Valerie's unexpected survival story highlights the resilience of missing pets, while local wildlife rescue groups work tirelessly to bring her home.
Dachshund Valerie's Elusive Existence Sparks Hope on Kangaroo Island
Dachshund Valerie's Elusive Existence Sparks Hope on Kangaroo Island
After a year of evasion, Valerie the dachshund is still alive, prompting renewed rescue efforts on Kangaroo Island.
A dachshund's saga on Australia’s Kangaroo Island has taken a hopeful turn as Valerie, who went missing over a year ago, has been confirmed alive and thriving, albeit still elusive. Valerie, a small, miniature dachshund, made her great escape in November 2023 during a family visit to the picturesque island, known for its wildlife and stunning landscapes off the coast of South Australia.
Her owners, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner, were devastated after the frantic five-day search with local residents yielded no results, forcing them to return home to New South Wales without their beloved pet. “It felt like finding a needle in a haystack,” Josh described to the “Today” show, recalling the overwhelming emotions of searching for Valerie.
Yet, emerging hopes have reignited the community's spirits—recent sightings supported by video evidence confirmed that Valerie is indeed alive and has been spotted approximately 10 miles from her original escape location in Stokes Bay. Kangala Wildlife Rescue has taken on the mission to capture her, but the journey has proven challenging. Despite efforts to attract her with traps and lures, Valerie darts at the first sight of people or vehicles, making her hard to catch.
“To reach Valerie, we are employing surveillance and different trapping techniques,” the rescue group communicated through their social media channels. “This diminutive dachshund exists in a vast wilderness, and we are asking for public assistance in reporting any sightings.”
In an encouraging video update, a member of the Kangala team, named Jared, revealed that their search efforts had concentrated around a specific area after consistent sightings, giving Valerie’s owners renewed hope. “We were initially skeptical but we kept receiving reports about her.” Georgia expressed mixed emotions, noting how her normally timid dog had managed to survive against the odds for so long, including rough weather conditions: “To think she spent a year and a half outside is just mind-blowing.”
Despite the common perception that dachshunds are not built for strenuous lifestyles, the breed is noted for their innate resilience and survival instincts, traits that have clearly aided Valerie’s endurance. The wildlife rescue team remains optimistic, promising updates as they work towards a hopeful reunion. “We pray we can share the heartwarming news soon,” they stated, as aerial searches and community collaborations increase in efforts to locate Valerie.
Her owners, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner, were devastated after the frantic five-day search with local residents yielded no results, forcing them to return home to New South Wales without their beloved pet. “It felt like finding a needle in a haystack,” Josh described to the “Today” show, recalling the overwhelming emotions of searching for Valerie.
Yet, emerging hopes have reignited the community's spirits—recent sightings supported by video evidence confirmed that Valerie is indeed alive and has been spotted approximately 10 miles from her original escape location in Stokes Bay. Kangala Wildlife Rescue has taken on the mission to capture her, but the journey has proven challenging. Despite efforts to attract her with traps and lures, Valerie darts at the first sight of people or vehicles, making her hard to catch.
“To reach Valerie, we are employing surveillance and different trapping techniques,” the rescue group communicated through their social media channels. “This diminutive dachshund exists in a vast wilderness, and we are asking for public assistance in reporting any sightings.”
In an encouraging video update, a member of the Kangala team, named Jared, revealed that their search efforts had concentrated around a specific area after consistent sightings, giving Valerie’s owners renewed hope. “We were initially skeptical but we kept receiving reports about her.” Georgia expressed mixed emotions, noting how her normally timid dog had managed to survive against the odds for so long, including rough weather conditions: “To think she spent a year and a half outside is just mind-blowing.”
Despite the common perception that dachshunds are not built for strenuous lifestyles, the breed is noted for their innate resilience and survival instincts, traits that have clearly aided Valerie’s endurance. The wildlife rescue team remains optimistic, promising updates as they work towards a hopeful reunion. “We pray we can share the heartwarming news soon,” they stated, as aerial searches and community collaborations increase in efforts to locate Valerie.
