Scott Brown and his beloved wife began their hike to a popular waterfall in Washington state this week. It was going to be a cold and snowy trek through the woods and that's when 'he' arrived.
The pair stumbled across a furry black dog and Scott couldn't help but crack a joke:
"I made a joke to my wife that it was a bear," said Brown.
Photo Credit: Scott Brown
As the couple started their 7 mile hike, they found themselves in good company. The dog decided to play tour guide, staying a few steps ahead to show them the way.
"He took the lead anywhere from a couple feet, to way out in front, out of sight," Scott said. The dog was an extremely Curtis l courteous guide as well, not rushing the love birds as they snapped photos: "He would sit and wait for us as we took photos and then continue on when we did."
At the waterfall, Brown decided to take a selfie with his new friend. 
Photo Credit: Scott Brown
Strangely enough, Brown hadn't thought too much about where the dog had come from until they had arrived at their destination. He decided that checking for a collar was a good idea. Perhaps the precious pooch was lost and needed help.
When Brown read his collar, he realized everything was just fine. 
Photo Credit: Scott Brown
"Hi, I'm Smokey," the well worn tag read. "I live nearby so please don't take me. I like to follow hikers sometimes."
The reverse side read "Don't worry, I'll go home when I get tired. My people love me a lot. Thanks for being nice!"
Photo Credit: Scott Brown
Smokey the Mountain Guide just so happened to find them that day. They're incredibly lucky. They may have gotten lost without him!
Photo Credit: Scott Brown
After a short rest, the 3 Amigos made their way back with Smokey leading them, again, so that they didn't wander astray. 
Photo Credit: Scott Brown
7 miles later, they returned safely to the trailhead parking lot where they met Smokey, Explorer Extraordinaire, in the first place. The parking lot was a short distance from the neighborhood where Smokey lives. I'd say Smokey chose prime real estate for his free tour guide business.
"He stayed in the lot until we were all changing near our cars and he calmly walked across the road and back into the neighborhood," Brown said. "At the corner, he gave out a quick bark at us then continued on back home, I assume."
No matter how hard we may try, none of us will ever be as cool as Smokey. It must take a lot miles of adventure to wear a tag down like that. He's one extreme dog!
If you liked this story about Smokey The Adventure Dog, please hit 'LIKE' & 'SHARE' to share with others who need a pick-me-up! If you don't, I'll keep inventing corny nicknames for Smokey, Trail Blazer Esquire!
Frances says
Thank God for smokey!💜🐾
Colleen R Waldman says
what an awesome dog