Valerie the Elusive Dachshund: A Year of Survival on Kangaroo Island

Valerie, a miniature dachshund, has been spotted alive but remains elusive as rescue efforts continue to bring her home.

Valerie, a miniature dachshund, has captured hearts as she continues to evade capture on Kangaroo Island, more than a year after she went missing. The saga began in November 2023 when her owners took her to the island for a vacation, but disaster struck when Valerie escaped her pen and dashed into the wilderness. Despite a desperate five-day search aided by locals, her owners, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner, had to return to New South Wales empty-handed.

Kangaroo Island, known as Karta Pintingga in Aboriginal language, meaning “island of the dead,” has turned into a bittersweet sanctuary for the adventurous pup. Recently, the team at Kangala Wildlife Rescue reported encouraging news: Valerie is alive and was last sighted approximately 10 miles from her original disappearance location at Stokes Bay, identifiable by her distinctive pink collar.

Efforts to physically recapture Valerie have faced significant challenges. She quickly bolts at the slightest hint of human presence, making it increasingly difficult for her rescuers to corner her. The wildlife rescue team has resorted to advanced surveillance techniques, along with a variety of traps and lures, to coax Valerie back home. “This is a tiny dog in a huge area, and we will need help from the public to report any sightings and a lot of luck,” the organization noted, emphasizing the scale of their undertaking.

Recently, Jared, a Kangala team member, provided a glimmer of hope in a video update, confirming that they have observed Valerie and narrowed down the search area to a specific spot. “We were initially skeptical, but we kept getting more and more sightings,” Fishlock commented, expressing renewed optimism.

Valerie is not the rugged outdoor type, leading her owners to marvel at her ability to survive a year and a half in the elements. Reports indicate that while dachshunds aren’t built for endurance activities like running or swimming, they possess strong survival instincts honed through their hunting lineage.

As the rescue mission continues, the community remains engaged, hoping for a heartwarming reunion. “We hope to be able to update you all with an amazing outcome,” the wildlife rescue stated, leaving many eagerly awaiting news of Valerie’s safe return.