A tiny dachshund named Valerie has been rescued after surviving an incredible 529 days alone in the harsh Australian bush. Valerie disappeared during a camping trip on Kangaroo Island in November 2023. Her owners, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock, briefly left her in a playpen. When they returned, she was gone.
A wildlife rescue team, Kangala Wildlife Rescue, spent over 1,000 hours searching more than 5,000 km to find her. They used cameras, food traps, and even the scent of Georgia’s clothes to lure Valerie in.
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After months of sightings and near-misses, Valerie was finally caught in a trap with a remote-controlled door. Rescuers waited patiently until she was calm enough to close the trap safely.
“She went into the back corner, where we wanted her. I pressed the button, and thankfully, it worked perfectly,” said Jared Karran from Kangala.
Experts were shocked Valerie survived so long, avoiding snakes, extreme heat, and predators. “Of all dogs, I never thought a dachshund could last this long,” said Karran. “But they have strong instincts.”
Valerie is now back with her overjoyed owners. Georgia shared a heartfelt message: “To anyone who’s ever lost a pet—your feelings matter. Never give up hope. Sometimes, miracles happen.”