“We realized pretty quickly that a coyote wouldn’t sleep on a couch … “
Several years ago, Meredith Warfel had an unexpected late-night visitor in her Arizona backyard—an unfamiliar animal that appeared out of the darkness. Judging by its size and coat, Warfel initially thought the creature was a coyote.
But over the following days, the animal lingered in her yard, even curling up each night on her outdoor furniture. Its calm and affectionate demeanor made Warfel rethink her assumption. Perhaps this wasn’t a wild coyote after all—perhaps it was a lost dog.
“It didn’t take long to realize a coyote wouldn’t make itself at home on a patio couch,” Warfel shared in a YouTube video.
She began sharing photos of the animal in local social media groups, hoping someone might recognize it. Surprisingly, most people still believed it was a coyote. But Warfel had come to believe otherwise. The animal’s timid yet gentle behavior strongly suggested a domesticated background.
“She was clearly scared, but we could also see how sweet she was,” Warfel said.
When no one stepped forward to claim her, Warfel suspected the dog had been abandoned, possibly left behind on a nearby hiking trail. “She was in rough shape,” Warfel recalled. “She had cactus spines embedded in her skin and was severely underfed.”
Warfel brought her to the local humane society, where staff confirmed that she didn’t have a microchip. They held her for a mandatory three-day period in case her owner came forward. During that time, Warfel and her family visited her daily.
Although adopting a dog hadn’t been part of the plan, Warfel couldn’t shake the feeling that this pup had chosen her. The dog had sought refuge in her yard for a reason. So, when the waiting period ended, Warfel welcomed her home and named her Luna, inspired by the moonlight under which she first appeared.
Luna quickly became part of the family, fitting in effortlessly with the kids, four cats, and even a bearded dragon. Once she understood she was safe, her playful and affectionate nature began to blossom.
“She really believes she’s one of the kids—honestly, she is,” Warfel laughed.
Today, Luna’s favorite activities include playing Frisbee and floating around the pool. She’s more of a relaxer than a swimmer, often opting to lounge on floaties rather than get wet.
Reflecting on the night Luna entered her life, Warfel feels a deep sense of fate.
“She found us for a reason,” she said. “It truly felt meant to be.”