Smokey Bear has a very interesting back story and has a special energy about her that helps people smile, make their mood happier, and has a lucky attitude and love to her that I have not seen or felt in a dog for a very long time.
I received word that we were going to be helping a friend raise some puppies. Personally I have been around dogs my entire life and had raised two Alaskan Malamutes since they were 6 weeks old that lived to be 14 and 17 years old. So I was no stranger to dogs and had a way with animals. A woman brought in 6 puppies to the Avery County Humane Society to be euthanized and a fellow friend took three and we took three and raised them from the first day they came into this world. We received them that night. One was tan, one was black, and the third was a mix of black and tan. They were so small and fit in my hand with their eyes closed searching for life and someone to love them to keep them alive.
They were named Serabi (tan), Smokey (black) and Godiva (black and tan). Serabi was the smallest then Godiva then Smokey being the largest. Smokey right off the was my favorite he was cuddly, warm and the biggest one of the three. We put them by a heater in the tub with some towels together until they opened there eyes after a week or so.
Smokey became my favorite because when we put milk in the bowl she was the first to it! She then would take her herself and butt the other dogs out of the way. She was a survivor of the fittest and every night after a bowl of milk would curl up in a blanket by my feet. She was full of life and was always so playful and ready to give dog kisses.
Smokey then grew up as Lanae’s dog and got her second home and Daddy, Jimmy Hughes. Smokey would follow Jimmy wherever he went, and was always around all day as Jimmy worked maintenance on his family properties around Linville. Many saw Smokey around the town of Linville North Carolina. They became the best of buds, so Jimmy was opening a restaurant /cafe with Michelle Scott and Jimmy named the restaurant after the Dog that keeps on Giving! Whether its love, companionship, or just to say hello, Smokey is the kindest most loved dog in town. Towards the end of the day, you often might find, Smokey, trying to get in the cafe because she smells the best food and burgers in Avery County cooking on the grill and wants one.
Smokey, the dog name after a cafe and on the logo, through her name is now giving back to Linville NC as Michelle, Jimmy and their staff fulfill a long awaited spot on the town’s lunch menu for businesses and locals alike with big portions, great flavors, quaint friendly atmosphere and quality of food at a reasonable cost. Stop in and see the crew for lunch from 11am-3pm, Tuesday though Saturday. Don’t forget to try Smokey’s favorite the Smokey’s Triple Burger!!!