There were a few misses, and some scary times these past few weeks, but Yukon, the aging service dog in need of a new home, has finally found it.

Ray Masterson, a disabled Vietnam veteran and the Siberian husky's constant companion for more than a decade, left Yukon Wednesday at Watermelon Ranch's perpetual care unit. It was a bittersweet moment for Masterson, but one he felt was necessary.

"We took a tour and he was so busy sniffing and greeting that he didn't even notice when I left," said Masterson, who is a well-known sight around Santa Fe. Masterson, a homeless advocate and street minister, is often in parades riding his bright yellow tricycle and pulling the dog around in a wagon.

In December, he reached out to the community about finding a home for Yukon. The dog, 13, has spinal arthritis and has difficulty getting around. In November, Masterson adopted Dawson, a young Malamute who has shown promise as Yukon's replacement. But the cost of providing veterinary services for Yukon, plus limits on the number of animals Masterson could have at his home, became a stressful situation.

"It got to be really tough on him," Masterson said. "We were at a stoplight, and Dawson went down, like I taught him. Yukon tried, but he couldn't get back up. I knew it was time for him to retire."

Several people stepped forward with offers to foster or adopt Yukon, but those didn't work out. Yukon often gets antsy when left alone, Masterson said. Other area animal-welfare groups lacked room for Yukon and a possible placement at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah didn't pan out.

On a friend's advice, Masterson turned to Watermelon Ranch, a Rio Rancho limited-admission shelter, for help. Jen Toennies, the nonprofit's operations manager, said space is a premium at the shelter, but it was able to enroll Yukon. "He's a special case," she said. "I understand he's somewhat of a Santa Fe celebrity."

The dog is adjusting to his new environment, but it will take some time.

"He's doing OK. He's a little sad," Toennies said. "He's been howling a little bit this morning. But he'll fit in fine."

Yukon was initially placed in the group's perpetual-care unit, called Anthony's Cottage. But other dogs wouldn't give him peace, Toennies said, so Thursday he was out exploring the dog run. Yukon might eventually find comfort with a foster family or be placed permanently with a family. Or he could find himself in another of the ranch's programs.

"He'll get some one-on-one," she said.

Masterson said he, too, was adjusting to life without Yukon. But Dawson has been helping him get through it.

"I'm not sure how to say it," Masterson said. "It's sad, but there's joy. I know he'll get his medicine for the rest of his life, and he'll comfortable. He can spend the rest of his life there, doing what he wants."