For 529 days, Valerie, an adventurous 8-pound dachshund, defied the odds and survived the rugged wilderness of Kangaroo Island before finally being reunited with her relieved owners. The tiny pup disappeared in November 2023 while on a family trip to the remote South Australian island, slipping free from her pen and vanishing into the dense, untamed landscape.
A Family’s Heart-Wrenching Wait
Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, Valerie’s devoted owners from Albury, New South Wales, never gave up hope. In the early months of her disappearance, the couple’s story spread online after Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared their plea, drawing in volunteers from across the region. Despite the daunting challenge of finding a small, domesticated dog in an area teeming with predators and harsh terrain, the rescue team remained persistent.
“We always hoped she’d come back to us, but we never imagined it would take this long,” Gardner said in a statement to The Guardian. “Seeing her again is a miracle. She’s making her little happy sounds and wiggling around with joy.”
The Long Road Home
After more than a year of sporadic sightings, Kangala Wildlife Rescue finally captured Valerie, bringing her epic journey to an end. The organization shared the joyous news on social media, writing, “After weeks of tireless efforts by our volunteers and partner organizations, Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well.” Accompanying the message was a video of the newly freed dachshund, clearly healthy and eager to return home.
On May 6, local veterinarians at Victor Vet gave Valerie a clean bill of health, noting that she had not only survived but thrived during her time away, gaining nearly four pounds. The team confirmed that despite the extended ordeal, the pup was in “perfect health” — a remarkable outcome given the harsh conditions.
“No one thought a little dachshund like Valerie would survive alone in the wild,” Kangala Wildlife Rescue wrote in a Facebook post, highlighting the remarkable endurance of the small dog.
Homeward Bound
Valerie’s homecoming wasn’t without its challenges.
“After 529 days on foot, riding in the car was a little challenging,”Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared. “But after a gentle reintroduction and lots of little trips, she’s doing great and loved her window seat on the Sealink ferry. The long drive home should be a walk in the park for her now.”
Reflecting on the emotional reunion, Gardner described Valerie as “making her little happy sounds and wiggling around with joy.” The pup’s time in the wild had clearly toughened her up, with Gardner noting that Valerie had become “stockier now, strong and healthy,” almost outgrowing her old harnesses.
A Story of Resilience and Mystery
While it remains unclear exactly how Valerie survived for so long in the wilderness, theories abound. Some believe a local may have cared for the dog, given her shiny coat and added weight, while others speculate she relied on instinct, scavenging roadkill and drinking from natural water sources.
Though Valerie can’t share the details of her remarkable adventure, her safe return is a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the unwavering bond between dogs and their humans.
