Dachshund Reunited with Owners After 529 Days in Wilderness

Valerie, the beloved pet of Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock, went missing during a camping trip on Kangaroo Island in November 2023. The couple left her in a playpen while they went fishing, only to return and find her gone. For over a year, she endured Australia’s rugged wilderness, surviving extreme weather and dangerous wildlife, until Kangala Wildlife Rescue utilized Ms. Gardner's t-shirt to craft a scent trail leading to her.

A dedicated team of volunteers from Kangala Wildlife Rescue spent more than 1,000 hours searching for Valerie, covering over 5,000 kilometers. They set up surveillance cameras and traps baited with food and familiar items to lure her back. Remarkably, local campers had spotted Valerie around the area, but initial attempts to capture her were thwarted. The rescue became a waiting game, requiring patience and strategy.

Lisa Karran from Kangala Wildlife Rescue noted the emotional turmoil of the operation, stating they needed to ensure Valerie was calm enough to safely approach her when trapped. The team successfully coaxed her into a trap after long days of effort. Ms. Gardner shared a heartfelt message on social media upon the successful rescue: "Never give up hope." The triumphant recovery highlights the deep bond between pets and their families and the relentless spirit of community wildlife rescuers.