Valerie, a miniature dachshund, has been found alive on Kangaroo Island after evading capture for 529 days following her disappearance during a camping trip. Utilizing a scent trail through her owner's t-shirt, a dedicated team organized an extensive rescue that included food-filled traps and volunteers covering vast distances.
Miraculous Rescue: Dachshund Survives 529 Days in Australia’s Wilderness
Miraculous Rescue: Dachshund Survives 529 Days in Australia’s Wilderness
A miniature dachshund named Valerie has been successfully rescued after over a year in the wild, thanks to a collaborative search effort utilizing unique methods.
A miniature dachshund named Valerie has defied the odds by surviving for more than 500 days in the rugged Australian wilderness. The remarkable rescue, led by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, highlights both human determination and a dog’s instinct for survival. Valerie was last seen in November 2023 when her owners, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock, left her in a playpen at their campsite to go fishing. Upon their return, she had mysteriously vanished.
Valerie's extraordinary journey lasted 529 days, during which she braved intense temperatures and avoided dangers such as venomous snakes. The tireless rescue effort included the creation of a “scent trail” using Ms. Gardner's worn t-shirt to guide Valerie into a trap. Following her rescue, Kangala posted on social media: “After weeks of tireless efforts [...] Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well.”
The charity disclosed that volunteers invested over 1,000 hours searching for Valerie, traversing more than 5,000 kilometers (approximately 3,109 miles). Their strategy involved surveillance cameras and a cleverly designed trap with a remote-opening mechanism. As part of the setting, the trap was stocked with food, clothing items from the owner, and some of Valerie's favorite toys.
Kangala director Lisa Karran shared that she wore remnants of Ms. Gardner’s clothing when approaching Valerie after she was trapped, patiently waiting with her until the dog calmed down after the ordeal. Initially, other campers had reported sightings of Valerie, who fled upon being startled by the commotion around a parked vehicle.
Reported sightings of a pink collar matching Valerie's led to excitement amongst locals, and Jared Karran, another director of Kangala, expressed his disbelief at Valerie’s survival: “Of all dogs, that would be the last one I would say would survive out there, but they do have a good sense of smell."
In a heartfelt 15-minute video posted on social media, Ms. and Mr. Karran detailed the ups and downs of the rescue mission. They patiently explained that they had to wait for the optimal moment when Valerie was in the right position and calm before finally triggering the trap’s remote door.
Addressing those concerned about the length of the search, Mr. Karran reassured the public, saying, “These are the things that we were doing in the background.” Following the emotional reunion, Ms. Gardner conveyed her gratitude on social media, preaching resilience for anyone who has lost a pet: "Your feelings are valid and never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people."
