Luna, a 10-year-old Jack Russell, just survived a month loose in Yellowstone National Park

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Set us as preferred There was a moment this week when tears of sadness gave way to elation for one California couple.For a month, they had waited and worried about the fate of their beloved Jack Russell terrier, Luna, who disappeared with fate uncertain among the predators and wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.Surveillance footage and photos spurred hope their 10-year-old pup lost roughly 1,000 miles from home would be located, but the worst-case scenarios seemed just as plausible.Then on Wednesday morning, Luna reunited with her owners thanks to the efforts of local rescuers, tourists and park employees, capping a survival tale that required avoiding bears and coyotes while locating enough sustenance and shelter.It was an improbable conclusion that even seasoned rescuer Katie Boucher, president of the Montana-based Norris Ark Training & Recovery Center, which helped lead reunion efforts, found especially satisfying.“It never gets old,” Boucher told The Times.

“These are always special moments.”Boucher said the California couple designated her as their spokesperson and wished to remain anonymous.Luna’s journey began unexpectedly on Sept.10 at the Canyon Village base camp section of the park.

California The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, home to about 12,000 sea creatures, is caring this summer for an additional 500 animals seized from wildlife traffickers.Her owners left the dog, who Boucher believes may also be a Chihuahua mix, inside their cabin as they explored the national park.The couple placed a “do not disturb” sign on their door as they left, according to Boucher.Yellowstone National Park regulations note that “pets may not be left unattended or tied to objects.”Soon after, cabin staffers entered the room, which sent Luna scurrying.

Boucher believes that frantic efforts to corral her...