Daring Rescue: Miniature Dachshund Found After 529 Days Lost in Australian Wilderness

After spending 529 days lost in the Australian wilderness, mini dachshund Valerie was rescued thanks to tireless efforts from Kangala Wildlife Rescue and scent trails from her owner’s clothing.

A miniature dachshund named Valerie has made headlines after being discovered alive and well following an astonishing 529 days lost in the Australian wilderness. Kangala Wildlife Rescue reported the successful retrieval of the dog, who had last been seen by her owners while camping on Kangaroo Island in November 2023.

Georgia Gardner and her boyfriend, Joshua Fishlock, had momentarily placed Valerie in a playpen at their campsite as they went fishing. Upon their return, she had vanished. The saga of Valerie’s survival in the wild involved enduring extreme temperatures and evading venomous snakes. The breakthrough in her rescue was achieved by creating a "scent trail" using Ms. Gardner's t-shirt, which led to a trap set for Valerie.

"After weeks of tireless efforts… Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well," Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared in a social media update. Volunteers dedicated over 1,000 hours searching for Valerie, covering an impressive distance of more than 5,000 kilometers (3,109 miles) during the mission. They utilized surveillance cameras and deployed a cage trap fitted with food, clothes, and toys that belonged to Valerie.

Lisa Karran, a director at Kangala, took a personal approach by wearing the remnants of Ms. Gardner’s attire as she comforted Valerie post-rescue, ensuring the dog felt secure. Initially, it was reported that Valerie was sighted by other campers hiding beneath a parked car, leading to her panic and subsequent flight into the nearby bushland.

Months later, locals spotted a pink collar matching Valerie’s, heightening hopes of her survival. Jared Karran, another director, remarked, "Of all dogs, that would be the last one I would say would survive out there, but they do have a good sense of smell." A heartfelt 15-minute video documenting the intricate rescue process was shared on social media, portraying both the struggles and triumphs encountered.

"She went right into the back corner, which is where we wanted her. I pressed the button and thankfully it all worked perfectly," Mr. Karran added, addressing the community's concerns about the extended time taken. Following Valerie's return, Ms. Gardner expressed her relief and encouragement to others facing similar heartache, stating, "For anyone who's ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people."