On a snowy day this past winter, Scott Brown and his wife set out to hike Teneriffe Falls in Washington. They certainly were not expecting to meet a four-legged friend along the way!

At the start of their seven mile journey to the waterfall, the couple noticed a black creature ahead of them in the snow. The couple initially feared it was a bear, but as they got closer, they realized it was a dog!

It quickly became clear to the couple that the dog had done this hike before, since he seemed to be acting as a tour guide of sorts. He led them through parts of the path they were unsure of, and waited patiently for them to take photos at scenic areas.

“He took the lead anywhere from a couple feet, to way out in front, out of sight. He would sit and wait for us as we took photos and then continue on when we did,” Scott recalled.

By the time the trio reached the waterfall, the couple had become good friends with the dog! As he got closer to the canine, Scott noticed he was wearing a collar and decided to read it. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw what it said!

“Hi, I’m Smokey, I live nearby so please don’t take me. I like to follow hikers sometimes,” it said on one side, with the reverse reading, “Don’t worry, I’ll go home when I get tired. My people love me a lot. Thanks for being nice!”

How cute is that?!

Scott and his wife felt special that out of all the hikers on the trail, Smokey had chosen to lead them that day! After spending some time getting to know each other, Smokey led the couple back down from the waterfall again.

Scott and his wife said their goodbyes to Smokey when they got back to the bottom of the trail.

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

Scott and his wife will never forget the day they spent with Smokey! SHARE this story so your friends and family can meet Smokey as well!