Embarking on a hike is a great way to get some exercise while being outdoors! Hiking is also a great way to spend some time with your friends, family, or significant other as you can explore the great outdoors together. Recently, a Seattle man headed out on a hike that would forever change his life. Things were going as planned until he came across a mysterious animal that decided to join him on the hike. The man was shocked by the animal and this casual hike soon turned into something incredibly memorable in just minutes.
20. Outdoor Lovers
Scott Brown, 40, and his wife Get Naka, are outdoor lovers and love being out in nature. When the couple moved to Seattle back in 2012, they quickly got involved in the local non-profit, “Recovery beyond Paradigm.” The organization has an amazing mission and Scott was happy to be a part of it!
19. The Mission
The organization helps individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addictions by crafting physical fitness programs for them. With the non-profit, Scott would lead individuals in the program on daily hikes throughout the landscape of Washington. He was happy to be doing what he loved while helping others.
18. Spotting Something
Back in April 2018, Scott and Get were getting ready to lead a group of recovering men and women through a hike into Teneriffe Falls near North Bend, Washington. However, before Scott even stepped foot off the parking lot, he noticed something strange nearby. Scott’s curiosity was piqued…
17. Strange Animal
Near the entrance of the snow-covered trailhead was a strange animal. The strange animal appeared to be a dog that was sitting down and watching the hikers from a distance. At first, Scott just assumed that the dog belonged to one of the residents in the area.
16. Looking Friendly
The dog looked pretty friendly and he didn’t appear to be scared or lost. Scott then pointed out the dog to his wife who quickly noticed it out in the distance. That’s when Scott decided to make a joke! “I made a joke… that it was a bear,” he said.
15. Joining the Hikers
As the group continued on their 7-mile hike, Scott noticed that the dog decided to join the hike. It was interesting to see the dog so excited to join everyone on their embark through the wilderness. Scott thought that eventually the dog would grow bored and go his own way…
14. Following Along
Scott and the rest of the hikers continued to go along on their hike. However, the dog continued to follow each step as they made their way through the wilderness. As Scott watched the dog following along, he let out a laugh and said, “Well, I guess he’s coming with us.”
13. Perfect Hiker
It seems that the dog turned out to be the best hiker out of them all. Anytime the group stopped to take a photo, the dog would pause and wait for them to start walking again. As soon as they began moving, the dog continued to diligently follow behind.
12. Taking The Lead
Eventually, the dog decided that he was through with being in the back and he decided to head to the front! It was obvious that he knew where he was as he took the lead. “He took the lead anywhere from a couple feet to way out in front, out of sight,” Scott said.
11. Waterfall
Soon enough, the pup and the hiking group reached a waterfall where everyone stopped once again to take photos. However, Scott decided to take some photos of him and the pup instead. He was genuinely curious as to where this dog had come from and why he was following along for so long!
10. Dog Tag
Scott was genuinely curious about this dog and where he had come from. After all, it’s not every day that a random dog decides to join your hiking group. Not to mention, he seemed to know the trail incredibly well. So Scott’s friend decided to look at the dog’s name tag to see if he could piece together any clues.
9. Chipped Away
As Scott’s friend reached for the dog’s blue tags, he saw that they were practically chipped away. From what he could see, however, he saw that the dog’s name was Smokey. Then, he soon learned the secret as to why Smokey had been following them around for so long!
8. The Truth Revealed
As Scott’s friend looked over the worn-out blue tags, he saw a message right under Smokey’s name that explained everything! “Hi, I’m Smokey. I live nearby so please don’t take me. I like to follow hikers sometimes.” Then he flipped the tag over to reveal something else…
7. Another Secret Revealed
As Scott’s friend flipped over the tag, he saw a message that read, “Don’t worry,” the name tag, “I’ll go home when I get tired. My people love me a lot. Thanks for being nice!” Scott’s pal instantly began to erupt in laughter. He quickly headed over to Scott to tell him about the message.
6. Coolest Thing
Scott’s friend headed over and relayed the message to his pal. At first Scott couldn’t believe it. So he went over to look at Smokey’s tags for himself. “And, sure enough,” he said, “coolest thing ever.” Scott was blown away by how smart and amazing this dog was!
5. Cool Dog
It’s obvious that Smokey is a pretty cool dog if his owners let him go on hikes all by himself. However, Scott wondered what had happened to Smokey before that his owners felt the need to place that tag on him. Scott continued to think this over as they made their way back down from the trail.
4. Protective
Smokey proved to be an excellent companion for the rest of the trip. He only let out one bark throughout the entire hike when he noticed Scott was hiking past a dangerous climb near a half-frozen embankment. “He seemed very protective for someone he just met,” Scott said.
3. Walking Back
Smokey followed his new hiker friends all the way back to the parking lot. He even sat down and kept his new friends company while they changed out of their hiking gear. Once everyone was packed up and ready, Smokey did something even more amazing…
2. Going Back Home
Smokey “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.” It seems that Smokey gave off a good-bye before heading on his way!
1. Ancient Spirit
Scott explained that if someone told him that Smokey was an ancient spirit sent to protect and guide him that he might have believed it. Smokey was quite honestly a mysterious dog that will stay in the memory of Scott and his fellow hikers forever.