Valerie, the miniature dachshund, has become a live mystery for rescuers after escaping her owners on Kangaroo Island more than a year ago.
**Dachshund Valerie's Survival Mystery: A Year After Disappearance on Kangaroo Island**
**Dachshund Valerie's Survival Mystery: A Year After Disappearance on Kangaroo Island**
A year-long search for a lost dachshund on Kangaroo Island reveals she's alive but hard to catch.
The extraordinary journey of Valerie, a petite dachshund, has captivated many as she remains elusive on Kangaroo Island, Australia. Over a year ago, Valerie was taken by her owners to the picturesque island located off Adelaide's coast when she escaped from her confinement and ventured into the bushlands.
Following her escape in November 2023, her owners, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner, undertook a frantic five-day search for Valerie, enlisting local help to scour the area. Despite their efforts, the couple ultimately returned to their home in New South Wales after realizing the odds of finding her were slim. “It was like searching for a needle in a haystack,” Fishlock shared during a recent interview.
As the months passed, hope dwindled until a breakthrough emerged last week. The Kangala Wildlife Rescue team announced they have received reports and video evidence confirming Valerie's survival. She was identified at Stokes Bay, approximately 10 miles from where she originally disappeared, still sporting her distinct pink collar.
Despite these encouraging sightings, attempting to capture her has proven challenging. “She takes off at the slightest sight of humans or vehicles, and despite the devoted efforts of local volunteers, she has remained difficult to retrieve,” the rescue organization commented. They are deploying surveillance as well as various baiting and trapping methods, hoping that community help will facilitate her return.
In a recent uplifting video update, Jared, a member of the Kangala team, announced, “We’ve confirmed her presence and narrowed our search to a specific area.” Fishlock expressed his surprise at the continued sightings, while Gardner shared her astonishment at Valerie's ability to survive the elements for such an extended period.
Though dachshunds are often perceived as small and delicate dogs, their ancestry equips them with certain survival skills. “They may not excel in distance running or strenuous activities, but they are designed to be resilient hunters,” stated the American Kennel Club.
The wildlife rescue remains optimistic and plans to keep the public informed about Valerie's predicament, hoping for a heartwarming resolution in the near future.
