Missing Dachshund Rescued After Surviving for Over a Year on Australian Island

Searching for a lost pet in your own neighborhood is scary, but trying to find them among 1,700 square miles of craggy cliffs with venomous snakes and spiders is downright terrifying.

That's what happened to an Australian couple whose dog took off during a camping trip in November 2023. Georgia Gardner and her partner Josh Fishlock lost their miniature dachshund named Valerie when she ran out of a pen and into the bush on Kangaroo Island, which is located off the coast of South Australia and is home to kangaroos, possums, koala bears, and penguins.

After searching for the lost pup for days, Gardner and Fishlock were forced to give up their search and return home. Valerie was not seen again for over a year, causing many to presume the worst. Until sightings of the tiny escape artist launched a new search, capturing the attention of people all over the world.

Now, after evading rescuers for an astonishing 529 days, the 8-pound dog was finally captured last week. "We are absolutely thrilled and deeply relieved that Valerie is finally safe and able to begin her transition back to her loving parents," Kangala Wildlife Rescue posted on Facebook, along with a clip of the dog.

In the Facebook post, the rescue organization wrote that the search involved over 1,000 volunteer hours, during which more than 3,100 miles were traveled.

After weeks of tireless efforts, Valerie was finally lured into a crate by the scent of torn-up pieces of her owner's shirt, Kangala directors Jared and Lisa Karran said in a video update. Upon her capture, Valerie was treated to dog food and her favorite, roast chicken, they added.

While it will take time for Valerie to recuperate from her adventure, she is doing really well. "We're seeing things that she'll need to get through, but considering what it could've been, I think we're all pretty surprised at how well it's going," Jared said.

In a social media post, Gardner wrote that she was "incredibly grateful" to the volunteers who helped with the rescue. "For anyone who's ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid, and never give up hope," she wrote.