In brief
After 17 months of searching, a Dachshund lost on Kangaroo Island has finally been reunited with rescuers, who are preparing her for a reunion with her owners.
Valerie, the miniature dachshund, was lost in November 2023 after slipping out of her pen into the wilds of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Over the course of 529 days, she evaded capture despite occasional sightings by local residents and through surveillance footage. Recently, her long journey reached a conclusion when rescuers confirmed that she was found “safe and sound.” Currently, she is undergoing a re-acclimatization process to prepare for her eventual reunion with her owners, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner. The couple was vacationing on Kangaroo Island when Valerie made her escape. After an extensive five-day search, they were forced to give up hope. It wasn't until more than a year later that Valerie was spotted nearly 10 miles from her escape site, identifiable by her distinctive pink collar. While many would consider Valerie to be delicate and not suited for such rugged conditions, it’s believed she survived by drinking from nearby water sources and scavenging on local wildlife. Rescuers expressed their relief and shared their challenges in locating the beloved pet, emphasizing how vital it was to support her transition back to home life after her extended adventure in the wilderness.
