After an astonishing 529 days of survival in the wild, Valerie, a miniature dachshund, has been safely rescued. The tiny dog, who went missing in November 2023, captured hearts worldwide as she evaded capture in the rugged bush of Stokes Bay, South Australia.
Valerie’s journey began when she escaped from her pen on Kangaroo Island’s beach and ran off into the surrounding wilderness. Despite extensive search efforts by her owners and the local Kangala Wildlife Rescue team, the search was eventually called off after five days. Her owners, Josh and Georgia, returned to New South Wales, leaving Valerie behind.
Though many lost pets fade from the spotlight, Valerie’s case gained international attention, with sightings reported over the following months. The public eagerly awaited her safe return, and Valerie’s resilience amazed all who followed her story.
On Friday, Kangala Wildlife Rescue announced the good news: Valerie had been rescued and was in good health. The breakthrough came when rescuers employed a clever strategy involving a T-shirt that once belonged to Valerie’s owner. “We used small strips of the shirt to guide Valerie to the trap site,” said Lisa Karran, a director at Kangala, in a video update. The trap, which contained food, toys, and more clothing from her owners, piqued Valerie’s curiosity, leading her to finally enter it. The cage’s door was remotely triggered, securing the dog.
Karran shared the emotional moment when they slowly approached the shy dog, using the scent of the familiar shirt to help her feel safe. “It was amazing when she finally calmed down and snuggled up in our laps,” Karran said.
Valerie’s disappearance had drawn widespread concern, as many doubted a small dog like her could survive alone in the wild. However, in late March, surveillance footage showed Valerie alive and well, still wearing her pink collar. This prompted further search efforts, and by late March, the team was able to narrow their focus and track her movements using cameras.
Valerie was confirmed to be in good health despite her long ordeal. Rescuers fed her her favorite meals, including roast chicken and dog food, to help her trust the team and regain her strength. Now wearing an escape-proof harness, Valerie will remain in the care of her rescuers for a short period to ensure she is calm and ready for her long-awaited reunion with her owners.
Kangala Wildlife Rescue emphasized that they are prioritizing Valerie’s emotional recovery. “We want to return her to her beautiful owners the best way possible, without causing her any more trauma,” Karran explained. Valerie’s recovery is a testament to the resilience of this brave little dog, who will soon be reunited with her “over the moon” family.