Highlands residents Brenda and Rick Baker were busy dropping-off Christmas notes and cookies when they noticed a stray dog, well-groomed but without a collar, wandering the neighborhood.

Acting as good samaritans, they searched for the pet’s owners for hours until they found a friend’s home where the dog could find temporary food and shelter.

The black and tan neutered male hound or hound-mix, which weighs around 70 to 75 pounds and is estimated to be about a year old, is reportedly very friendly but somewhat shy. The Bakers first noticed the hound or hound mix breed around 6 p.m. near the intersection of 102nd Avenue and 116th Street. Their golden retriever had run over to play with him in the freshly-fallen snow.

After the couple asked around if neighbors had lost their pet, they drove down to the Kirkland Animal Hospital to check for any identifying microchip (there was none) or if anyone there recognized the well-groomed, short-haired pooch.

“He’s definitely well loved,” Brenda said, “and I’m sure he’s missed.” After checking with several other residences in the neighborhood, they found friends Gary and Cynthia Hattal had temporary room for the mystery dog.

The Hattal and Baker families are anxious to reunite the pet to it’s rightful owner. Anyone who is missing a dog that fits the previous description is encouraged to contact the Hattals by phone at 425-828-4447 or by cell phone at 425-260-2093.