Unfamiliar dog with message on his collar joins couple on their hike

• A couple was preparing to hike a 7-mile trek to a famous waterfall.
• As they embarked on their journey, they noticed a dog guiding them.
• The couple thought the dog was lost until they saw what was written on his collar. 

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Scott Brown and his wife noticed something as they prepared to embark on a snowy hike to a famous waterfall in Washington state this week. A fluffy black dog was loitering at the trailhead.

The puppy appeared to be content, so there was little cause for alarm.

When the couple set off on their 7-mile trek, the dog seemed to think it was a great idea. He decided to accompany them and act as their guide.

Brown claimed the dog would take the lead anywhere from a couple of feet to way out in front, out of sight, but would sit and wait for them while they snapped shots, then go on when they did.

Brown took some photos with their new four-legged friend as they reached the waterfall.

Brown decided to take advantage of the opportunity to get to know the friendly dog who was now resting his paws alongside them at their destination. What was the story with this dog? 

Brown noticed what was written on the dog’s ID tag and realized everything was fine.

The scratched-up tag read:

“Hi, I’m Smokey. I live nearby so please don’t take me. I like to follow hikers sometimes.”

And on the reverse was written: 

“Don’t worry, I’ll go home when I get tired. My people love me a lot. Thanks for being nice!”

Brown and his wife were fortunate. Smokey, the hiking dog, had selected them for this beautiful day.

The pair — now a trio — traveled back together after their stopover at the waterfall.

Smokey took the lead once more.

Brown, his wife, and the dog were soon safely back at the trailhead parking area where they’d met in the first place – a little distance from the area where Smokey appears to live. It’s an ideal setting for a dog who clearly enjoys hiking.

Smokey, according to Brown, waited in the lot until everyone was changing near their cars, then calmly went across the road and returned to the neighborhood.

“At the corner, he gave out a quick bark at us then continued on back home, I assume.”

Source: The Dodo