Lost and Found: Senior Dog with Pink Fur Finds a Second Chance in Arizona

Wandering alone through an Arizona park, a senior dog with a soft pink coat and soulful eyes looked out of place. No collar, no owner—just Luna, sitting quietly, as if waiting for someone to notice her.

And someone did.

The Power of a Microchip

On March 20, Luna was picked up near White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell, Arizona, by Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. It was clear right away—this wasn’t just any stray.

“She was found as a stray near White Tank Mountain Regional Park,” said Kim Powell, spokesperson for Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, in an interview with Newsweek.

Her striking pink fur turned heads and warmed hearts.

“Her pink hair looks professionally done,” Powell explained. “Groomers sometimes use pet-safe dye, and that’s what it looked like.”

That colorful coat gave shelter staff hope. Luna didn’t look neglected or abandoned—she looked cared for. And when they scanned her for a microchip, things started looking even brighter.

“She had a microchip,” Powell said. “We did everything we could to reach her owners—calls, texts, letters. Even a groomer who recognized her gave us a lead. But we never heard back.”

Despite their efforts, no one came forward. Volunteers were heartbroken, knowing Luna once had a family—but unsure if they even knew she was still alive.

After the required five-day hold passed without any contact, Luna was officially listed for adoption. At 10 years old, entering the shelter system could’ve been devastating. But Luna had other plans.

“She’s a smart dog and clearly well-trained,” Powell said. “She knows sit, shake, down, and she even waits patiently at doors before going through.”

Even though her world had been turned upside down, Luna stayed calm and sweet.

“She did great in the shelter, all things considered,” Powell added. “Everyone loved her. She didn’t show any signs of stress.”

And that pink fur? What once marked her past ended up helping shape her future.

“It made her stand out,” Powell said.

A Viral Moment—and a Perfect Match

Determined to find her the perfect home, shelter staff made a heartwarming video showing off Luna’s personality—her smarts, gentle nature, and irresistible charm. The video went viral.

And it worked.

“Luna was adopted on March 27 by someone who saw her video online,” Powell shared.

In a sweet twist of fate, her new adopter came in wearing bright pink shoes—matching Luna in more ways than one.

According to the ASPCA, about 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. shelters each year. Roughly 710,000 are reunited with their families.

Luna wasn’t one of the lucky ones to go back home—but she found something just as meaningful: a second chance, and someone who saw her for exactly who she is.