lot. Thanks for being nice!”
Scott and his wife were honored that Smokey had decided to be their companion for the day. So, they turned to go back from where they came and the dog led their way back. After Scott and his wife returned back to the parking lot of the trailhead where they had first met Smokey, they realized there was a residential neighborhood nearby. That was probably where Smokey lived, they decided. He and his wife changed in the parking lot and as they began to get their cars the dog headed back toward the neighborhood with one last parting bark. It was like he was saying goodbye to them!
