Valerie, a miniature dachshund, has been discovered alive after spending 529 days in the wild on Kangaroo Island, Australia. The dog was found thanks to a scent trail created from her owner's t-shirt, leading to a trap utilized by dedicated volunteers from Kangala Wildlife Rescue, who invested over 1,000 hours in her search.
Miniature Dachshund Valerie Rescued After 529 Days in Remote Australian Wilderness
Miniature Dachshund Valerie Rescued After 529 Days in Remote Australian Wilderness
A remarkable rescue of a dachshund named Valerie, who survived alone for over a year in the wild, showcases dedication and ingenuity in animal rescue efforts.
A miniature dachshund named Valerie has recently been rescued after an astonishing 529 days living in the wilderness of Kangaroo Island, Australia. The dog had been missing since November 2022, when she was tragically lost during a camping trip with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock, who left her briefly in a playpen while they went fishing.
Kangala Wildlife Rescue played a pivotal role in the extensive search for Valerie, tirelessly working around the clock to locate her. Their efforts involved using innovative tactics, including creating a scent trail from Ms. Gardner's t-shirt, leading towards a carefully set up trap for Valerie’s safe retrieval.
“We haven’t given up hope, and after weeks of tireless efforts, we are elated to confirm that Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well,” said a representative from Kangala Wildlife Rescue on social media. Volunteers dedicated over 1,000 hours, covering more than 5,000 kilometers (about 3,109 miles) in the process.
The rescue utilized surveillance cameras and a specially designed trap equipped with a remote door mechanism that contained food, items of Ms. Gardner's clothing, and even some of Valerie’s toys from home. Lisa Karran, one of the directors of Kangala, described how she approached Valerie while wearing remnants of Ms. Gardner’s clothes to ensure the dog felt calm.
Initially, Valerie was spotted hiding under a parked car by other campers but quickly fled into the bush, which complicated rescue efforts. Over time, island residents reported sightings of a dachshund matching Valerie's description, notably a pink collar synonymous with her.
“Of all dogs, I would never have guessed this one would survive out there, but they do have a keen sense of smell,” remarked Jared Karran, another director of Kangala Wildlife Rescue.
In a heartfelt follow-up, Ms. Gardner expressed gratitude on social media, encouraging others not to lose hope if they find themselves in similar situations with missing pets: “For anyone who's ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid, and never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people.”
Valerie’s incredible journey of survival and the dedicated efforts of rescue teams exemplify the resilience of animals and the love their owners have for them.
