Reunited and Safe: Luna’s Journey Home
After a harrowing week lost in the wilds of West Milford, New Jersey, Luna is finally safe and back in the arms of her devoted family.
For seven long days, Luna navigated dense woods and rugged trails in an area known to be home to coyotes, bears, and bobcats. For five of those days, there were no sightings, no signs, no clues. Just hope.
That hope was rewarded today when a man spotted one of our posters at the Jungle Habitat trailhead and recognized Luna. He saw her quietly walking the trail and, thanks to his call, we were on-site within moments.
Luna’s mom, Bee, immediately headed down the trail and gently sat on the ground, hoping to reconnect. But Luna, still in deep survival mode, didn’t approach. She paused, then walked away.
We regrouped. Sometimes, space and scent are more powerful than sound. I asked Bee to return toward the car while trailing liquid smoke behind her, a tool we use to lay a scent trail. As she neared the area again, she spotted Luna sitting quietly in a tunnel.
Bee sat down, softly spoke to her, and offered gentle words and the promise of treats. She gave another spray of liquid smoke, and then it happened…Luna lifted her nose, took in the familiar scent, and slowly began to walk toward her mama. That little tail started to wag… and within moments, Luna was safely in her mom’s arms.
Her dad and I raced down the trail to meet them and what a beautiful reunion it was. Tears, laughter, and the kind of joy that words rarely capture.
This case was a roller coaster of emotion, long stretches of silence, endless worry, and unwavering dedication. But Luna’s recovery reminds us all of two crucial truths:
Posters work. Hope matters. And love never gives up.
Welcome home, Luna. Your family is whole again.
Endless gratitude to everyone who helped hang posters, spread the word, shared the Facebook posts, gave hope and encouragement, Cindy from the Lost West Milford Pets page and the entire West Milford community who rallied and embraced this little warrior, you rock.
