A miniature dachshund has been found alive and healthy after surviving more than 500 days in the Australian wilderness.
Kangala Wildlife Rescue announced it had worked “around the clock” to find the dog, Valerie, who disappeared on Kangaroo Island during a camping trip in November 2023.
Valerie’s owners, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock, had briefly left her in a playpen at their campsite while they went fishing. Upon their return, Valerie was gone.
After 529 days of surviving harsh conditions — including extreme heat and venomous snakes — Valerie was rescued, thanks in part to a “scent trail” created using Ms Gardner’s T-shirt leading to a trap.
“After weeks of tireless efforts […] Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well,” Kangala shared on social media.
The charity said volunteers dedicated over 1,000 hours to the search, covering more than 5,000 km (3,109 miles). The rescue operation used surveillance cameras and a remotely triggered trap cage, baited with food, items of Ms Gardner’s clothing, and some of Valerie’s toys.
Lisa Karran, Kangala director, approached Valerie after her capture, wearing Ms Gardner’s clothes to reassure the dog, and remained with her until she was “completely calm.”
Initially, Valerie was spotted by other campers under a parked car, but the encounter startled her and she fled deeper into the bush, the Washington Post reported.
Months later, sightings of a pink collar matching Valerie’s provided fresh hope. Jared Karran, another Kangala director, said he was amazed at her 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 15-minute social media video, the Karrans detailed the “rollercoaster” rescue.
Ms Karran explained they had to wait for Valerie to move to the back of the trap before closing the door to avoid another escape. “She went right into the back corner, which is where we wanted her. I pressed the button, and thankfully it all worked perfectly,” Mr Karran said.
Acknowledging public impatience during the long search, Mr Karran added, “I know people were a little bit frustrated, like ‘why is it taking so long?’ But these are the things we were doing behind the scenes.”
Following Valerie’s safe recovery, Ms Gardner wrote on social media: “For anyone who’s ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid — never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people.”