A runaway dachshund named Valerie has been safely captured after an astonishing 529-day journey across Australia’s Kangaroo Island, captivating the nation with her remarkable adventure through a wilderness populated by kangaroos, koalas, and penguins.
The miniature dachshund, who had eluded search efforts since November 2023, was frequently spotted in fleeting, blurry images captured by night-time cameras, often identifiable by her pink collar. Despite the long wait, Valerie’s rescue was confirmed late Friday by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, which had been tirelessly tracking her movements.
“Valerie has been safely rescued and is alive and well,” the wildlife group said, expressing their immense relief and joy. “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply relieved that Valerie is finally safe and able to begin her transition back to her loving parents.”
Valerie’s saga began during a camping trip with her owners, Georgia Gardner and her partner, Josh Fishlock. The dachshund bolted from her pen, vanishing into the dense Australian bush. After days of fruitless searching near Stokes Bay, the couple had to abandon the hunt, overwhelmed by the vast expanse of over 4,400 square kilometers of rugged terrain, farms, and nature reserves.
Kangaroo Island, roughly six times the size of Singapore, remains a largely untamed and remote location, known for its wild beauty, including pristine beaches, towering cliffs, and the occasional bushfire. Its wild surroundings made Valerie’s survival seem improbable to many, and she was soon presumed lost for good.
However, the story took a turn when locals and surveillance footage began revealing Valerie’s whereabouts. The determined volunteer search team, investing over 1,000 hours and traveling more than 5,000 kilometers, initiated a patient hunt using cameras, traps, and lures. Despite the dachshund’s natural avoidance of humans and vehicles, snippets of black-and-white footage captured her near a trap site, where she was often seen, though the area also attracted local possums.
After more than a year of fruitless searching, a breakthrough came when Valerie was finally located and caught by the team. In response to the successful rescue, volunteers paused to savor the incredible achievement.
Dachshunds, despite their small stature, are known for their feisty, independent nature. The American Kennel Club notes that these dogs were originally bred as courageous hunters, often exhibiting bravery, stubbornness, and an unyielding spirit—qualities that helped Valerie survive her extended wilderness adventure.