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Growing up, most of us laughed at the antics of Wile E. Coyote on Saturday mornings. But for anyone who has pets and lives in coyote country, those desert critters are no joke. The idea of a beloved dog or cat crossing paths with one is enough to keep you up at night.
That’s why Meredith Warfel and her family were a little uneasy when a mysterious animal started wandering around their Arizona yard one evening. In the moonlight, it looked just like a coyote—lanky frame, pointed ears, cautious movements. The whole neighborhood was on alert.
But something felt different about this one. Instead of skulking off, the animal curled up on the patio furniture like she belonged there. She didn’t growl or act nervous. She just looked… tired. And oddly at peace.
Meredith snapped a photo and posted it online, and the comments came pouring in. Most people were convinced: “That’s a coyote!” they said. But Meredith wasn’t buying it.
The gentle nature, the way she settled in so easily—it all pointed to something else. She just didn’t seem wild. And Meredith was right.
The mystery guest was actually a dog. Probably abandoned somewhere along the nearby hiking trail and just trying to find a safe place to land. And somehow, her paws had led her right to the Warfel family’s front door.
“We don’t really know what her backstory is,” Meredith later explained. “My best guess is that somebody might have abandoned her in the hiking trail close to our house and she made her way to us.”
The dog, later named Luna, was skinny and clearly hadn’t been cared for in some time. Meredith didn’t hesitate. She brought Luna to the local humane society, hoping her real family would come looking. Over the next few days, the Warfels checked in on her constantly, visiting her at the shelter, waiting to see if anyone would claim her.
No one ever did.
But fate clearly had its own plan, because that temporary goodbye turned into a forever hello. When Luna came back to the Warfel home, it wasn’t just for a visit this time—it was for good.
And she settled in like she’d always been there.
Luna is now completely part of the family. Sweet, affectionate, and maybe just a tiny bit spoiled. She loves lounging on the couch, cuddling with her humans, and soaking up all the love she missed out on before. Meredith says, “She’s incredibly loyal and loves the kids. She’s so affectionate and sweet, and she just loves cuddles. If you sit down, she will find your lap in about two seconds and lay down in it.”
She’s also made fast friends with the family cats and has fully embraced her role as queen of the house. Between games of frisbee, poolside sunbathing, and curling up with her people, it’s safe to say Luna is living her best life.
