Miniature Dachshund Rescued After 529 Days Lost in Wilderness

After 529 days of evading human contact, a miniature dachshund named Valerie was rescued on Kangaroo Island, Australia. The rescue team utilized a scent trail from the owner's clothing to capture the dog. Volunteers invested over 1,000 hours searching to reunite Valerie with her family.

A miniature dachshund, Valerie, has astonished her owners and rescuers alike by surviving for more than 500 days in the wilds of Kangaroo Island, Australia. The dog was last seen during a camping trip in November 2023 when her owners, Georgia Gardner and her boyfriend Joshua Fishlock, had temporarily secured her in a playpen. Upon returning from fishing, they discovered she had vanished.

Valerie’s remarkable journey came to an end thanks to the tireless efforts of Kangala Wildlife Rescue, which revealed that using a t-shirt from Gardner helped create a scent trail leading to a trapped location. "After weeks of tireless efforts [...] Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well," the rescue organization announced on social media.

Over the course of her disappearance, volunteers dedicated more than 1,000 hours to searching for the dog, covering around 5,000 kilometers (3,109 miles) across the rugged terrain. This involved setting up surveillance cameras and a specialized trap filled with food and familiar items, such as Ms. Gardner’s clothes and Valerie's toys.

Lisa Karran, a director at Kangala, recounted the final stages of rescue, noting she wore remnants of Ms. Gardner's clothing to assure Valerie of her safety once she was captured. Initial sightings of Valerie were fleeting, as startled campers witnessed her hiding beneath parked vehicles, prompting her to flee further into the dense bushland.

Months later, island locals reported spotting a pink collar that matched Valerie's. "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," remarked Jared Karran, another director at Kangala.

In a detailed social media video documenting the lengthy rescue, the Karrans elaborated on the "rollercoaster" of emotions involved. As Valerie calmly entered the trap, Jared Karran pressed the button for the door, leading to a successful capture. Addressing public concerns over the duration of the search, he emphasized the behind-the-scenes work that ensured Valerie’s safety.

Upon Valerie’s return, Gardner expressed her heartfelt relief on social media, encouraging others who have lost pets to remain hopeful. "For anyone who's ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope," she wrote, celebrating the return of her beloved dog.