Valerie's extraordinary journey began when she was lost during a camping trip in November 2023. Through relentless efforts and an ingenious scent trail, rescuers brought her home.
Dog Survives 529 Days in Australian Wilderness, Rescued with Owner's T-Shirt Trail
Dog Survives 529 Days in Australian Wilderness, Rescued with Owner's T-Shirt Trail
A remarkable rescue story unfolds as a miniature dachshund named Valerie is found alive after spending 529 days lost in the Australian wilderness, sparking joy and relief among her owners.
A miniature dachshund named Valerie has astonished everyone by surviving in the Australian wilderness for 529 days, evading dangers while her owners searched tirelessly for her. The non-profit organization, Kangala Wildlife Rescue, revealed that they had been working diligently to find the lost pet since she disappeared during a camping trip on Kangaroo Island in November 2023.
Georgia Gardner, Valerie’s owner, and her boyfriend, Joshua Fishlock, had briefly left the dog in a playpen while they went fishing. When they returned, Valerie was gone. The rescue team utilized Ms. Gardner's t-shirt to create a "scent trail," leading to a trap designed to safely capture the wayward pup.
Kangala released a statement, confirming that after extensive efforts, "Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well." Volunteers dedicated over 1,000 hours to this search, traveling more than 5,000 kilometers (3,109 miles) across the island. Along with surveillance cameras, they set up a trap equipped with food, Ms. Gardner's clothing, and Valerie's toys, creating an inviting environment for the dog.
Kangala director Lisa Karran shared her experience, explaining how she calmed Valerie after her capture, allowing the sheltered dog to relax before reuniting her with her owners. Initially, other campers had caught sight of Valerie hiding under a parked vehicle, but she fled into the bushland when startled. Months later, hopeful sightings of a pink collar matching Valerie's were reported, adding to the drama of the rescue.
Jared Karran, also a director at Kangala, expressed disbelief that Valerie survived so long but acknowledged the breed's keen sense of smell. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Jared and Lisa recounted the emotional rollercoaster of the rescue operation.
They had to be patient and wait for the right moment to ensure Valerie would stay put in the trap. "She went right into the back corner, which is where we wanted her. I pressed the button, and thankfully it all worked perfectly," Jared revealed.
Following the overwhelming relief of finding Valerie, Ms. Gardner took to social media, offering words of hope to fellow pet owners: "For anyone who's ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people."
